Are your curious as to how to get handicap parking in Florida? People who suffer from lung disease or arthritis may have a difficult and/or painful time walking. If this is you, you may qualify for a parking permit for handicap spots. You simply need to ask your physician about your eligibility. Those who have mobility issues can save frustration, energy, and time when they park in the handicap stalls closer to the building.

Step One

You will first need to obtain an application. You can obtain an application from the County License Plate Agency or the county Tax Collector Office. If you do not know where these places are, you can also obtain the application papers online. You will need to print these off. The next thing you will need to do is fill out the application papers. You will need a physician.

How To Get Handicap Parking in Florida: Step Two

The next thing you will need to do is talk to your doctor. This part could also be part one. Your doctor will determine if you are eligible for a disabled person’s parking permit. Not all conditions qualify, however, many will. Some conditions that qualify you for a permit would include

  • Heart Disease
  • Lung Disease
  • Impaired Mobility
  • The requirement to use a cane, crutches, wheelchair, or brace.
  • Diseases that limit the ability to walk or the ability to use your legs.
  • Those who have low-vision, partial sight, or other vision problems.
  • Those who are legally blind.
  • Loss of one or both legs.
  • Loss of one or both hands.
  • Limited use of your hands or legs.

It is important that you note that not all conditions are some that can be seen. Some invisible disabilities that would qualify you for a permit would include

  • Chronic Pain
  • Surgeries such as back surgery.
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorders.
  • Someone who has just received an organ transplant.

In the state of Florida, for you to qualify for a permit, you must not be able to walk further than two hundred feet without a break.

Your doctor will do an examination and look at your history. They will be the ones to tell you if your condition would qualify for a permit. Not all conditions are going to be listed so the best way to find out is to talk to your doctor.

Step Three

You will now want your doctor to fill out the application. You will need to fill out your portion, however, the doctor will have a portion they must fill out as well. This portion will be stating your medical condition and a signature. Your doctor will also determine if you need a permanent permit or a temporary permit.

Step Four

Once you and your doctor have filled out all the necessary paperwork pertaining to your application, you can go to the Tax Collector Office or License Plate Agency in your county. You will need to bring your application and photo identification with you. It is here that you will get your plates or placard. If you are obtaining a permanent plate or placard, you will not be required to pay a fee. If you are obtaining a temporary placard, you will need to pay a fifteen-dollar fee.

Rules of the Placard/Plates

You are the only person who is allowed to use your placard or plates. You cannot let anyone else borrow them. This is against the law and if you break this law it could result in a revocation of your permit. You are also subject to fines and other punishments. The person using your plates or placard will also be subject to punishment. Keep in mind, you may either be the driver or a passenger in the vehicle, however you must be present.

A family member or friend cannot use your placard or plates to run an errand for you unless you are in the vehicle. If you are not in the vehicle, you and your friend will be subject to fines and your permit could be revoked. It is best to simply go with your friend or just don’t let them borrow your placard.

When you are using your placard or plates you must have your driver’s license or photo identification on you. This is in case an officer has to clear up any problems. Having your identification on you is important.

You must have your placard visible and hanging from the rear-view mirror of your vehicle. You must only have it hanging when you are parked. Do not leave it hanging while driving as this can cause blind spots and distraction.

Traveling with Your Placard and/or Plates

You would expect that the placard or plates would be valid across all the states, however, this is not always the case. If you are planning on traveling out of state, you should check some rules. This is especially true if you have the hanging placard.

It is common that license plates are honored in all states because these are items attached to the vehicle. Plus, they are also part of the registration of the vehicle.  Not to mention, you cannot transfer them from vehicle to vehicle. (Legally that is.) With that being said, placards are temporary whether they are permanent or temporarily issued. Plus, they can be moved from one vehicle to the next. This is why some states will not honor any out-of-state placards.

This is why you must do your research ahead of your trip. You should check with the local DMV in which you plan to vacation or go to. It is important to know the rules before you leave to avoid issues.

Conclusion

It is not difficult to obtain a permit for using handicap parking; however, you must meet the requirements. If you are unsure if you meet the requirements be sure to talk to your doctor. The first thing you have to do is get your application and talk to your doctor. Your doctor will fill out the applications and you can then take them in to get your permit. Now that you know how to get handicapped parking in Florida, you can see it is quite a simple process.