Florida Guide > Miscellaneous
Disabled and Able-Bodied Assistance
Just in case the inevitable Breakdown happens:
All information written is from the Florida Drivers Handbook
1. If possible park where the disabled vehicle can be seen for 200 feet in each direction
2. Move the vehicle so all four wheels are off the pavement
3. Turn on your emergency flashers
4. Get all passengers out on the side away from traffic
5. Tie a white cloth on the left door handle or antenna
6. Raise the hood
Well some of these are amazing BUT they are straight out of the Florida Drivers handbook. Don't forget at all times you must have your Hire car agreement and your drivers licence with you. It would be advisable to have a supply of water with you in the car just in case of such instances to prevent dehydration when you are stuck on the roadside waiting for help. Also some shading device i.e hats, umbrella. As you are aware there is no central reservation on a lot of the roads so beware of traffic coming form both directions and don’t venture into those ditches in the middle of the grass central reservation as they could be boggy.
Use of the Blue Badge System
Have you ever tried to use the European system in Florida. I have, even though it isn't officially recognised in Florida. We were ignorant of the fact in Jan 03 and used it to park at the attractions in particular Sea World really good, staff were polite and helpful directing us through the special car park route to the parking area. Parking really close to the main entrance as well.
However in reality it is not recognised for on street parking but we found this wasn’t really a problem as they know what the UK disabled badge system is. In order to use it officially you need to present your Blue badge to a tax collectors office, along with some photographic ID such as a passport and a 90day permit will be issued for a fee of $15.
There is no national scheme and most States operate their own system and they may vary considerably. It is up to the authorities if they recognise disabled motorists badges from other countries however they do endeavour apparently to accommodate disabled visitors from the UK, they are not obliged to do so.
If you are planning for future trips contact the following:
American Automobile Association - 407 444 8036
US Embassy - 0207 499 9000
Florida Tourist Board
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