As of July 1, expectant mothers in Florida can now apply for temporary disabled parking placards, allowing them to park closer to medical buildings, grocery stores, and pharmacies. The temporary parking permits are issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), are valid for up to one year, and cost $15.
That might seem like a small change. But if you’ve ever been 36 weeks pregnant in the summer heat while chasing a toddler across a giant parking lot, you know how much this can matter.
To apply, pregnant people must complete a form and have it signed by their doctor. Once completed, the form can be brought to a local tax collector’s office or license plate agency.
It’s one of the few policies that actually acknowledges what pregnancy really feels like: physically taxing, mentally draining, and often invisible to the outside world.
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From swollen ankles and back pain to extreme fatigue, pregnancy can impact mobility in ways that are hard to explain until you’ve lived it. Many moms remember waddling across giant parking lots at 39 weeks or awkwardly unloading a toddler while 8 months pregnant. There’s the physical strain, and there’s the uncomfortable sense of being judged for needing accommodations—especially in public spaces.
Florida’s decision sends a clear message that what pregnant people go through each day is real and worthy of recognition.
That has many wondering: Why don’t more states offer this option?
Temporary placards are commonly issued to people recovering from surgery or managing short-term injuries. Pregnancy often involves similar challenges, including complications that limit mobility, yet it’s rarely included in these accommodations.
The CDC notes that many pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia or pelvic instability, impact walking or standing. Yet, accommodations are rarely offered unless there’s a severe medical diagnosis. As a result, many moms quietly suffer, powering through with gritted teeth or avoiding outings altogether.
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Florida’s move shows how straightforward support can make a real difference. Sometimes, all it takes is a space closer to the door.
We want to hear from you: Would you like to see a similar law in your state? Tell us on Instagram @mother.ly.
Sources:
- Application for Disabled Person Parking Permit (Form HSMV 83039). July 2024. Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
- Reproductive Health and the Workplace: Physical Job Demands. March 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reproductive Health and the Workplace.
