Using an EU Blue Badge in the USA

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Ghost Dancer

New member
Joined
Jan 6, 2009
Messages
5
Reason
PALS
Diagnosis
12/2008
Country
UK
State
Scotland
City
Aberdeen
Following on from all the advice to make sure you do what you want while you still can, I am planning a trip from the UK to Florida to watch a space shuttle launch with my children.

Does anyone know if you can use UK disabled parking permits to entitle you to park in handicapped spaces in Florida?

Thanks
Michael
 
Good question.

Travellers with disabilities
Find helpful links and information on travelling with a variety of special needs at HOME PAGE: Home: Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality, the website of the Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality, or call the Florida chapter at 561-361-0017.

Handicapped parking permits
While UK-issued Blue Badge permits are no longer recognized as valid handicapped parking tags in Florida, UK visitors can purchase a temporary handicapped parking permit. One valid temporary permit may be issued for up to six months. The fee is $15.

UK disabled visitors can process their temporary parking permit ahead of their visit through the mail. Visitors should send a copy of both sides of their UK Blue Badge, a copy of their UK passport and $15 in U.S. funds. Send to:

Patsy Heffner, Tax Collector
P.O. Box 422105
Kissimmee, FL 34742-2105

Please send a money order or cashier's check as the office cannot accept cash. The office will also accept credit cards. Please write the exact name of the credit card holder and the credit card number and expiration date. A $2 processing fee is applied to those who pay with their credit card. The office has asked that travelers give themselves a 3-week window for processing and delivery of the temporary permit.

Foreign citizens here on visitor status may also apply for a temporary permit in person at a local tax collector's office, where the visitor will need to present a copy of his or her Blue Badge (both sides) and a passport or comparable identification issued to him or herself, the owner of the permit.
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From the Florida DHSMV website... Florida DHSMV - Disabled Parking Permits for US citizens that are curious about traveling to other states.

"RECIPROCITY: Section 316.1958, Florida Statutes, provides that motor vehicles displaying a license plate or parking permit issued to a disabled person by any other state or district subject to laws of the United States shall be recognized as a valid plate or permit, allowing such vehicle the special parking privileges in Florida, provided such other state or district grants reciprocal recognition for disabled residents of this state. All of the United States have agreed to reciprocate."
 
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That is really interesting. We have had 3 homes in Florida for 20 years now. Only had need to use the Blue Badge this past 18 months. We have our own vehicle there and have always used the UK badge. We have not had any problems. However, word of advice if you want to get a temporary florida badge. Do it online. The tax office listed is in Osceola County, where we live. It will take you ages to get to and find (located in St Cloud) and the waiting times are normally horrendous.
 
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