Posted on 01/17/2026 9:23:22 AM PST by simpson96
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. (WSVN) - A Florida woman who lives with a disability said a new law that allows pregnant women to apply for temporary disabled parking permits threatens her ability to live independently, according to a lawsuit.
“I just feel very strongly that pregnancy is not a disability, I just want to be able to park up front,” said State Rep. Fiona McFarland in 2025.
That moment from a State House committee meeting in March helped lay the foundation for a new law that allows expecting mothers to apply for temporary disabled parking permits for a $15 fee. The permits would be valid for one year.
While supporters called the measure a compassionate change to assist expecting mothers, critics said the law is dangerous, taking limited spots away from residents with disabilities who rely on having access to them.
Olivia Keller, who lives in Leon County, was born without arms. She uses a power wheelchair to move around and said this new law threatens her ability to live independently, which is why she’s filed a lawsuit.
“I can’t do my job, I can’t go to the grocery store, and for me needing the access aisle, I literally can’t get out of my car if I can’t find a place to park,” said Keller. “They’re not perks. They’re not our reward for having a disability. These are spaces that we need in order to function in our day-to-day lives.”
In the suit, Keller argues pregnancy does not meet the legal definition of a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and that Florida cannot change that standard.
“It’s not for our convenience. There is no accommodation that is going to make my life easy. This makes it possible,” said Keller.
Other residents in the community said they understand the concern on both sides, but agree access to parking spots for both residents with disabilities and expecting mothers is already limited in many areas.
“We need more for anybody, disability, even pregnant, anybody, you know, it’s just, it’s too much, it’s too hard to carry everything,” said resident Michelle Wood.
Advocates against the new law said this is not a fight to keep expecting mothers from accessing closer parking spots, but instead a call for a separate solution and more overall accessibility.
“There is not enough parking for handicap, especially in this Florida area where there is a lot of elderly people,” said resident Paula Hyre.
Attorneys for the state filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, but that request was denied.
Even more ride those scooters in the stores.
Where I live there are large numbers of elderly. Handicapped access is tight, and I frequently cant get a spot, although I do have some pretty severe issues going on with my legs. It’s not the end of the world, but it can be discouraging. The only place I won’t use handicapped parking is at the local VA Clinic, because I am in good shape compared to some of the Vets with missing limbs, etc.
Women who are at least 8 months pregnant or even women with with children under 3 months should use those spots. Those spots sit empty most often. And you try to get around when you are 8 months pregnant. There are lots of people who wheelchairs using those spots. But the reality is that is misleading. Most usage of those spots are people who do not have wheelchairs. They have other conditions that are frankly similar to late pregnancy or struggling with young children.
I have a hang tag and if someone questions my disability I tell them I can’t see. And then walk away.
Home Depot has a couple of Veteran Only parking spots near the front entrance. I’m okay with that providing they have some decal or something. There was a report where this one woman was incensed being accused of using a spot saying she was a veteran but with no vehicle ID saying she was.
I agree with the ACTUALLY disabled lady. If someone had told my mom she was disabled when she was pregnant, she’d have laughed her ass off. Woke-ism is outrageous.
The reality is that pregnant people are not often fighting for the same spots and at the same times as elderly people. If someone is 8 months pregnant they should get one of those tags for 5 months to handle the pregnancy and the firs few months of motherhood. And definitely if you have had a c-section. The elderly and I count myself, we can often go out during the slow times. I rarely leave the house on Friday afternoons or Saturday to fight with the working crowd. You see us at 10 am on the road or in stores when its empty. Our doctors are not the same. So often we do not fight for the same spots. I remember the days when we had 4 kids under 5 years old. You try to manage a parking lot. Then imagine if your pregnant.
What idiot cane up with this?
I feel strongly that the handicap parking laws need severely amended. They want up front parking then go miles and miles into these big box stores.
The law ought to imply be a handicap person may use multiple parking spots if needed. That’s it.
We have a lot of disabled parking spots not being used. There are too many of them.
I was. Pregnancy caused all sorts of health problems for me.
I never thought of getting a handicap spot but thinking back I should have.
Good doctor. Lol
I’ll take things that never happen for $100.
I wanted those spots when I was 8 months pregnant and had another child. I think a temporary access to disability parking is appropriate for late trimester or endangered pregnancy is advisable. There are MANY situations where TEMPORARY disability access should be given.
Disabled is disabled, be it temporary, situational or permanent.
How many people are “disabled” because they are morbidly obese?
Some people have heart issues that don’t show, but they still need to have close access.
😂. Well, I’m ready just in case. 👍
Obviously. I think there are a lot of lazy asses who game the system though.
Lol
I have parked in the spaces marked for people with children when all the handicapped spaces are gone. I happen to have children (they are adults) so I qualify,8-). Put the handicap placard out and dare anyone to question it when spouse gets out with a cane.
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