Is Handicap Parking Free In Florida?

Florida is a dream vacation destination for a lot of people. The beaches and beautiful scenery of the state are something enjoyed by both locals and those looking for a tropical escape from the everyday.

If you use disabled parking, you may be wondering about the rules surrounding handicap parking in Florida. For example, is handicap parking free in Florida? Can hotels charge for handicap parking? What are the rules for handicap parking in Florida?

Below are the answers to all those questions and more for those traveling around the Sunshine State with handicap parking placards or plates.

How To Get a Handicap Parking Placard in Florida

You can get an application for a disabled person parking permit through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Fill out the application and get it signed by your doctor, then take it with payment to the local tax collector’s office. You will also need a copy of your state identification card or driver’s license.

If you are traveling to Florida from another state, you can use your handicap parking permit in Florida. However, if you are visiting from another country, you may have to get a temporary disabled parking permit in Florida if you wish to have disabled parking privileges.

black and white disabled parking signage
Image by Possessed Photography on Unsplash: What are the rules for handicap parking in Florida? They’re not too complicated if you can scout your location ahead of time.

Types of Disabled Parking Permits in Florida

In Florida, the state grants disabled parking permits on both a temporary and a permanent basis. Temporary disabled parking permits are for short-term mobility issues and are good for up to six months. Temporary permits cost $15.

Permanent handicap parking permits are for long-term mobility issues or for those who are declared legally blind. These permits are valid for a term of four years and must be renewed by the holder’s birthday on the year it expires.

Is Handicap Parking Free in Florida?

One of the biggest questions people have about handicap parking in Florida is whether it is free or not. Those with disabled parking permits can park for free at on-street meters. In some places, the time you can park there is unlimited, but in others, the local ordinance may limit the time to four hours. The idea behind this rule is that those with disabilities or mobility issues may find it a challenge to constantly return to their vehicle and feed parking meters.

If you’re planning a trip and you’ve been wondering “Is handicap parking free in Miami?”, your best bet is to check with the city before attempting to park. It’s always best to do your research beforehand to find out specific parking rules, even if you generally expect to be able to park for free at metered parking spots.

Can Hotels Charge for Handicap Parking in Florida?

Another thing many people want to know is if hotels can charge for handicap parking in Florida. The simple truth is that Florida law only explicitly exempts those with disabilities from paying for on-street parking at meters. Other places, such as public garages, airports, convention centers, and hotels, are allowed to charge a person with a handicap parking permit for parking.

The only case in which free parking must be granted is if someone has a Florida Toll Exemption Permit or special equipment on their vehicle such as foot or hand controls, lifts, and ramps. Toll exemption permits are reserved for those with severe upper body mobility issues.

However, you should contact any hotel you plan to stay at before you arrive to find out if they do charge for parking for disabled guests. Policies can be different between properties.

Dr Handicap - disabled parking spots
Image by Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash: Do you have to pay for parking if you have a handicap placard in Florida? You might – it depends on what kind of parking you need.

Unauthorized Use of Handicap Parking Permits

In some places in Florida, parking spaces can be difficult to find. If someone you know, either a family member or a friend, approaches you about using your disabled parking permit and you let them when you’re not with them, then you risk some serious consequences.

Anyone caught unlawfully using a handicap parking permit in Florida can have the permit confiscated and be charged with a misdemeanor crime. You can lose your disabled parking privileges for up to four years. For this reason, never use your permit unless you are in the vehicle and it’s for your use.

If you have more questions about handicap parking in Florida, contact Dr. H for help!

Featured image by Lance Asper on Unsplash

How Much Does A Handicap License Plate Cost In Florida?

Today, we’re here to discuss the process of getting a handicap license plate in Florida. There are several types of disabled parking placard and license plate available to disabled drivers, caregivers, and organizations in Florida, with different costs attached to each. So how much does a handicap license plate cost in Florida? Read on to find out.

What Types Of Disabled Parking Permit Are Available In Florida?

The following types of Florida disabled parking permits are available:

  • Temporary disabled parking placard (valid for six months)
  • Permanent disabled parking placard or license plate (valid for four years)
  • Florida wheelchair license plate
  • Disabled Veterans license plate
  • Organization permit (for organizations that transport disabled people)
beach in miami florida
Image by Antonio Cuellar on Pexels: How much does a handicap license plate cost in Florida?

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Handicap Parking Permit In Florida?

A person will qualify for a Florida disabled parking permit if they have any of the following conditions:

  • Any impairment that limits a person’s ability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
  • Inability to walk without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, or other assistive device, or without assistance of another person
  • The need to permanently use a wheelchair
  • Restriction by lung disease to the extent that the person’s forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for 1 second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter or the person’s arterial oxygen is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest
  • Use of portable oxygen
  • Restriction by cardiac condition to the extent that the person’s functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association
  • Severe limitation in their ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
  • Legal blindness

How Much Does A Handicap License Plate Cost In Florida?

A Florida handicap license plate is available to permanent disabled parking permit-holders for free. The fee for a wheelchair license plate is $28. Florida Disabled Veterans license plates are free.

How Much Does A Handicap Permit Cost In Florida?

A permanent disabled parking placard or license plate is free in Florida. Temporary disabled parking placards, valid for six months, cost $15.

What Medical Professionals Can Verify My Florida Disabled Parking Application?

The medical professionals that can verify a Florida disabled parking application are:

  • A licensed physician
  • A podiatric physician
  • An optometrist
  • An advanced practice registered nurse
  • A physician assistant
  • A licensed physician from another state (if the application is accompanied by documentation of the physician’s license in the other state and a form is signed by the out-of-state physician verifying their knowledge of Florida’s eligibility guidelines)

How Do I Get A Handicap Parking Permit In Florida?

You can get a handicap parking permit in Florida by having a consultation with a qualified medical practitioner who will verify your suitability. The applicant and the examining medical practitioner will then fill in an application form. The form should be submitted to your local County Tax Collector’s Office or License Plate Agency.

How Do I Get A Handicap License Plate In Florida?

To get a handicap license plate in Florida, you must be permanently disabled and/or a Disabled Veteran. You can apply for a handicap license plate by submitting a wheelchair license plate application form, along with a copy of the vehicle registration certificate, proof of identification with a Florida driver license or ID card, and proof of Florida insurance for the vehicle, to a motor vehicle service center. Wheelchair license plates must be renewed annually on the holder’s birthday.

cars parked on street in miami florida
Image by Matt Alaniz on Unsplash: How do I get a handicap license plate in Florida? We’re here to tell you!

What Are Florida Handicap Parking Laws?

So, what are the rules for handicap parking in Florida?

  • Florida disabled permit holders can park in any designated disabled parking space marked by the universal access symbol
  • Permit-holders can park in metered, on-street spaces for free for up to four hours
  • Placards must be hung from rearview mirror while the vehicle is parked and safely stowed when it is in motion
  • Out-of-state disabled permits are recognized in Florida

Is A Florida Handicap Permit Valid In Other States?

Florida handicap parking permits are valid in all other US states. They are also valid in several foreign countries, including:

  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • UK
  • EU
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Japan

How Do I Get A Handicap Parking Permit In Florida?

The best way to get a handicap parking permit in your state is to arrange a telemedicine consultation with a state-licensed physician through the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

Featured image by MustangJoe on Pixabay

A Guide To Disabled Parking In Florida

How to Apply for a Florida Disabled Parking Permit in 2019

How A Miami Disabled Driver Can Qualify For A Disabled Parking Permit