Florida is days into allowing pregnant women to apply for an “expectant mother parking permit” and the reactions are mixed.
The law went into effect on July 1, and allows pregnant women to use accessible parking spaces for up to one year after the date of issuance.
“Having experienced pregnancy in the heat of Florida, I can relate to the challenge of navigating a large parking lot while nine months pregnant. It’s especially tough if you have other children in tow and need to haul gear from the far end of the lot, while passing by unused handicap parking,” shared State Rep. Fiona McFarland with FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
Women who do plan to apply for and use a temporary placard must pay a one-time fee of $15.
A woman walks in the street with a child in New York City, on June 22, 2025. (KENA BETANCUR/AFP)
“Friend we don’t have to waddle so far,” one woman said while tagging another Facebook user.
Meanwhile, on the Seminole County Tax Collector’s post about the temporary permits, someone said, “Seriously? Pregnancy is not a disability!”
Designated Handicapped Parking and Drop off zone, DIA art center, Beacon, New York. (Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group)
In Florida, tax collectors are designated agents for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. This role allows them to offer motor vehicle division services within their offices.
Expectant mother Danielle Marple mentioned to FOX 13, “I’ve been fortunate with my health, so I believe it’s crucial to stay mobile and do your best to remain active, if possible.”
“I’m glad that there are people who, if they need the assistance, they can have it, but I certainly hope it’s just not abused and that the people who have the disabilities or need the help are able to get it,” she said.
