Introduction to Pregnant Parking Pass in Florida

Pregnant and postpartum women in Florida no longer have to face the long, hot walk across a crowded parking lot. A law that took effect this summer gives them access to disabled parking spaces with a temporary state-issued placard.

The Law and Its Purpose

The program, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis and sponsored by Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota, creates a red disability pass specifically for expectant and new mothers. McFarland, a mother herself, pushed for the change after experiencing late-pregnancy mobility struggles. The law aims to provide relief to pregnant and postpartum women from the strain of walking long distances in crowded parking lots, especially in Florida’s hot climate.

How the Program Works

Unlike Florida’s permanent blue placards for people with lasting disabilities, the red permit is short-term: valid for up to one year and nonrenewable. To get one, a licensed Florida physician must certify the pregnancy or postpartum status on form HSMV 83040. That paperwork goes to a county tax collector’s office, where the placard is issued for a $15 fee. Doctors’ offices may also charge service fees for completing the form.

Eligibility and Application Process

The red card must hang from a vehicle’s rearview mirror when parked in a designated spot. The doctor sets the expiration date — anywhere from a few months to a full year. When it expires, it cannot be renewed. Applications and step-by-step instructions are available through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and local tax collector offices.

Benefits of the Program

Supporters say the law helps protect women from overexertion, heat exposure, and the strain of hauling infants and supplies across Florida parking lots. The Legislature’s message: swollen ankles, car seats, and diaper bags deserve closer parking too.

Penalties for Misuse

Improper or fraudulent use of disability placards — red or blue — remains illegal and carries penalties under state law. It is essential for applicants to use the placard responsibly and only for its intended purpose.

Conclusion

The introduction of the temporary disability parking placard for pregnant and postpartum women in Florida is a significant step towards making the state more accessible and supportive for new and expecting mothers. By providing closer parking options, the law aims to reduce the risks associated with overexertion and heat exposure, making it a valuable resource for those who need it.

FAQs

• Q: Who is eligible for the temporary disability parking placard?
  A: Pregnant and postpartum women in Florida are eligible for the temporary disability parking placard.
• Q: How do I apply for the placard?
  A: You need to get a licensed Florida physician to certify your pregnancy or postpartum status on form HSMV 83040 and submit it to a county tax collector’s office.
• Q: How long is the placard valid?
  A: The placard is valid for up to one year and is nonrenewable.
• Q: What is the fee for the placard?
  A: The placard is issued for a $15 fee, and doctors’ offices may also charge service fees for completing the form.
• Q: What are the penalties for misusing the placard?
  A: Improper or fraudulent use of disability placards is illegal and carries penalties under state law.