For many expecting mothers, the world doesn’t stop turning when you become pregnant. There are children to care for, groceries to buy and houses to clean. Life continues and the needs of your family continue as well.
But when you find yourself walking to Publix from the back of the parking lot (in your third trimester), it feels like something should be different. Unfortunately though, there’s nothing to be done — until now. And this new Florida law could change everything.
What Is the New Law?
This new law which took effect on July 1, 2025, allows pregnant women to be given temporary handicap parking permits, lessening the likelihood of having to walk long distances in Florida’s extreme heat, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The permits will be available for up to one year and will cost $15.
“Trying to get from the back of the parking lot, already huffing and puffing with a big belly, with a 3-year-old, just takes a lot,” said Alyssa Camacho, in an interview with WCTV. “So parking a lot closer will definitely be a lot easier.”
Who Will this Law Impact?
According to WCTV, the new law will affect over 200,000 pregnant women across the state of Florida. According to the Volusia County Tax Collector Office, there are currently 1.3 million disabled permits issued to Floridians, so the new law could raise this number to around 1.5 million annually.
Though the increase in disabled permits may cause Floridians with existing permits to feel some uncertainty about finding handicap parking, pregnant women like Camacho are aware of their environment before using the parking permit.
“I try to be very aware of my surroundings. I know on certain sides of town there are a lot more elderly people on that side versus where I live,” she said.
Remaining cognizant of your surroundings and the area around you can help make this new law as beneficial for everyone as possible. If you are in an area with an increased population of elderly Floridians and are still able to park close to the store, it may be courteous to park elsewhere.
How to Obtain a Permit
Pregnant women who wish to obtain a temporary disabled parking permit must fill out the Application for Expectant Mother Parking Permit – HSMV 83040, which can be found at flhsmv.gov/resources/forms. The form must be signed by a licensed physician in the state of Florida. Once filled out, it can be submitted to your local tax collector office or license plate agency.
There is no doubt that the state of Florida has made great strides in accessibility for pregnant women — making their lives just a bit easier while they could be experiencing major physical and emotional stress. If pregnant, contact your physician so you can start feeling a little more peace of mind today!