The Complete Guide To How You Can Get An Online Disabled Parking Permit In Florida
The Florida disabled parking program exists to even out the playing field for individuals with disabilities and mobility issues. Florida disabled parking permit holders are entitled to avail of disabled parking infrastructure in The Sunshine State. Accessible parking improves access to public and private buildings, amenities, and locations, improving the quality of life of millions of disabled Floridians and visitors to the state.
Most of the application process for a Florida disabled parking permit can be completed online. Today we will provide the complete guide to how you can get an online disabled parking permit in Florida. We’ll also answer all of your important questions about disabled parking in Florida, such as… What types of disabled parking permits are available in Florida? Who qualifies for disabled parking in Florida? How much does a disability placard cost in Florida? And can I use my Florida disabled parking permit in another state?
Let’s get into it!
Who Issues Disabled Parking Permits In The State Of Florida?
All types of Florida disabled parking permits are issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The Florida disabled parking program is state-run and adheres to federal Americans With Disabilities Act guidelines.
How Can You Get An Online Disabled Parking Permit In Florida?
Getting a Florida disabled parking permit is easy and has many advantages. The application process for all types of Florida disabled permits is also straightforward and quick – you can complete most of the application process online, from the comfort of your own home.
You can get your online disabled parking permit in Florida by having a medical consultation at an online telemedicine clinic. The examining doctor will email you a signed copy of a Florida disabled parking permit application form, which you can then submit to your local tax collector or license plate agency.
What Are The Advantages To Getting An Online Disabled Parking Permit In Florida?
There are plenty of advantages to getting an online disabled parking permit in Florida. These include:
- Improved access to public and private amenities, buildings, homes, and areas of natural beauty.
- Free parking in any designated disabled parking space.
- Free parking in metered, time-restricted spaces for up to four hours.
- The opportunity to apply for a resident disabled parking bay to be installed near your home.
- The ability to use disabled parking infrastructure in other US states and several foreign jurisdictions.
Getting your disabled parking permit online is the best choice for several reasons, including:
- The online application process is straightforward and user-friendly.
- Applying mostly online saves a lot of time and allows you to avoid queuing at the DMV.
- You can arrange a medical consultation online more quickly than in-person.
What Types Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available In Florida?
The state of Florida issues several different types of disabled parking permits. Each of these caters to people whose disabilities have a different expected duration.
The following types of Florida disabled parking permits are available:
- Permanent disabled parking placards
- Permanent disabled parking license plates
- Temporary disabled parking placards
- Disabled Veterans license plates (available to people whose disabilities are military service-related)
What Is A Temporary Disabled Parking Permit In Florida?
A temporary Florida disabled parking permit comes in the form of a placard for individuals who have a disability that is expected to be temporary in duration.
What Is A Permanent Disabled Parking Permit In Florida?
Permanent Florida disabled parking permits are available to individuals who have long-term disabilities, and to organizations and institutions that transport disabled people. Permanent disabled parking permits come in the form of a placard or a set of license plates.
Who Qualifies For Disabled Parking In Florida?
You will qualify for a disabled parking permit in Florida if you are a Florida resident and you have a disability that qualifies for disabled parking (more on qualifying conditions below). Organizations and agencies that transport disabled people also qualify for a Florida disabled parking permit. Primary caregivers for disabled people can also get a disabled parking permit in Florida.
You do not need to own a vehicle to get a disabled parking permit. Non-vehicle owners can get a permit and use it in any vehicle that they happen to be traveling in.
What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Permit In Florida?
The list of qualifying conditions for a disabled parking permit in the state of Florida is wide-ranging and inclusive. You will qualify for a Florida disabled parking permit if you are disabled in any of the following ways:
- You have a disability that limits your ability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
- You are unable to walk without the use of or assistance from a cane, crutch, brace, prosthetic device, or other assistive device
- You use a wheelchair permanently
- You have lung disease to the extent that your forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for 1 second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter or your arterial oxygen is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest
- You use a portable oxygen tank
- You have a cardiac condition that is classified in severity as Class III or Class IV by the American Heart Association
- You have a severely limited ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
- You are legally blind
Who Can Certify An Application For A Disabled Parking Permit In Florida?
All applications for a disabled parking permit in the state of Florida must be certified by a state-licensed medical professional. Certification can only happen after a consultation has been carried out. The easiest way to have a medical consultation is to go to an online telemedicine clinic and arrange a remote video consultation.
The following types of medical professionals are qualified to certify applications for disabled parking in Florida:
- Licensed physician
- Physician’s assistant
- Optometrist
- Chiropractor
- Nurse practitioner
- Osteopath
- Podiatrist
How Do I Apply For A Disabled Parking Permit Online In Florida?
You can apply for your disabled parking permit online in Florida by submitting a disabled parking permit form to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
The first step is to have a medical consultation with a state-licensed medical professional. This can be done online by arranging a video consultation through an online telemedicine clinic. Once the doctor verifies your qualifying conditions for disabled parking in Florida, they will sign an application form and email it to you within 24 hours.
Once you receive the certified application form, you must complete it and then submit it to your local tax collector office or license plate agency. It’s also possible to request that the examining medical professional’s office fax the application form directly to where it needs to be submitted.
What Type Of Identification Are Required When Applying For Florida Disabled Parking?
Proof of identity is usually required when submitting an application for a Florida disabled parking permit. You must provide a Florida driver license number or Florida identification number.
However, if the examining state-licensed medical professional certifies that an applicant’s disability is too severe to visit or be transported to an office to obtain a driver’s license or identification card, they can be exempt.
How Do I Get A Disabled License Plate In Florida?
You can get a disabled license plate in Florida if you have a permanent disability. Just stipulate that you want a license plate on your application form.
Disabled Veterans license plates are also available for people whose disabilities are mostly military service-related.
How Much Does A Disability Placard Cost In Florida?
Florida permanent disabled parking placards are free. Florida temporary disabled parking placards cost $15.
When Do Florida Disabled Parking Permits Expire?
- Florida permanent disabled parking permits expire after four years. Permanent permits issued to individuals expire after four years on their birthday. Permits issued to organizations and agencies expire after four years on June 30.
- Florida temporary disabled parking placards are valid for a time period specified by the certifying medical professional. This time period cannot exceed six months.
Can You Renew Every Type Of Florida Disabled Parking Permit?
- Florida permanent disabled parking permits, both placards and license plates, can be renewed.
- Florida temporary disabled parking placards cannot be renewed. If you still require the use of disabled parking after your temporary placard expires, you will need to apply for a brand new temporary permit.
When Can I Renew My Disabled Placard In Florida?
You can begin the process of renewing your permanent disabled parking permit in Florida once you receive a renewal notice. This will happen a few weeks prior to your current permit expiring. You can renew your disabled parking license plates during the renewal period, which begins 90 days before the registration deadline.
How Much Does It Cost To Renew A Florida Disabled Parking Permit?
- Renewing your Florida permanent disabled parking permit is free.
- If you apply for a new temporary placard within 12 months of applying for a previous temporary placard, it is also free.
Can I Use My Florida Disabled Parking Permit In Another State?
Yes, you can use your Florida disabled parking permit in another state. Disabled parking permits from all other US states are also recognized in Florida.
So, where can I use my Florida disabled parking permit? They are valid in the following jurisdictions:
- All US states
- All US overseas territories
- Mexico
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- EU
- UK
- Switzerland
Do You Have To Pay For Parking If You Have A Disabled Placard In Florida?
Is handicap parking free in Florida? Yes, under certain circumstances.
- Permit holders may park for free in any designated disabled space for unlimited time.
- Permit holders may park in on-street, metered spaces for free for up to four hours.
Disabled Parking Permit Florida Rules And Regulations
When using your Florida disabled parking permit, you’ll need to adhere to the following rules and regulations:
- Permit holders must always use their own disabled parking permit. It is illegal to use a disabled permit that is in somebody else’s name.
- Permit holders must have their Florida driver license or ID card on hand when using their disabled parking permit.
- Permits must be hung from the rear-view mirror, with the permit number visible from the front of the vehicle, when the vehicle is parked.
- Permits must be safely stowed away when the vehicle is in motion.
- Permits must display the permit holder’s driver license or ID card number, or the authorized organization’s FEID number.
- There must be a valid yellow registration decal attached to both sides of your permit.
- It is illegal for permit holders to park in striped Access Aisles or any area that is designated “No Parking”.
Fines For Misuse Of Florida Disabled Parking Infrastructure
Unfortunately, some people abuse disabled parking privileges by using disabled spaces despite not qualifying for a disabled parking permit, or by using a disabled permit that is not in their name.
Misuse of handicap parking infrastructure in Florida can result in:
- A single $1,000 fine
- Up to $250 in fines
- Up to one year in jail
So there you have it – the complete guide to how you can get an online disabled parking permit in Florida! If you have not yet applied for your Florida disabled parking permit online, head on over to the Dr. Handicap app and get the application process started. In only a few short weeks, you’ll be able to enjoy the improved accessibility and heightened quality of life that comes with holding a Florida disabled parking permit.
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