A person can receive authorization for a Florida disabled parking permit for both short and long-term mobility issues or disabilities. Someone who is also legally blind according to an optometrist can get a handicap parking permit. Permits can be issued to those who hold valid licenses or those who have identification cards.
Who Can Issue a Permit?
A person who is applying or renewing their Florida disabled parking permit must have the HSMV form or the application for the parking permit. This application or form must be signed by someone of medical authority. The person who is signing the application must sign it within the previous twelve months before you submit the application. If the signature is from over twelve months ago, it will not be valid. Those who qualify for signing your application are
- Physician that is licensed under medical practice chapter 458.
- A chapter 459 osteopathic medical doctor.
- A chiropractor licensed under chapter 460.
- Chapter 461- a licensed podiatric doctor.
- An Optometrist who is licensed for sight only under 463.
- An RN who is licensed under chapter 464 and who is under the protocol of one of the licensed doctors listed above.
- An assistant of a licensed physician who is licensed under either 458 or 459.
Rules for Disabled Person’s Parking Permits
The permit must only be used by the person it is issued to. When the person is using the permit, they must have their driver’s license or identification card on them. If there are any problems, officers can determine it is you using the card.
The permit must be hung in the rear-view mirror. The number of the permit should and must be visible from the front side of your vehicle when you park. The permit shouldn’t be hanging when you are in motion. This can cause distractions and blind spots.
The permit will have two yellow registration decals. These decals will be placed on both sides. If you do not have these yellow decals, the permit is not valid.
Different Types of Permits
There are two different types of permits that can be issued. The permit that is issued to you will be determined by your health conditions and your doctor. The doctor can determine if you need a permanent permit or a temporary permit.
A permanent permit is for those who have long-term impairments. Those who are legally blind would also qualify for a permanent disabled person’s parking permit. Those who have permanent plates or placards are going to need to renew them every four years. The permit will need to be renewed before the birthdate of the holder. There is no fee for permanent parking permits.
If someone is issued a temporary parking permit, it would mean that they have a short-term impairment to their mobility. These temporary permits are only good for six months. You may be required to use it for less than six months. Your doctor will determine how long you need a temporary card. Those who are obtaining a temporary permit will be required to pay a fifteen-dollar fee. If the person will need the permit longer than six months, they may obtain another temporary permit. If you apply for the permit within twelve months of the first temporary permit, there will be no additional fee. If you apply after twelve months, it will cost another fifteen dollars.
Who Can Apply?
There are many individuals with different medical conditions who may apply. Some medical conditions may be visible and some may not be visible. Keep in mind that not all medical conditions will be on the list of qualifying conditions. If you have a medical condition that is not on the list but believe you would benefit from a Florida disabled parking permit, talk to your doctor. They may be able to fill out an application for your disability.
Some of the things that would allow a person to apply for a parking permit would be
- They cannot walk more than two hundred feet without taking a break or resting.
- They are severely immobilized due to orthopedic, neurological, or arthritic conditions.
- They have heart and/or lung disease.
- They need to use a wheelchair permanently.
- They are legally blind.
Remember, not all disabilities will be apparent. Some disabilities are known as invisible disabilities. These disabilities would also qualify someone to get a permit.
- Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
- A person who has received an organ transplant.
- Someone who suffers from fibromyalgia or short-term memory loss.
- Those who have chronic pain or fatigue.
- Those who have had brain injuries or have brain tumors.
How to Get a Permit
If you are someone who believes they would benefit from a handicap parking permit, you should start out by seeking advice from your doctor. Your physician will be the one who can inform you about your condition. They will be the ones who could tell you if you would qualify for a permit. This is beneficial because you can avoid doing paperwork if you would not qualify. Plus, your doctor will have to submit a letter and/or complete forms to document your disability and/or illness. It is best that your provider knows your plans in advance so they can help you.
From the doctor’s office, you will need to fill out an application. This application will allow you to get a permit. You must take the application to the Tax Collector Office or License Plate Agency. These two places will also have the application forms, otherwise, you could print them off online. Once you have completed the application, take it to one of these two places in your county to get your permit. A temporary permit will cost fifteen dollars.
Conclusion
You must be examined by a licensed physician or any of the medical staff on the list above. These are the only medical professionals that can sign your application and provide you with the documents necessary to obtain a handicap parking permit. Plus, remember that not all conditions that qualify you will be listed. With that being said, it is important to remember, not all conditions qualify either.