Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
A vehicle with a valid disabled parking permit or plate that is transporting the permit holder may park at an on-street meter free for up to 4 hours; local governments may extend that. Some facilities may still charge.
- The exemption applies only if the vehicle is transporting the person the permit was issued to.
- Placard holders can still be penalized in bus loading zones, fire zones, access aisles and posted No Parking zones.
- Parking lots and garages for events at stadiums, arenas and similar venues, and airports, may charge permit holders.
- Cities and counties may charge permit holders in timed parking lots or garages, with some exceptions.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“a vehicle properly displaying a disabled parking permit is allowed a maximum of 4 hours at no charge” (Florida Statutes Sec. 316.1964(5))
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
FLHSMV issues permits for long-term mobility impairment (up to 4 years) and temporary permits (up to 6 months). Other states' permits are recognized if that state reciprocates, but not for people who must hold Florida licenses or registration.
- A person must be certified as legally blind or as having a qualifying disability.
- A person required by law to have a Florida driver license or Florida vehicle registration cannot use another state's permit.
- Officers must check whether the vehicle is transporting an out-of-state permit owner before ticketing.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“to any person who has long-term mobility impairment, or a temporary disabled parking permit not to exceed 6 months” (Florida Statutes Sec. 320.0848(1)(a))
“are recognized as displaying a valid license plate or permit, that allows such a vehicle special parking privileges” (Florida Statutes Sec. 316.1958)
Time limits and overtime
How long can I stay in a time-limited space, and what happens if I overstay?
We could not find a statewide time limit; cities set them. Example city: Jacksonville's Office of Public Parking says that after staying the allowed time in a timed zone, you must leave and not return within 12 hours.
- This describes Jacksonville only, not a Florida state rule.
- The same page says a disabled placard does not extend the posted time in a timed parking zone.
- Follow the time posted on the sign.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“You will need to leave the area and not return within a 12 hour period.” (Example city: Jacksonville - Office of Public Parking, Do's and Don'ts)
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
Snow rules do not apply in most of Florida, and we found no statewide street-cleaning rule. Example city: Miami Beach puts weekday morning parking restrictions on certain streets in Flamingo Park and North Beach for street sweeping.
- This describes Miami Beach only, not a Florida state rule.
- The city page says the program affects parking on alternate sides of the streets.
- Check the city's street cleaning page and posted signs for your block.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
We could not find a statewide rule; cities set them. Example city: Tampa has Permit Parking Only zones where residents in the mapped boundaries can get permits, two permits and two guest permits per address.
- This describes Tampa only, not a Florida state rule.
- Your address must be inside a zone's boundaries to qualify.
- The page does not state overnight hours; check the signs in your zone.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Your address must be within these boundaries to qualify for PPO Zone permits.” (Example city: Tampa - Existing Permit Parking Only (PPO) Zones)
“Two (2) permits each per residential address.” (Example city: Tampa - Existing Permit Parking Only (PPO) Zones)
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
State law bars parking within 15 feet of a hydrant, in front of driveways, on sidewalks and in intersections. An accessible-space violation carries a $100 fine or the county's set amount. Private-property towing needs posted signs; rates are regulated locally.
- A vehicle in an accessible space can be removed, and removal and storage costs become a lien against the vehicle.
- For private-property tows, signs must be posted at driveway access points and kept up at least 24 hours before towing.
- Counties and municipalities may add their own towing rules, including towing rates.
- How to get a car back and what it costs depends on the local tow rules.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.” (Florida Statutes Sec. 316.1945)
“One hundred dollars or the fine amount designated by county ordinance, plus court costs for illegally parking” (Florida Statutes Sec. 318.18(6))
“These requirements are minimum standards and do not preclude enactment of additional regulations by any municipality or county” (Florida Statutes Sec. 715.07)
Ask about parking rules
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General information, not legal advice. Local signs and ordinances always apply.
