Fund covers driver’s license fee for former service members

Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart never forgets those who served, whether it’s Memorial Day or any other day of the year.

Displays adorned with memorials to countless people who sacrificed their lives serving the country are popping up in tax collector’s offices throughout Lee County. They’re part of a year-round fundraiser that goes toward covering the $1 fee that Florida charges former service members to place a veteran’s designation on their driver’s license or state ID card.

“This is the least we can do for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect us and our freedoms,” said Hart, an Air Force veteran. “The best part about this program is that everyone can get involved to honor the legacy of these great men and women.”

Now through Memorial Day, decals with an American flag image and space to write the name of a fallen service member are available for $1 at all seven tax collector’s locations throughout the county. The decals with names are placed on display at each location through the end of the month.

The initiative is just one part of a broader fundraising effort that tax collector staff makes to pay for the veteran’s designation fee. They raise an average of approximately $4,000 a year, mostly through small donations from employees who take part in creative promotions, like paying $2 into the fund for the privilege of wearing jeans to the office for a day.

“Our team is constantly coming up with ways to give back, and ways to motivate others to do the same,” Hart said. “I’m so proud to be surrounded by people who understand the value of service to the country.”

The veteran’s designation keeps veterans who were honorably discharged from having to provide paperwork to collect certain benefits and discounts offered by retail and commercial establishments. The designation is a blue “V” placed on the lower right corner of the driver’s license or ID card.

Visit leetc.com to find the nearest Lee County Tax Collector’s office where you can go to participate in the fundraiser.

About Lee County Tax Collector

The Lee County Tax Collector (LCTC) exists to serve the citizens of Lee County. The office takes pride in organizational excellence and offering exemplary customer service and operates by the credo of “We’ve got your back.” The LCTC operates leetc.com, the official interactive website of the tax collector, which allows county residents to quickly and easily take care of motor vehicle and vessel registration, pay property taxes, make appointments for concealed weapon permits and more. The agency operates six service centers open daily throughout the county to provide efficient, convenient services. The LCTC works to provide innovative and quality service that supports the growth and sustainability of the community. For more information, visit leetc.com or follow Lee County Tax Collector on social media.