Obesity and Handicap Parking Permits in Florida
Obesity is a growing concern in the United States and is recognized as a qualifying condition for obtaining a handicap parking permit in Florida. Individuals who are significantly obese and face mobility issues due to their weight may be eligible for a disabled person parking permit in Florida.
Eligibility Requirements
We are often asked, what if I am Obese and find it difficult to walk? Am I eligible for a disabled parking permit? The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) issues handicap parking permits to eligible individuals with disabilities. The permits provide parking concessions, such as accessible parking spaces located closer to building entrances, to make it easier for individuals with disabilities to access necessary facilities and services.
To be eligible for a handicap parking permit in Florida based on obesity, individuals must have other complicating health conditions such as orthopedic or neurological, and respiratory diagnoses which limit the mobility of the patient. The mobility impairment can be due to weight-bearing joint problems, breathing problems, or other medical conditions related to obesity. The medical certification for a handicap parking permit based on obesity must be completed by a licensed healthcare provider, such as a physician or chiropractor.
Obesity can have a significant impact on joints throughout the body, including the knees, hips, and ankles. The excess weight places additional stress and pressure on these weight-bearing joints, which can lead to several health issues, including arthritis and other complications.
How Obesity Affects Joints
The primary way that obesity affects joints is by increasing the load placed on them. For every pound of body weight, the knees are subjected to about four pounds of pressure when walking. This means that an individual who is 50 pounds overweight places an additional 200 pounds of pressure on their knees with every step. This increased pressure can lead to damage and wear and tear on the joints, which can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Other Health Issues Associated with Obesity
Obesity can also contribute to the development of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears away. The excess weight can cause the cartilage to break down more quickly, leading to bone-on-bone contact and painful inflammation.
Furthermore, obesity can lead to other health issues, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which can also impact joint health. For example, diabetes can cause nerve damage, which can reduce sensation in the feet and increase the risk of foot and ankle injuries. Cardiovascular disease can cause poor circulation, which can impede the healing process for joint injuries and contribute to the development of arthritis.
Applying for a Handicap Parking Permit
The DHSMV application for a handicap parking permit requires the medical certification, as well as proof of Florida residency, such as a Florida driver’s license or ID card. The application can be submitted in person at a local DHSMV office or by mail to the DHSMV’s address listed on the application form.
HandicapDocs is a physician-owned private concierge service that assists in obtaining handicap parking permits for individuals with disabilities. We offer the service online and via telemedicine, and we make the process of obtaining a disabled parking permit easier and more efficient than going and sitting in a waiting room full of sick people.
HandicapDocs provides assistance with the entire application process. We review your medical records, cundult with you, and make a determination. If a determination is made that you qualify for a handicapped parking placard, then we fill out and sign the HSMV 83039 form and mail you an original hard copy so you can submit the document to the DMV or tag agency.
We create a medical file for you and we take this service seriously. Please don’t apply unless you have a medical condition which makes it difficult for you to walk. If you are not sure, you can always call us at 954.601.7080 and speak to one of the doctors, no charge.
In conclusion, individuals with mobility issues due to obesity may be eligible for a handicap parking permit in Florida and HandicapDocs may be able to help.
The medical certification for a permit must be completed by a licensed healthcare provider and must demonstrate that the individual’s mobility is significantly impacted by their weight. Obtaining a handicap parking permit can provide much-needed support for individuals with disabilities, including those related to obesity, and make it easier for them to access necessary services and facilities.
