Quick answer

Florida disabled parking permits and wheelchair-symbol plates require an official application and qualifying medical certification. Temporary permits are available for limited-duration disabilities, while permanent permits and plates follow separate eligibility and renewal rules. The credential may be used only when transporting the eligible person.

Placard or Wheelchair-Symbol Plate?

A placard can move between vehicles when the eligible person is being transported. A wheelchair-symbol plate is issued to a specific registered vehicle and may require the eligible person to be a registered owner or otherwise meet the plate rules. Some people use both, depending on eligibility and need.

Medical Eligibility and Certification

Eligibility is defined by law and the official application. A licensed certifying authority must document the qualifying mobility limitation or condition. A diagnosis alone is not necessarily enough; the statutory functional criteria control.

Application Process

  1. Download the current official form.
  2. Complete the applicant section.
  3. Have an authorized medical professional complete certification.
  4. Submit in person or by mail as allowed.
  5. Present identification and plate/registration documents if applying for a plate.
  6. Review expiration and renewal instructions.

Temporary Permits and Florida Visitors

Temporary permits serve qualifying short-term disabilities and have a defined expiration. Florida recognizes many out-of-state and foreign credentials displaying the international accessibility symbol. FLHSMV says a visitor whose permit or plate lacks the recognized symbol may need a Florida temporary visitor permit and lists a $15 fee in its visitor guidance.

Correct Display and Parking Use

  • Use the placard only when the eligible person is driving or being transported.
  • Display it as instructed when parked and remove it before driving if it blocks the view.
  • Do not alter the expiration, number or identification.
  • Carry the permit registration or identification document required by law.
  • Follow local time limits and restricted-zone rules; a permit does not authorize parking everywhere.

Renewing or Replacing a Permit

Permanent and temporary credentials have different renewal and recertification requirements. A lost, stolen or damaged permit should be reported and replaced through an authorized office. Do not photocopy a placard or borrow another person’s.

Misuse and Fraud

Using a credential without the eligible person, altering it, obtaining it through false certification or using a deceased person’s permit can lead to penalties and revocation. Businesses and property owners should not demand unnecessary medical details; the official credential is the parking authorization.

Found outdated information?

Medical certification and renewal rules can change. Include the permit type and official application revision date.

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