Measure Cracks Down On Disabled Parking Fraudsters

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) -- A measure that seeks to crack down on able-bodied people who use disabled parking permits was approved unanimously Thursday by the Senate Transportation Budget Subcommittee.

The measure (SB 226) by Sen. Gwen Margolis, D-Miami, among other provisions, calls for an audit every 6 months of random permit holders to make sure people haven't continued to use the permits of people who have died, or stopped driving, for example.

"I've seen the problem that (Sen.) Margolis is trying to resolve," said Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, whose wife uses a wheelchair.

"Anyone who wrongfully uses a handicap parking permit is quite literally taking the space of somebody who needs that space."

The measure is headed to the full Senate Budget Committee.

"The News Service of Florida contributed to this report."