Disabled Parking in Orlando for UK Visitors

[markb]

Hi

My wifes parents are going with us in May. My father in-law is registered disabled in the UK. How is the parking situation in orlando for disabled persons and would his disabled free parking badge work over there or is there something else which we could apply for?

thanks

[spondishy]

The UK disabled badge isn't officially accepted in the US. It has been known for people to park within disabled spaces at Malls and come back and find tickets on their cars even though the UK disabled badge has been displayed. Here's some info from Simon Veness on the disabled badge situation.

By all accounts, you can turn up at the offices and apply in person. Probably easier to find if you've got satnav.

And the good news is...........British visitors CAN now apply, officially and properly, in advance, by mail for the temporary disabled parking permit.

The Osceola CVB have realised it was a confusing situation and, as they are a government body like the local tax office, have liaised directly with their head tax office to authorise written requests, that will then send the necessary permit back by return mail.

It ideally needs to be sent by certified mail (i.e. so that someone signs for it on receipt at the tax office), and it must include a money order for $15 (or credit card details, see below), a copy (both sides) of your UK blue disabled badge, and a copy of your personal details in your passport (the last pages). But, once you have that done, put them all in an envelope

1) Copy of your UK disabled badge (both sides)
2) Copy of your photo ID from your passport
3) Money order for $15 payable to Osceola County Tax Collector

And send it to:

Tag Department
Osceola Tax Collector
2501 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
Kissimmee
Florida 34744
USA

You should allow for at least 4 weeks for the process to be completed and it will be valid for a full 6 months.

The phone number there is 407 742 4000 and fax 407 742 3995.

You can still apply in person, and the office hours are 8am-4.30pm Mon-Fri.

Oh, and here is the confirmation in their official document:

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN A TEMPORARY PARKING PERMIT BY A CITIZEN OF ANOTHER COUNTRY:

Administratively, a temporary disabled parking permit may be issued to a citizen of another country who is here in a visitor status. The following must be verified:

• A copy of the out-of-country parking permit. If the permit has two sides, copy both sides.
• Visually see a passport or comparable identification to verify ownership of the out-of country parking permit. A Florida driver license or ID card is not required.

NOTE: One valid temporary parking permit may be issued for up to 6 months. The fee is $15.

Here is some additional info supplied by the Osceola County CVB:

1) The Osceola Tax Collector pays the postage fee for the mailing from the US to the UK. UK applicants do not have to provide an extra fee for postage.
2) They suggest to get the application in 4 weeks prior to the trip. The office has a 1-2 day turnaround on the applications but they said to allow for the extra time just in case.
3) They require a U.S. money order for $15 made to the Osceola County Tax Collector. Applicants can pay by credit card. They ask that applicants provide name on the credit card, credit card number, and expiration date. There is an additional $2 fee charged for applicants using their credit cards.

[lesley]

Hi I am new to this site but I have some advice for anyone who requires a temporary parking permit. I went to Orlando last year at short notice. I e-mailed the Osceola County Tax Office (nsalazar@osceola.org) who were very helpful. I faxed all the required information to them and received the permit within a week. I am returning again in October and because it is within 12 month period I do not have to pay the fee. Hope this is helpful.
Lesley.

[spondishy]

That is really fantastic news and a great help. Thanks for the info Lesley.

[JSBURTON]

Hi

Was glad to find info on disabled parking. I have left it to late to apply on-line so will go to Kissimmee office when we get there.

Do you know if there is special disabled parking bays at Disney / Universal parks and what are the laws regarding parking in the likes of Kissimmee?

Will be happy to get any further info you think will be of help to someone with limited mobility visiting Florida.

Thanks.

[spondishy]

There's definitely disabled parking at Disney and Universal.

[Mandy Allebone]

Hi all,

I'm traveling to Orlando in May this year and have rented an adapted vehicle due to the fact that my brother is wheelchair bound.

On previous trips to Orlando, just me and my husband, I have noticed that disabled vehicles have a disabled symbol on the licence plate.

My question is do I need a temporary disabled parking permit or will my vehicle not require one?

[grahamcleveleys]

Thanks for the helpfull advice , travelling to Orlando in September, and have always used my UK blue badge in the past, didnt know the rules had changed, thanks again

[spondishy]

Please be advised that all correspondence should now be directed to Samantha at sjewell@osceola.org or Sheryl at srivera@osceola.org. We are now handling issuance of temporary parking permits for out of country residents. We look forward to assisting you in your needs. If you are unable to reach us or do not receive a response within 24 hours, please email webinfo@osceola.org or call our main office at (407) 742-4000.

You may apply for a temporary disabled parking permit through our office if you will be visiting our state from another country. To receive the disabled parking permit by mail before your trip, please provide the following for the disabled individual:

· A copy of your valid parking placard/badge (front and back)

· A copy of your valid passport including the picture and biography page (not the visa)

· Your home address and telephone number

· The temporary address you will use while staying in Florida

· The date of your arrival and departure

$15.00 in US Funds -- Money order, check, or debit/credit card (American Express, Discover or MasterCard) is acceptable. There is a 2.5 % service fee if using credit or debit card. (If you wish to mail a check or money order, please make payable to Patsy Heffner, CFC) Unfortunately, as of May 1, 2009, we NO LONGER ACCEPT VISA.


*** Please do not email your credit card details as email correspondence is public record.

The above requirements may be mailed to:
Patsy Heffner Tax Collector
Attn: Samantha or Sheryl
1300 9th Street, Ste. 101-B
St. Cloud, FL 34769

If you prefer, you may email the documents as scanned attachments. You may also fax the information to (407) 892-8076. We will email a confirmation that documents have been received and are acceptable. Thank you and have a beautiful day!

If you send information to our main office, it will be forwarded to St. Cloud office for processing. Temporary parking permits for out of country residents are only valid for 3 months from issue date. (Only US Citizen temporary permits are valid up to 6 months) You may renew a permit within 12 months for NO FEE.


Thanks for the information Sam. Great news that we have an official response for drivers with disabled passes who are coming to Orlando from outside the US.