FHP Head: No More Free Tags

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Tbo.com
Published: January 25, 2009

» Comments | Post a Comment

TALLAHASSEE --

No more free license plates for Florida Highway Patrol troopers' marked cars.

That's the rule from FHP director Electra Bustle. Bustle made the statements after The Miami Herald and St. Petersburg Times questioned the free-tag deal.

Bustle inherited the free plate arrangement from her predecessor. When the current plates made by 3M wear out she says the agency will pay for new ones. The comapny said the arrangement, which began in 1999, helped it test its license plates in the Florida heat and humidity. The company, however, also was seeking contracts with the state.

Bustle said the arrangement is legal, but she wants to do things "by the book."

The tags are on 1,723 vehicles. The last batch arrived in 2006.