Florida Renters’ Guide to Disability Parking Accommodations

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Florida and you have a disability, you may need accessible parking accommodations close to your unit. Both state and federal laws provide rights and protections for tenants with disabilities relating to parking access. In this guide, we’ll break down your rights, the process for requesting accessible parking, and where to seek further help if you encounter issues with your landlord or property manager.

Your Legal Rights to Accessible Parking in Florida Rentals

Under the federal Fair Housing Act and the Florida Fair Housing Act, housing providers must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. This includes requests for reserved or accessible parking spaces when your disability impairs your mobility or access.

• Landlords cannot refuse to make reasonable changes to parking arrangements for tenants with qualifying disabilities.
• You cannot be charged extra fees for a reasonable accommodation, such as a designated accessible space.
• Accommodations must be made even if the complex’s current parking rules prohibit reserved or assigned spaces.

Who Qualifies for a Parking Accommodation?

Tenants with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities that impact their mobility can request a parking accommodation. You may need to provide proof of your disability—generally, a doctor’s letter (not your detailed medical history) or a state disability tag/placard is sufficient.

How to Request an Accessible Parking Space

Requesting a reasonable accommodation should be done in writing, so there’s a record of your request. Include your name, address, the nature of your disability (without disclosing private details), what type of parking accommodation you need, and supporting documents (e.g., copy of Florida Disabled Persons Parking Permit or doctor’s note).

• You can use a simple letter or email. There is no universal Florida form, but some cities or counties offer sample requests.
• Refer to the HUD guide to reasonable accommodation for a sample letter and additional information.

Example: Reasonable Accommodation Request

If you use a wheelchair and parking is far from your unit, you can write:
"I am a resident of [address]. Due to my physical disability, I require an accessible parking space close to my residence. I am requesting a reserved space as a reasonable accommodation under state and federal law."

Forms You May Need

• Application for Disabled Person Parking Permit (Form HSMV 83039)
  If you do not already have a Florida disabled parking permit, you may need one for your accommodation request.
  Download Form HSMV 83039 (Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles). Your physician must complete part of the form. Once issued, this permit can be referenced in your accommodation request.
• Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  If your landlord refuses a reasonable parking request, you can file a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations (the official tribunal for Florida housing disputes). Download the form (PDF).
  How it's used: Submit this form online or by mail if you believe your rights under Florida Fair Housing law have been violated.

Your Rights and the Law

Landlords must comply with requests for reasonable accommodations unless they can prove doing so would cause an “undue hardship” or fundamentally alter their business. For full legislative details, see Florida Statutes § 760.23 – Discrimination in Sale or Rental of Housing.

What to Do If There’s a Dispute

If your landlord refuses to provide an accommodation, clearly document all communication. You can file a formal complaint with either:

• The Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR)
• HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

Both agencies can investigate, mediate, and enforce the law if your rights have been violated.

FAQ: Parking Accommodations for Florida Renters with Disabilities

1. Can my landlord charge me extra for an accessible parking space?
   No, landlords cannot charge additional fees for reasonable disability-related accommodations, including reserved parking spaces.
2. What proof do I need to request a reserved parking space?
   You can provide a Florida disabled parking permit or a short letter from your healthcare provider stating you need closer or accessible parking due to a disability.
3. What if my apartment complex says they do not offer reserved parking?
   State and federal fair housing laws require landlords to provide reasonable accommodations even if reserved parking is not ordinarily offered.
4. Who can help if my landlord refuses my parking request?
   You can contact the Florida Commission on Human Relations or HUD to file a discrimination complaint.
5. Do I have to renew my request every year?
   Generally, once granted, your parking accommodation remains in place unless your disability status changes. Check with your property manager to confirm their policy.

Key Takeaways for Florida Renters

• Tenants with disabilities have a clear right to accessible or reserved parking accommodations.
• Landlords cannot deny, delay, or charge extra for a reasonable disability accommodation.
• If denied, renters can file a formal complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations.

Understanding your rights and the available support can help you advocate for the reasonable parking accommodations you need.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) – Official state tribunal for housing discrimination complaints.
• HUD’s Disability Rights in Housing – Comprehensive info on federal rights and complaint filing.
• Florida Disabled Parking Permit Application Information
• Disability Rights Florida – Statewide advocacy and legal assistance

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1. Florida Fair Housing Act: Chapter 760, Part II, Florida Statutes
2. U.S. Department of Justice, Fair Housing Act: Federal Fair Housing Overview
3. Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR): Official Housing Tribunal
4. HUD Reasonable Accommodation Guidance: Official HUD Resource
5. Disabled Parking Permit Form (HSMV 83039): Florida HSMV

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