General Information

Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality, or SATH, provides recommendations for travel agents and other resources to help travelers with disabilities plan their vacations. 800-513-1126, www.sath.org

Able Trust offers helpful links to disability resources throughout the state from Florida’s Governor’s Alliance for the Employment of Citizens with Disabilities. 888-838-2253, www.abletrust.org

Florida Disabled Outdoors Association provides resources on disabled outdoor travel in Florida. www.fdoa.org/about.htm

 
Diabetic Assistance

American Diabetes Association offers information on traveling with diabetes, as well as a list of hospitals that offer services to diabetic travelers. 800-232-3472, www.diabetes.org


Dialysis Centers

Dialysis Finder’s web site lists center locations and maps by zip code. 866-889-6019, www.dialysisfinder.com


Scooters/Wheelchair Rental

Care Medical Equipment: Wheelchair and scooter rental, oxygen, other medical equipment. 800-741-2282, 407-856-2273, www.caremedicalequipment.com

Scootaround Inc.: Available in 120 Florida cities. 888-441-7575, www.scootaround.com         


Beach Wheels

Browse our visitor information listings for destinations that offer beach wheelchairs and other services or information for the physically challenged. Unlike regular wheelchairs, these “beach wheels” have special tires that don’t get stuck in sand. Beach chairs are often provided at no charge and are available to anyone unable to walk or those who possess a handicapped automobile tag.


Accessible Vehicle Rental

Most major car rental companies including Hertz and Dollar Rent A Car, can, with advance notice, provide hand-control cars.

Accessible Vans of America:

  • Miami location (Buddy’s Sunset Mobility Center), 800-240-9246, www.buddyssunsetmobility.com
  • Central locations: Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Orlando, New Smyrna Beach, Vero Beach, 866-282-8267
  • Tampa Bay locations: Clearwater, St. Petersburg, 888-992-5266. www.accessiblevans.com

Wheelchair Getaways:

  • Available in Orlando, Bradenton, Sarasota, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Daytona Beach and Melbourne, 800-242-4990
  • Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers and Naples, 800-637-7577; www.wheelchairgetaways.com

Disabled Parking Permits

Section 316.1958 Florida Statutes provides that motor vehicles displaying a license plate or parking permit issued to a disabled person by any other state or district subject to laws of the United States shall be recognized as a valid plate or permit. Information is at www.hsmv.state.fl.us/dmv/disabled_pkg.html

International travelers who have parking permits in their own country can purchase a temporary permit from any local tax office for $15. Information at floridataxcollectors.com.