How to Get a Handicap Sticker in Florida

If you or a loved one has a mobility-limiting disability, a Florida handicap placard can make everyday errands significantly more manageable. Known officially as a Disabled Person Parking Permit, this credential lets you park in designated accessible spaces across the state. This guide walks you through every step — from confirming your eligibility to holding the permit in your hand.

What Is a Florida Handicap Placard?

A Florida disabled parking permit is issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) through local county tax collector offices. The placard hangs from your rearview mirror and grants access to designated disabled parking spaces at public and private facilities throughout the state.

Florida offers three primary permit types for individuals:

Permit Type	Who It’s For / Validity	Cost
Permanent Placard (Blue)	For permanent disabilities. Valid for 4 years (expires on your birthday).	Free
Temporary Placard (Red)	For temporary mobility conditions. Valid for up to 6 months.	$15.00
Expectant Mother (Red)	For pregnant residents. Valid for up to 1 year.	$15.00

HIGHLIGHT: The New “Expectant Mother” Parking Permit

Thanks to a recent change in Florida law, the state now offers a specialized temporary parking permit for pregnant women. You do not need to prove a severe mobility impairment to qualify for this permit; the only requirement is that a licensed doctor certifies your pregnancy. To apply for this specific placard, you must use Form HSMV 83040 (Application for Expectant Mother Parking Permit), pay the $15 fee, and you will receive a permit valid for up to one year.

HIGHLIGHT: Free Metered Parking in Florida

A major, unique perk of holding a Florida disabled parking placard is the state’s parking meter exemption. Under Florida law, any vehicle displaying a valid disabled parking permit is exempt from paying parking fees at public, on-street metered spaces (typically for up to 4 hours). 

Note: This does not apply to private parking garages, airport parking, or zones strictly prohibiting parking.

Who Qualifies for a Standard Florida Handicap Placard?

To be eligible for a standard disabled parking permit, you must have one or more of the following qualifying conditions certified by an authorized medical professional:

• Inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
• Requires the use of a wheelchair, cane, brace, prosthetic device, or other assistive device.
• A cardiac condition classified as Class III or IV by the American Heart Association.
• Severe lung disease (forced expiratory volume less than one liter or arterial oxygen tension below 60mm/hg at rest).
• Legal blindness.
• A severe limitation in walking due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
• Use of portable oxygen.

Who Can Certify? Your condition must be certified by a licensed Physician (MD or DO), Osteopath, Podiatrist, Chiropractor, Optometrist (for vision only), Physician Assistant (PA), or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).

How to Apply for a Florida Handicap Placard: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Get the Correct Form Download Form HSMV 83039 (Application for Disabled Person Parking Permit) from the FLHSMV website, or pick one up at any county tax collector’s office. (If applying for the pregnancy permit, use Form 83040 instead).+1

Step 2: Get Medical Certification Your certifying medical provider must complete the Physician/Certifying Practitioner’s Statement on the reverse side of the form. The certification must be dated within the last 12 months. The tax collector will not process an uncertified form.+1

Step 3: Complete Your Section Fill out your personal information. You must hold a valid Florida driver’s license or ID card. (An exception is made if your certifying physician documents that you are physically unable to visit a driver’s license office).+1

Step 4: Submit Your Application Take your completed form and your Florida ID to your local county tax collector’s office. Initial applications must generally be done in person. Upon approval, you’ll receive your placard along with a registration card.

How to Renew a Florida Handicap Placard

If you are moving to Florida from another state, be aware that Florida does not allow you to simply “self-certify” that your condition still exists when your permanent placard expires.

Permanent placard holders must renew every four years. To do so, you must go back to your doctor and have them sign a brand new Form HSMV 83039. Once you have the fresh medical certification, you can renew your placard in person, by mail, or online through the state’s MyDMV Portal. There is no fee to renew a permanent placard.+1

Note: Temporary placards cannot be renewed. If your condition persists past 6 months, you must apply for a brand new temporary placard (and pay the $15 fee again).

How to Display Your Florida Handicap Placard

• Always hang the placard from the rearview mirror with the permit number facing the windshield so it’s visible from outside the vehicle.
• Remove the placard when the vehicle is in motion — driving with it displayed obstructs your view and can result in a traffic citation.
• The placard is issued to the individual, not the vehicle. You can use it in any car you are riding in, but you must be present. Misusing a placard is a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Getting a disabled parking permit in Florida requires a few administrative steps, but the benefits are undeniable. By confirming your qualifying condition, having your authorized healthcare provider complete Form HSMV 83039, and bringing your paperwork to the local tax collector’s office, you can secure your parking rights for the next four years at no cost. Just remember to enjoy the free metered parking, and mark your calendar for a trip back to the doctor when it’s time to renew!