3 Steps to Take to Qualify for and Receive a Handicap Tag in Florida

Published on: January 31, 2017

There are many disabilities and long-term injuries that can make getting around incredibly difficult. Some conditions are so severe they require the use of bulky wheelchairs, walkers, or other specialized equipment. Others may need to stop to rest too frequently to cover the distance from the back of a parking to the business’ doors.

Handicap parking is important for the safety and convenience of disabled persons.

This is why businesses have handicap-reserved parking spaces set up in their parking lots. These spaces are designed to give handicapped customers a little extra room to unload bulky wheelchairs or walkers in safety, and make it so they don’t have to walk as far to reach the business’ doors.

When handicapped spaces are unavailable, people who need specialized mobility equipment have a harder time getting in and out of their vehicles at the store—which is why law enforcement officers in Florida take enforcing handicap parking rules so seriously.

So, the question is, “what do you need to do to qualify for and receive a handicap tag in Florida?”

There are a few steps that you’ll have to follow to get the handicap placard, including:

1: Acquire a Valid State Driver’s License or ID Number

Before you can get a state-issued placard or handicap license plate, you’ll need to have a valid ID issued by the State of Florida. This can be a driver’s license, or a state-issued identification number.

You can start your application online, but if you’re a first-time Florida ID applicant, you’ll probably need to visit a Florida DMV office in person at some point. When applying, be sure to bring your identifying paperwork, including any current ID cards from other states/agencies, voter registration, birth certificate, and other paperwork that can prove your:

  • Identity;
  • Social Security number; and
  • Current address.

2: Undergo a Medical Evaluation by a Certified Physician & Have Them Fill Out the

Your physician needs to fill out some paperwork for you to certify that you're eligible for a disabled parking permit.Part of qualifying for a Florida disabled parking permit or plate is being able to show documentation proving that you have a disabling condition. Even if you are clearly disabled, the DMV office needs a special form filled out by a certified physician to process your application.

If you haven’t already undergone a medical examination by your physician, you’ll need to have them perform one so they can fill out Form HSMV 83039 and sign it for you.

Special Note: If you are legally blind, then your optometrist can certify and sign the form for you—this is the only disability an optometrist can sign for.

3: Submit Your Permit Application with Your Local DMV Office

Bring your Florida ID and the Form HSMV 83039 that your physician filled out for you to your local DMV office.

This could take a while depending on how busy your local DMV office is, so you may want to bring something to read or keep you occupied while you wait—just be sure it’s something you can put down once your number’s called.

Can You Use Your Florida Parking Permit Outside of Florida?

Yes, you can use your Florida handicap permit in other states. Florida has “reciprocal recognition” agreements with every other state in the USA. So, if you have a Florida tag and go elsewhere in the USA, your handicap parking permit will be valid there as well.

The reverse is also true: if you have a valid out-of-state handicap parking permit, it will be accepted in Florida as well. So, if you’re just vacationing in Florida, you don’t have to get a state-specific handicap tag while you’re here.

Hopefully, this information helps you with your disabled parking permit application in Florida. For more help and advice on this and other disability topics in the Sunshine State, please contact Disability Experts of Florida.

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