Tuesday, August 6, 2013

411 PAIN Handicapped Parking

411 PAIN Handicapped Parking

People with disabilities need to have full access to all public facilities. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) establishes that disable persons have appropriate accommodations at all times. Laws vary from state to state. Some states might require the international symbol of accessibility (a person sitting on a wheelchair) painted on the parking space while others don’t. The state of Florida has special rules for handicapped parking. If you need a personal injury lawyer, contact 411 PAIN Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Clearwater, Fort Myers, Naples, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale or Miami, contact 1-800-411-PAIN.

The standard parking space in Florida is 9 x 24. While federal law only requires 8 foot in most states, Florida handicapped parking space is 12 feet wide. There is also a 5 foot aisle required between spaces. An 8 foot aisle should be reserved for van-accessible spaces in order to accommodate large wheelchairs and other equipment. Under Florida law, signs to identify the parking space should be posted 7 feet above the ground whether they are posted on a column, post, or on the ground.

In parking lots with 1-100 spaces, 1 handicapped parking space should be provided for every 25 spaces. In medical offices serving only disabled people, 20% of the parking space is set aside for handicapped parking. Offices or clinics serving other people besides the disabled reserve only 10% of their parking space for the handicapped.

In most states the fine for standing, stopping or parking in a handicap space is $250. The fine also applies for drivers using the handicap permit or license plate without the person it was intended for being in the vehicle. People with healing injuries must check the expiration date on their decals and license plates.
Contact 411 PAIN if you were injured in a car crash.