Airport Parking Benefits for Disabled Veterans

Disabled veterans can access free or discounted airport parking in several states, with benefits ranging from full fee exemptions to percentage-based discounts. Louisiana provides free parking at all air carrier airports for veterans with a 50% or higher service-connected disability when they show an airline ticket and proof of disability. Florida law requires public airports to grant free parking to vehicles displaying a disabled veteran (DV) license plate. However, these benefits are not uniform nationwide and some airports have recently scaled back or restructured their programs due to high costs.

Which States Offer Airport Parking Benefits for Disabled Veterans?

Louisiana: Free Parking with 50%+ Disability Rating

Louisiana law provides a clear, statewide benefit for disabled veterans. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 29:27.1, all air carrier airports must provide free parking for a disabled veteran, their vehicle, and passengers when the veteran provides:

• Proof of a service-connected disability of 50% or more, AND
• An airline ticket showing departure and return dates

Acceptable proof of disability includes:

• A military honor license plate (as provided in R.S. 47:490.4 and 490.31)
• A disabled veteran identification card issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• A completed certificate from the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs certifying the disability rating

In 2024, Louisiana removed a prior 10-day parking limit, replacing it with the requirement that the veteran show an airline ticket with departure and return dates .

Florida: Free Parking with DV License Plates

Florida has one of the most veteran-friendly airport parking policies in the country. Under Florida Statute 316.1964(8), public airports must grant free parking to vehicles displaying a disabled veteran (DV) license plate . This is a statewide requirement, not an airport-specific policy.

However, the exact application can vary by airport:

• St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport: Free parking for vehicles with DV license plates
• Jacksonville International Airport: Disabled veterans with DV tags displaying the wheelchair symbol receive free parking in all lots, including hourly and daily garages. Veterans with DV tags without the wheelchair symbol receive free parking in the daily garage, daily surface lot, or economy lots. Hourly garage access will be restored once construction is complete
• Orlando International Airport: Offers free parking to disabled veterans with DV plates

Tennessee: Proposed Expansion

Tennessee is currently considering legislation (SB 0987) that would exempt vehicles displaying disabled veteran or military award license plates from airport parking fees. The bill would apply to municipalities and airport authorities (other than federal government). Eligible plates include Disabled Veteran, Congressional Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star (Valor), and others .

Minnesota: Targeted Proposal

A Minnesota bill (HF4228) proposes to waive parking fees at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport specifically for veterans with a total service-connected disability .

Recent Changes at Major Airports

San Antonio International Airport (2025 Update)

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) launched an updated Disabled Veteran & Military Plates Parking Program on November 1, 2025. Previously, veterans could receive up to 30 days of free parking in any lot. Under the new program:

• Complimentary parking up to 30 days in economy lots
• 50% discount in long-term garage
• 25% discount in short-term garage
• Purple Heart and POW parking remains complimentary

Important: Enrollment is required to receive these benefits. Veterans must sign up online or in person, and processing takes 3-5 business days. Standard rates apply without enrollment, and refunds are not granted .

The change came after the program cost the airport approximately $54 million over six years (2019-2024), nearly doubling from $7.7 million to $14.8 million annually .

How to Access Airport Parking Benefits

1. Check your state's laws: Not all states offer airport parking benefits. Louisiana and Florida have clear statewide mandates. Other states have airport-specific policies.

2. Get the right license plate: Most programs require a DV (Disabled Veteran) license plate. Contact your state DMV for application requirements.

3. Carry proof of disability: In addition to your license plate, carry your VA identification card or benefits letter. Louisiana requires an airline ticket and proof of disability for free parking.

4. Check airport policies before travel: Even in states with statewide laws, individual airports may have specific procedures. Jacksonville International Airport, for example, has different rules for DV plates with and without wheelchair symbols .

5. Consider pre-enrollment: If traveling through San Antonio International, enroll in the program online at FlySATParking.com/DV at least 5 days before your trip .

FAQ

Does every airport offer free parking for disabled veterans?

No. Airport parking benefits are determined by state law and individual airport policies. Louisiana and Florida have statewide mandates requiring free parking for qualifying disabled veterans. Other states and airports have their own programs some offer discounts, others require enrollment, and many do not offer any specific benefit .

What do I need to get free parking at an airport?

In states with free parking benefits, you typically need:

• A disabled veteran (DV) license plate issued by your state
• A government-issued ID
• Proof of military service
• Some airports may require airline tickets or pre-enrollment

Do I need to pre-enroll for airport parking as a disabled veteran?

It depends on the airport. San Antonio International Airport requires pre-enrollment to receive discounted rates. Florida airports generally do not require pre-enrollment the benefit is tied to your DV license plate .

Can I park free at private airport parking facilities?

Most state laws and airport policies apply only to airport-owned or publicly operated parking facilities. Private off-site parking companies are not subject to the same requirements and set their own policies.

Are there limits on how long I can park for free?

Some airports impose limits. Louisiana previously had a 10-day limit but removed it in 2024, replacing it with proof of airline ticket requirement . San Antonio International allows up to 30 days in economy lots .

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or tax advice. It is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. State and airport policies change always verify current details with your airport before travel. For individual assistance, seek a VSO (DAV, VFW, American Legion, etc.) or a qualified tax professional.