Florida drivers with disabilities could gain parking protections under bill

A House Commerce Committee approved a provision in a transportation bill (HB 543) that would bar towing or ticketing of vehicles with permanently installed mobility access equipment when they occupy more than one space and would allow double-parking when reasonably necessary.

Lawmakers on a House committee approved part of a Florida transportation bill that would add parking protections for drivers who use specially equipped vehicles. The provision would bar towing or ticketing of vehicles with permanently installed mobility access equipment when they occupy more than one parking space. It would also allow drivers to double-park when reasonably necessary, including when no designated accessible spaces are available. The language was included in HB 543 and was approved by the House Commerce Committee; Rep. Rachel Plakon sponsored the proposal and cited constituent Sylvia Longmore, whose car was towed from an Orlando airport. Key details: - The measure would prohibit towing or ticketing of vehicles with "permanently installed mobility access equipment" if they take up more than one parking spot. - It would allow people using such vehicles to double-park "when reasonably necessary," including when no designated parking spots are available. - The provision was included in HB 543 and approved by the House Commerce Committee. - Rep. Rachel Plakon sponsored the proposal and referenced a constituent, Sylvia Longmore, whose vehicle was reportedly towed from an Orlando airport. - Disability advocate Olivia Keller said the proposal does not address a broader shortage of designated accessible parking; she noted state law ties increases to "demonstrated and documented need" and said designated spaces are about 2 percent but should be 7 to 10 percent. - Keller is a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit challenging a 2025 law that allows pregnant women to use parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities; the lawsuit alleges the law violates federal protections. Summary: The provision would protect drivers who use mobility-equipped vehicles from towing or ticketing and permit reasonable double-parking, while advocates say it does not resolve a wider shortage of designated accessible spaces. Undetermined at this time.