Blue Badge holder in UK - what to do in Florida?

[WDWFOREVER]

I have searched this Forum but can't seem to find an answer to my question so apologies if this has been asked before.

I have just been issued with a Blue Badge by my local council to enable me to park in disabled parking bays.

My question is this: can I go anywhere when I arrive in Florida next month to get a temporary pass to use while on holiday? I don't have a wheelchair but walk with sticks and suffer with osteoarthritis and gout plus other conditions and am better some days than others. Just as I don't intend using my blue badge all the time (especially when I am having a good day which I have to admit happens less and less these days), I wouldn't want to use it all the time in Florida. However, it would be useful on the occasions when I really need to be near something. I manage the parks by frequent stopping although I may need to consider a wheelchair.

Any help you can give me would be much appreciated!

 

[tinksfriend]

Just put you're Blue Badge in your Windscreen and away you go!!
The Blue Badge is recognised in Florida (everywhere we went it was!) You don't need anything else.

 

[WDWFOREVER]

Thanks for that! I'll certainly take it with me. I was just scared of getting a parking ticket as I know they are much less tolerant of people misusing disabled parking bays in the States than they are here! People seem to get away with anything in England!

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Originally posted by tinksfriend
Just put you're Blue Badge in your Windscreen and away you go!!
The Blue Badge is recognised in Florida (everywhere we went it was!) You don't need anything else.

Yes you do!!!

To quote from Virgin Airway's notes for disabled passengers

In order to obtain a US parking badge you will need to visit a local Tag Office. You will need to take your own UK OrangeBadge/Blue Badge, a doctor's letter to confirm your medical details and some photo identification. The fee for the 90-day temporary badge is approx $15.00 and should be displayed on the rear view mirror.

Auto Tag Office
11301 South Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando 32837
Tel: (497) 836 4145
Mon-Fri 08:30-17:30 (Bank holidays may differ)


Disney parking will accept UK badges without question, but I have heard tales of people being towed from parking spaces at shopping malls etc (I assume towing in USA is as lucrative as clamping in the UK)

That said, I too have used my Orange badge in USA without trouble in the past. All US states reciprocate recognition of handicap tags/badges, but not ones from overseas. The official line is that must have a temporary tag.

Andrew

 

[WDWFOREVER]

Andrew - thank you for posting and for the information. I will do that just in case I get clamped - can't think of a worse thing to happen on holiday!