Florida Law: Do Disabled Permits Allow Free Metered Parking?

ORLANDO, Fla. – Disabled parking permits can make daily travel easier for people who need accessible accommodations, including by providing access to designated parking spaces.

Earlier this year, a News 6 viewer asked about a rumor: “I heard that if you have a disabled parking decal, you can park for free on the street.”

So, is that claim accurate?

Yes—but there are important limitations.

Florida law prohibits local governments from charging a fee at a public metered parking space when the vehicle displays a valid disabled parking permit.

The exemption applies for four hours. Once that period ends, the vehicle must follow standard parking regulations unless the local government has chosen to provide a longer exemption.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Mothers Seek Compensation for Children Born With Birth Defects

Drivers should also remember that these protections do not cover privately operated parking lots or garages. Always check the posted rules before leaving your vehicle.

State law also sets separate requirements for airport parking.

Although publicly operated airports may charge vehicles displaying disabled parking decals, they must provide free parking to a vehicle:

• equipped with specialized devices, such as ramps, lifts, or foot or hand controls, for use by a person with a disability

• displaying a Florida Toll Exemption permit