When you have a disability, getting around to the places you need to visit can be difficult because of parking. This is especially true in large cities such as Miami. Whether you’re a resident of Miami or a visitor who’s here to experience all the city has to offer, it’s important to know where you can find handicap parking, what the rules are, and most importantly, how to get a disabled parking permit in Miami.
Luckily, getting a Miami disabled parking permit requires just a few easy steps. We’ll outline the process below so you can apply for your permit and get to the beach or any of Miami’s other attractions with ease!
How do I get a handicapped parking permit in Miami?
The first thing you have to do to get a disabled parking permit in Miami is figure out if you are eligible under Florida’s handicap parking laws. You must first see a certified doctor who can verify the condition you have and determine whether or not you fit the requirements for disabled parking.
To get a disabled parking permit in Florida, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be unable to walk 200 feet without stopping for a rest
- Have a mobility disability caused by neurological, orthopedic, or arthritic conditions
- Have a lung disease that restricts you severely (such that your forced expiratory volume for one second is lower than 1 liter OR your arterial oxygen tension level is less than 60mm/hg while you are at rest)
- Use a wheelchair for a permanent disability
- Be legally blind
In some cases, people who are severely disabled may not be able to get a driver’s license in Florida; however, those without a driver’s license can still obtain a disabled parking permit for someone else who drives them to the places they need to go.
What do I need to get a handicap parking permit in Miami?
The first step in the process to get a handicap parking permit in Miami is gathering all the appropriate documentation as well as an application form. Once you have spoken to your doctor and have all your medical information together, the application process begins with form HSMV 83039, otherwise known as the Application for Disabled Person Parking Permit.
As well as downloading the form, you have the option to collect it from your local County Tax Collector’s Office or License Plate Agency. You’ll need to fill in the application with your doctor so that all the appropriate information is included.
While you will not have to pay for a permanent parking permit once you do obtain it, you will have to pay a $15 fee to get a temporary parking permit. Once you do obtain a handicap parking permit, it’s important to pay attention to how long it’s valid for.
Temporary placards and plates are valid for six months, while permanent placard and plates are valid for four years. Those with permanent placards for themselves will have to renew before their birthday on the fourth year, and those who transport someone with a disability will have to renew before June 30 on the fourth year.
Is handicap parking free at Miami beaches?
Miami beaches are accessible for people with disabilities, and they also provide plenty of parking options for people who need to park closer because of their disability. In some cases, parking at beaches in Miami is free for a set period of time.
Those who have valid handicap parking placards or license plates can park at metered spaces for free at any time and for any length of time. Other spots, such as private lots or garages, are charged at varied rates for people without disabilities, but remain free for those with disability permits.
Being able to park freely when you have a disability makes all the difference in your day-to-day life. Getting a disabled parking permit in Miami is a simple process that grants you access to free and accessible parking in most places.
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