TAMPA, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office is launching National Donate Life Month with a meaningful tribute to community leader Louis Betz Jr., whose legacy continues to inspire organ donation efforts across the region.

The initiative, recognized as National Donate Life Month, begins Wednesday morning at the East Tampa Tax Collector’s Office, where officials are encouraging residents to register as organ donors.

Betz, founder of Louis Betz and Associates, was diagnosed with a rare lung disease in 2014. Four years later, he received a life-saving double lung transplant—an experience that would shape the rest of his life’s work.

What You Need To Know

 April is National Organ Donation Month 

 The Hillsborough County Tax Collector is remembering double-lung transplant recipient Louis Betz Jr.who passed away in 2025

 The first 100 people to become organ donors at Hillsborough Tax Collectors Offices will receive a free “Grow My Own Tree Kit”

To become an organ, visit any county Tax Collector office, DMV, or register with Donate Life https://www.donatelifeflorida.org/ or Life Link https://lifelinkfoundation.org/

Following his recovery, Betz established More Transplants More Life, an organization dedicated to helping patients navigate the transplant waiting list and increasing awareness about organ donation.

He passed away in early 2025, leaving behind his wife, children, and grandchildren—but also a powerful legacy rooted in giving others a second chance at life.

As part of the kickoff event, the first 100 people at each tax collector’s office in Hillsborough County who register as organ donors will receive a free “grow your own tree” kit, courtesy of the tax collector’s office and LifeLink Foundation.

Officials say becoming an organ donor is simple. Residents can register during a visit to their local tax collector’s office or DMV by adding the donor designation to their driver’s license.

For those not renewing their license anytime soon, online registration is also available through Donate Life America and LifeLink.

Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan emphasized the importance of connecting the campaign to Betz’s story.

“Having this type of initiative and tying it to a personal story like Lou Betz and what he has done in our community—and how it saved and extended his life—is so important,” Millan said.

Hillsborough County is already a leader in organ donor registration across Florida. According to the tax collector’s office, approximately 750,000 residents—nearly half the county’s population—are registered organ donors.

The region is also home to Tampa General Hospital, a national leader in transplant procedures. In 2024, the hospital ranked first in the country for transplant volume and is known for having some of the shortest organ wait times in the nation.

Officials hope the kickoff event will inspire even more residents to register and help save lives.