According to the 2021 Florida Statutes, "It is unlawful for any person to stop, stand, or park a vehicle within, or to obstruct, any such specially designated and marked parking space provided, unless the vehicle displays a disabled parking permit or a license plate.

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As many international students may not know, disabled people have many privileges that normal people do not have. For instance, only disabled people claim the right to park in the handicapped parking lots as long as they have a disabled parking plate hanging in their car.

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When my friend first drove me to Costco, parking lots were full and people were waiting in line. I found out there were a few rows of parking spaces painted blue, but only a few cars parked there. I wondered why didn't the cars in line parking there. Later, I was informed by my friend that those parking spaces painted blue on the borders were for disabled people only. Only the people who got the disabled parking license in their car were able to park there. Even if you are a disabled person without receiving a disabled parking plate in your car, it will still be seen as a violation of Chapter 316.1955 Section 1 of the 2021 Florida Statutes. The laws intended to give disabled people convenience and no need to spend more time seeking parking spaces in public.​

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If we accidentally park our cars in the handicapped parking lots, the penalties are severe and non-negotiable. "A law enforcement officer may confiscate the offender's disabled parking permit. Penalties for a second-degree misdemeanor include up to 60 days in jail, a minimum of $250 and up to a $500 fine, and up to six months probations."

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Back in China, we don't have such a law that defends disabled people's rights. In fact, disabled people are considered exactly the same as normal people do in the US and we shouldn't discriminate against or despise them in the real life. Even if disabled people do possess some privileges that normal people do not benefit from, laws protect their losses and make them more convenient in living.

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Read More:

Disabled Person Parking Permits in Florida

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