New legislation calls for documentation when renewing

Tampa, FL (July , 2012) Beginning October  1, 2012, new legislation changes the requirements for  obtaining and renewing a “blue” permanent disabled parking permit.  The changes require all persons in need of a permanent disabled parking permit to submit an application (form HSMV 83039) completed and signed by a certified medical provider within the last 12 months.   In addition, permit renewals are no longer available online.  Permit holders will have to renew by mail or visit a branch office to submit a new application every four years.

Tax Collector Doug Belden states, “This new law change means we will see an increase in customers visiting the Tax Collector offices and since the blue four-year permit is issued free of charge, it will result in an increase in operational cost to the office.”   The new law does not affect “red” temporary disabled parking permits or anyone with disabled (wheelchair) license plates.  More than 1.3 million Floridians currently have permanent blue disabled parking permits.  As of July 2012, there were 71,984 blue permanent disabled parking permits and 1,853 red temporary disabled parking permits issued in Hillsborough County.

The legislation also directs DHSMV to collect calls reporting abuse of the permits. Calls should be placed to the DHSMV Customer Service Center at (850) 617-3803 or visit the “Parking Permit” section of the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s website to report online.   Illegally obtaining or using a permit can result in the loss of the parking permit and carries the potential for criminal penalties as outlined in Florida Statute 320.0848.

For more information, visit the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s web site at www.hillstax.org or call 813.635.5200.