Florida Handicap Parking Permit: Eligibility, Application, and Usage

If you or someone you know has a disability that affects their ability to walk, you may be eligible for a handicap parking permit in Florida. This permit allows you to park in designated handicap parking spaces, which are typically closer to the entrances of buildings and other destinations.

In this article, we will provide an overview of the Florida handicap parking permit program, including eligibility requirements, the application process, and how to use your permit once it has been issued. We will also discuss some of the benefits of having a handicap parking permit and answer some frequently asked questions.

To begin the process of applying for a Florida handicap parking permit, you will need to gather some documentation. This includes:

handicap parking permit florida

Florida's handicap parking permit program is designed to provide accessible parking spaces for individuals with disabilities.

• Eligibility: Disabilities affecting walking
• Application: Online or by mail
• Documentation: Medical certification, ID, photo
• Permit Types: Temporary, permanent, organization
• Display: Hang permit from rearview mirror
• Usage: Designated handicap parking spaces
• Benefits: Closer parking, reduced fines
• Penalties: Fines for misuse
• Renewal: Every four years
• Replacements: Available for lost or stolen permits

Additional information and resources are available on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.

Eligibility: Disabilities affecting walking

To be eligible for a Florida handicap parking permit, you must have a disability that affects your ability to walk. This includes, but is not limited to, the following conditions:

• Inability to walk 200 feet without stopping
• Use of a wheelchair, walker, or other assistive device
• Inability to walk without experiencing severe pain
• Leg, foot, or ankle deformity that affects walking
• Lung disease that significantly impairs walking
• Heart disease that significantly impairs walking
• Any other condition that substantially limits walking

In addition to the above conditions, you may also be eligible for a handicap parking permit if you have a temporary disability that affects your ability to walk. This could include a broken leg or foot, or a recent surgery that has limited your mobility.

To apply for a handicap parking permit based on a disability that affects walking, you will need to submit a completed application form along with a medical certification from your doctor. The medical certification must state that you have a qualifying disability and that you are unable to walk without experiencing significant difficulty or pain.

Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a handicap parking permit. The permit will be valid for four years, after which time you will need to renew it.

If you have any questions about the eligibility requirements for a Florida handicap parking permit, you can contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Application: Online or by mail

You can apply for a Florida handicap parking permit online or by mail. To apply online, you will need to create an account with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Once you have created an account, you can fill out the application form and upload the required documents.

To apply by mail, you can download the application form from the DHSMV website or pick one up at a local DHSMV office. Once you have completed the application form, you will need to mail it to the DHSMV along with the required documents.

• Completed application form
• Medical certification from your doctor
• Copy of your Florida driver's license or ID card
• Recent passport-style photo
• $25 application fee

The DHSMV will review your application and make a decision within 30 days. If your application is approved, you will be issued a handicap parking permit. The permit will be mailed to you or you can pick it up at a local DHSMV office.

• Make sure to fill out the application form completely and accurately.
• Include all of the required documents.
• If you are applying online, make sure to upload clear and legible copies of your documents.
• Pay the application fee online or by mail.

If you have any questions about the application process, you can contact the DHSMV.

Once you have been issued a handicap parking permit, you will need to display it from the rearview mirror of your vehicle whenever you are parked in a handicap parking space.

Documentation: Medical certification, ID, photo

When you apply for a Florida handicap parking permit, you will need to submit the following documentation:

• Medical certification

A medical certification from your doctor stating that you have a qualifying disability that affects your ability to walk. The certification must include the following information:

• Your name
• Your date of birth
• Your driver's license or ID number
• The date of the examination
• Your diagnosis
• A statement that you are unable to walk without experiencing significant difficulty or pain
• The doctor's signature and license number

A copy of the front and back of your Florida driver's license or ID card.

A recent passport-style photo of yourself. The photo must be in color and taken within the past six months. It must be taken against a plain white or off-white background and show your full face, without sunglasses or other obstructions.

The application fee can be paid online or by mail.

Make sure to submit all of the required documentation with your application. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Permit Types: Temporary, permanent, organization

There are three types of handicap parking permits available in Florida:

• Temporary permits

Temporary permits are valid for up to six months. They are issued to individuals who have a temporary disability that affects their ability to walk. For example, a temporary permit may be issued to someone who has a broken leg or foot.

Permanent permits are valid for four years. They are issued to individuals who have a permanent disability that affects their ability to walk. For example, a permanent permit may be issued to someone who uses a wheelchair or has a mobility impairment.

Organization permits are issued to organizations that provide transportation services to individuals with disabilities. These permits allow the organization to park vehicles in handicap parking spaces while they are providing transportation services.

To apply for a temporary or permanent handicap parking permit, you will need to submit an application form along with a medical certification from your doctor. To apply for an organization permit, you will need to submit an application form along with documentation showing that your organization provides transportation services to individuals with disabilities.

Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a handicap parking permit. The type of permit you receive will depend on the nature of your disability and the documentation you submitted.

It is important to note that handicap parking permits are not transferable. They can only be used by the person to whom they were issued.

Display: Hang permit from rearview mirror

Once you have been issued a Florida handicap parking permit, you must display it from the rearview mirror of your vehicle whenever you are parked in a handicap parking space. The permit must be clearly visible from the front of the vehicle.

To display your permit, simply hang it from the rearview mirror using the attached cord or string. Make sure that the permit is not obstructed by anything, such as a sun visor or air freshener.

It is important to display your permit correctly, as failure to do so could result in a fine. In some cases, you may also be towed if you park in a handicap parking space without displaying your permit.

Here are some tips for displaying your handicap parking permit:

• Make sure that the permit is clearly visible from the front of the vehicle.
• Do not obstruct the permit with anything, such as a sun visor or air freshener.
• If you have a temporary permit, make sure that the expiration date is clearly visible.
• If your permit is lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement permit.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your handicap parking permit is displayed correctly and that you are able to park in handicap parking spaces without any problems.

Usage: Designated handicap parking spaces

Handicap parking permits allow you to park in designated handicap parking spaces. These spaces are typically located close to the entrances of buildings and other destinations, making it easier for individuals with disabilities to access them.

To use your handicap parking permit, simply park your vehicle in a designated handicap parking space. Make sure that you display your permit from the rearview mirror so that it is clearly visible. You do not need to pay for parking in handicap parking spaces.

It is important to note that handicap parking spaces are reserved for individuals with disabilities. If you do not have a handicap parking permit, you should not park in these spaces. Parking in a handicap parking space without a permit is illegal and could result in a fine.

Here are some things to keep in mind when using your handicap parking permit:

• Only park in designated handicap parking spaces.
• Display your permit from the rearview mirror so that it is clearly visible.
• Do not park in handicap parking spaces if you do not have a permit.
• Park in the space in a way that does not block the access aisle.
• Be aware of the time limits for parking in handicap parking spaces.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are using your handicap parking permit correctly and that you are not taking advantage of the spaces that are reserved for individuals with disabilities.

Benefits玆 parking reduced

Penalties: Fines for misuse

Florida law prohibits the misuse of handicap parking permits. Misuse includes using a permit that does not belong to you, parking in a handicap parking space without a permit, or parking in a handicap parking space for longer than the allotted time.

• Parking in a handicap parking space without a permit

Fines for parking in a handicap parking space without a permit can range from $250 to $500. You may also be towed and your vehicle may be impounded.

Fines for using a handicap parking permit that does not belong to you can range from $250 to $500. You may also be charged with a misdemeanor crime.

Fines for parking in a handicap parking space for longer than the allotted time can range from $50 to $100. You may also be towed.

In addition to the fines listed above, you may also be required to pay court costs and other fees. If you are convicted of misusing a handicap parking permit, you may also have your driver's license suspended or revoked.

Renewal: Every four years

Florida handicap parking permits are valid for four years. After four years, you will need to renew your permit in order to continue using it.

• To renew your permit, you will need to:

• Complete a renewal application form
• Submit a new medical certification from your doctor
• Pay a renewal fee

To renew online, you will need to create an account with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Once you have created an account, you can fill out the renewal application form and upload the required documents.

To renew by mail, you can download the renewal application form from the DHSMV website or pick one up at a local DHSMV office. Once you have completed the application form, you will need to mail it to the DHSMV along with the required documents.

You can pay the renewal fee online or by mail.

Once you receive your new permit, you will need to destroy your old permit.

It is important to renew your handicap parking permit on time. If you do not renew your permit, you will not be able to park in handicap parking spaces.

Replacements: Available for lost or stolen permits

If your handicap parking permit is lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement permit.

• To apply for a replacement permit, you will need to:

• Complete a replacement application form
• Submit a copy of your driver's license or ID card
• Pay a replacement fee

To apply online, you will need to create an account with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Once you have created an account, you can fill out the replacement application form and upload the required documents.

To apply by mail, you can download the replacement application form from the DHSMV website or pick one up at a local DHSMV office. Once you have completed the application form, you will need to mail it to the DHSMV along with the required documents.

You can pay the replacement fee online or by mail.

It is important to apply for a replacement permit as soon as possible if your permit is lost or stolen. This will help to prevent someone else from using your permit illegally.

FAQ

Do you have questions about the Florida handicap parking permit program? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:

Question 1: Who is eligible for a Florida handicap parking permit?

Answer: To be eligible for a Florida handicap parking permit, you must have a disability that affects your ability to walk. This includes, but is not limited to, the following conditions:

• Inability to walk 200 feet without stopping
• Use of a wheelchair, walker, or other assistive device
• Inability to walk without experiencing severe pain

Question 2: How do I apply for a Florida handicap parking permit?

Answer: You can apply for a Florida handicap parking permit online or by mail. To apply online, you will need to create an account with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Once you have created an account, you can fill out the application form and upload the required documents. To apply by mail, you can download the application form from the DHSMV website or pick one up at a local DHSMV office.

Question 3: What documents do I need to submit with my application?

Answer: You will need to submit the following documents with your application:

• Completed application form
• Medical certification from your doctor
• Copy of your Florida driver's license or ID card
• Recent passport-style photo
• $25 application fee

Question 4: How long does it take to get a Florida handicap parking permit?

Answer: It typically takes 30 days to process a Florida handicap parking permit application. However, it may take longer if there are any problems with your application.

Question 5: How long is a Florida handicap parking permit valid for?

Answer: Florida handicap parking permits are valid for four years.

Question 6: How do I renew my Florida handicap parking permit?

Answer: You can renew your Florida handicap parking permit online or by mail. To renew online, you will need to create an account with the DHSMV. Once you have created an account, you can fill out the renewal application form and upload the required documents. To renew by mail, you can download the renewal application form from the DHSMV website or pick one up at a local DHSMV office.

Question 7: What are the penalties for misusing a Florida handicap parking permit?

Answer: The penalties for misusing a Florida handicap parking permit can include fines, towing, and even having your driver's license suspended or revoked.

Closing Paragraph: We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about the Florida handicap parking permit program. If you have any other questions, you can contact the DHSMV.

In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for using your Florida handicap parking permit:

Tips

Here are some tips for using your Florida handicap parking permit:

Tip 1: Display your permit correctly.

Make sure that your handicap parking permit is clearly visible from the rearview mirror of your vehicle. The permit must be hung from the mirror so that it is not obstructed by anything, such as a sun visor or air freshener.

Tip 2: Park in designated handicap parking spaces.

Handicap parking spaces are typically located close to the entrances of buildings and other destinations. Make sure that you park your vehicle in a designated handicap parking space and that you do not park in a regular parking space.

Tip 3: Be aware of the time limits for parking in handicap parking spaces.

Some handicap parking spaces have time limits. Make sure that you are aware of the time limit for the space where you are parked and that you do not exceed the time limit.

Tip 4: Be respectful of other drivers.

When you are parking in a handicap parking space, be respectful of other drivers. Do not park in a way that blocks the access aisle or that makes it difficult for other drivers to enter or exit the parking lot.

Closing Paragraph: By following these tips, you can ensure that you are using your Florida handicap parking permit correctly and that you are being respectful of other drivers.

We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need to know about the Florida handicap parking permit program. If you have any other questions, you can contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Conclusion

The Florida handicap parking permit program is designed to provide accessible parking spaces for individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability that affects your ability to walk, you may be eligible for a handicap parking permit. To apply for a permit, you will need to submit an application form along with a medical certification from your doctor. Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a handicap parking permit that will allow you to park in designated handicap parking spaces.

It is important to use your handicap parking permit correctly. Make sure that you display your permit clearly from the rearview mirror of your vehicle and that you park in designated handicap parking spaces. Be aware of the time limits for parking in handicap parking spaces and be respectful of other drivers.

We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need to know about the Florida handicap parking permit program. If you have any other questions, you can contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Closing Message: We encourage all drivers to be aware of the Florida handicap parking permit program and to be respectful of individuals with disabilities who use handicap parking spaces.