ABATE of Florida, Inc. has concluded an economic impact study for the first three fiscal years of Florida's amended helmet law, and the bottom line reveals that "freedom of choice" has generated over a billion dollars into the state's economy from the increase in ridership.
From 2000 to 2003 Florida's motorcycle registrations went from 228,914 to 355,007, which represents a 55% increase.
The motorcycle registration figures are compiled from the statistics of the Florida
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The monetary figures come from the license and registration bureau.
114,457 motorcycles at a low average of $10,000 each = $1,144,570,000
Sales tax on motorcycles at 6% = $68,674,200
Registration fees on motorcycles = $4,578,280
Change of Title = $3,406,094
TOTAL = $1,221,228,574
"This is a low estimate as it doesn't include accessories and other items bought,"
according to James "Doc" Reichenbach II, State President and Lobbyist for ABATE of Florida, and Chairman of the Board for the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM).
"This is over 1.2 BILLION DOLLARS in three years that was put into the economy of the State of Florida."
Over 75 MILLION DOLLARS went directly into the state treasury for the general fund.
This does not include the tourist money that has increased because of Florida now being a freedom of choice state. In the past three years, over 1.3 billion dollars has been spent in Florida for Bike Week and Biketoberfest.
"I hope this report will help anyone who has heard the bad publicity that has come out of our amended law," said Doc. "The motorcyclists have certainly paid their fair share into the Florida economy and it can be done in every state."