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Disability Parking in Florida:
Everything You Need to Know

• Florida Disability Parking Laws

  • Qualifying conditions include long‑term or temporary mobility impairments that severely limit walking, the use of assistive devices, or legal blindness.
  • A licensed physician, podiatrist, optometrist, PA, or APRN must certify your condition on Form HSMV83039.
  • Permanent permits are valid for 4 years and are issued at no cost.
  • Temporary permits are valid for up to 6 months and require a $15 fee.
  • Using someone else’s placard is a second‑degree misdemeanor, up to a $500 fine or six months in jail, plus towing and confiscation of the permit.
  • Submitting false medical information can result in criminal penalties for both the applicant and the certifying physician.
  • The permit must be displayed clearly on the rear view mirror when parked in a designated space.
  • The Florida DMV does not automatically issue the placard. Applicants must submit their paperwork to their local Tax Collector or DMV Office.

• Documents You’ll Need

  To apply for, replace, or renew a Florida disability parking placard, the required documents vary slightly depending on your situation. Here's a breakdown:

  New Permanent or Temporary Placard

  To apply for a new disability parking placard in Florida, you'll need:

  • Form HSMV 83039, completed and signed by a licensed medical professional within the last 12 months
  • A valid Florida driver’s license or state-issued ID card

  Veteran Exemption

  Veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled may qualify without a physician’s certification. Instead, submit:

  • VA Form Letter 27-333, issued within the past 12 months (This replaces the medical portion of Form HSMV 83039.)

  Online Doctor’s Certification

  If applying through a telehealth service like ParkingMD, you can get your evaluation done completely online. You'll receive:

  • A signed medical certification (Form HSMV 83039) delivered to you via email within 24-48 hours, ready for DMV submission

  Lost or Stolen Placard Replacement

  If your placard is lost or stolen, you’ll need to provide:

  • Form HSMV 83039 (medical section may be skipped if your permit is still valid)
  • Form HSMV 83146 (Replacement Affidavit)
  • A copy of your current placard registration

  Note:

  If your disability makes it difficult or impossible to obtain a state ID, your physician can complete the exemption section on Form HSMV 83146 to waive the ID requirement.

• Florida Placard Types & Processes

  • Expire every 4 years on the holder’s birthday.
  • Renewal requires a new Form HSMV83039 dated within the last 12 months — no doctor’s note, no renewal.
  • No fee; many counties let you renew by mail or through the MyDMV portal once your new certificate is on file.

  Temporary Placards

  • Valid for up to 6 months; if mobility issues persist, apply for a second placard within 12 months at no extra charge.

  Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Placard

  • Complete Form HSMV83039 (medical certification not required if your current permit is still valid).
  • Submit Form HSMV83146 (lost/stolen affidavit).
  • Present both forms at any county Tax Collector or DMV service center. There’s no fee for a permanent replacement; temporary replacements follow the same $15 fee rule unless you’re within the 12‑month window.

  Turnaround Time

  Most Florida DMV offices issue the physical placard the same day once paperwork is complete; mail‑in requests typically arrive within 1‑3 weeks (check your county office for exact timing).

• New Law: Expectant Mother Temporary Parking Permits

  What’s New (SB 462 / Section 320.0849, Florida Statutes)

  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025
  • The Florida Legislature passed SB 462, creating a new provision (§ 320.0849) for temporary parking permits for expectant mothers. This allows the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) to issue a special parking permit to pregnant women.

  Permit Details

  • Permit Type: Temporary disabled parking placard (Bright red, issued under current system)
  • Validity Period: Up to 1 year from the date signed by the certifying physician
  • Application Fee: $15

  How to Apply

  • Submit Form HSMV 83040 (“Application for Expectant Mother Parking Permit”), fully completed and signed by a licensed Florida physician (Chapters 458 or 459)
  • Submit the form (with required identification) to your local Tax Collector’s office or license plate agency

  Additional Details

  • The permit must be hung from the vehicle’s rearview mirror when parked in accessible (disabled) parking spaces
  • It is unlawful to block access to curb cuts, accessible parking aisles, or accessible paths to parking spaces