Florida law sparks debate over disabled parking for pregnant women

FORT MYERS - A new Florida law designed to help expecting mothers is sparking a heated legal battle.

Since July, thousands of temporary disabled parking permits have been issued to pregnant women across the state. However, disability advocates argue that this well-intentioned change is reducing access to spaces they depend on.

The law, which took effect last year, allows pregnant women to apply for temporary disabled parking permits for a $15 fee, valid for up to one year. While supporters see it as compassionate, critics call it dangerous.

Olivia Keller, a resident of Leon County who was born without arms and uses a power wheelchair, has filed a lawsuit against the law. "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," said Keller.

Keller argues that pregnancy does not meet the legal definition of a disability under the ADA and that Florida cannot change that standard. "For me, needing the access aisle. I literally can't get out of my car if I can't find a place to park... I can't do my job. I can't go to the grocery store," she said.

Community members acknowledge the limited access and understand both sides of the debate. Michelle Wood, a resident, said, "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."

Advocates emphasize that this is not a fight against pregnant women but a call for separate solutions and more accessibility. Paula Hyre, another resident, said, "There is not enough parking for handicap in this Florida area where there is a lot of elderly people."

The state has filed a motion to dismiss Keller's lawsuit, but that request was recently denied. The debate continues over who gets access and who's left waiting.