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Florida moms-to-be who find themselves battling swollen feet, fatigue, or the simple challenge of hauling kids and groceries across hot parking lots now have a new option. A law that took effect this summer allows pregnant women — and even those recovering after childbirth — to qualify for temporary special parking permits.
For many women, the change couldn’t come soon enough.
“Every pregnancy is different. Sometimes it’s swollen feet, sometimes it’s high risk complications,” said mom Tiffany Hubert. “Either way, just getting around can be exhausting.”
Other parents say the difficulties don’t stop at delivery. From loading car seats to rushing to pediatric appointments, recovery and newborn care can make even a short walk from the far end of a parking lot overwhelming.
“It’s not just about the pregnancy,” said Julia Wolff, also a mom. “You might have a newborn, a toddler, and all their gear. Making the pregnant mom walk the furthest doesn’t help anyone.”
The new law was championed by State Representative Fiona McFarland of Sarasota, who drew on her own struggles as a mom of four.
“I remember being nine months pregnant in August and feeling like I couldn’t even leave the house,” McFarland said. “I tried to see if I could qualify for a handicap decal — in Florida you couldn’t, but in other states you could. That didn’t make sense, so I decided to change it here.”
After passing through the legislature, the law officially went into effect this summer.
“In those final weeks of pregnancy, many women do face mobility challenges,” McFarland explained. “And after birth, when you’re juggling a newborn and maybe a toddler, it can be just as hard. This is about making life a little easier during a really demanding time.”
To apply, expectant or postpartum mothers must complete a short form with their doctor, available online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The paperwork is then submitted to the local tax collector’s office.
The temporary pass is valid for up to one year, with the exact expiration determined by the physician. There’s a $15 fee at the tax collector’s office, and some medical practices may also charge a service fee for completing the paperwork.
Local parents say the law is a commonsense measure.
“I think it’s great,” said Tampa resident Mike Casey. “Good for the women, good for families. It’s just practical.”
Supporters believe the law finally acknowledges a real — but often overlooked — need.
“They probably haven’t really been recognized as having that kind of a need before,” Wolff said. “This is about supporting moms, not making things harder.”
