If a Florida vacation is in your future, find out if you’re eligible for these Sunshine State travel discounts. Although they’re relatively easy to obtain, if you don’t know how or where to apply, you’ll miss out on some serious savings entirely.
Save at the toll booth
First of all, if you have a significant dexterity disability, you may be eligible for a free pass when it comes to Florida’s toll roads. The disabled toll permit saves drivers time and money; And although it is often overlooked by visitors, it is easy to obtain if you meet the minimum requirements.
To qualify for a disabled toll permit, you must have:
- A valid driver’s license
- An upper extremity or dexterity disability that prevents you from throwing coins into a toll booth basket
- An adapted vehicle
The permit is valid for five years and can be used at staffed toll booths throughout the state. Simply show your permit to the toll booth operator and you’re ready to go. For more information about the disabled toll permit, call (800) 983-2435.
Once you receive your Disabled Toll Permit, you can also apply for a Sun Pass non-revenue mini transponder. There is a $4.95 fee for this electronic device that attaches to the windshield and allows users to drive through unstaffed toll booths at no charge.
For more information about a nonprofit Sun Pass mini transponder, call the Florida Transportation Disadvantaged Commission at (561) 488-5344.
State Parks Savings
Additionally, veterans with a service-connected disability can receive a free military entrance pass, good for admission to all state parks in Florida. This lifetime pass is valid for park admission for up to eight people, except at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife and Weeki Wachee Springs parks, where it is valid for up to two people.
Proof of identification, service-connected disability, and honorable discharge is required. Acceptable documentation includes:
- Current driver’s license.
- Documentation from the Department of Defense or other appropriate service-connected disability agency.
- DD Form 214 showing honorable discharge.
The military entrance pass can only be obtained in person at any state park in Florida. Surviving spouses and parents of US military members who have been killed in action are also eligible for this pass.
Honorably discharged veterans can also receive a 25% discount on individual or family passes. These passes, which are valid for one year, are used to enter all the parks. A valid driver’s license and a DD 214 form are required to obtain the discount; and like the military entry pass, it can only be obtained in person.
And if you don’t qualify for any of those passes, but plan to visit several Florida state parks, you can still save some money by purchasing an individual or family annual pass. These passes are valid for one year and can be purchased at the entrance of any state park. The individual pass is priced at $60, while the family pass is $120.
So plan ahead, bring your paperwork, and rack up some savings on your next Florida vacation.