Benefits · Transportation
How to apply for Hardee County Transportation (NU-HOPE TD + Heartland Rides Network)
NU-HOPE Elder Care Services, Inc. (Hardee County designated TD operator under Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged); Heartland Rides regional information and referral hub
Who it's for
Hardee County does not operate a fixed-route public bus system — transit options are coordinated through NU-HOPE Elder Care Services, Inc., the local nonprofit that operates Hardee County's Florida Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) service under the same operational umbrella that serves neighboring Highlands County. NU-HOPE provides curb-to-curb shared-ride transportation for seniors age 60 and older, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents to medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential destinations. Hardee's small population (~27,000 residents — one of the smallest counties in the modeled FL cluster) means transit capacity is limited and advance scheduling is essential. Heartland Rides (heartlandrides.org), a regional partnership created in 2020 by the Central Florida Regional Planning Council, is the central information and referral hub for understanding all Hardee transportation options across NU-HOPE and other regional providers. For Hardee seniors, the most efficient way to find current transportation options is to contact NU-HOPE directly or use Heartland Rides as a navigation starting point.
Hardee has NO fixed-route public bus system. NU-HOPE's TD service is the primary county-coordinated transit option for seniors, requiring advance scheduling per trip. The two-county NU-HOPE operation (Hardee + Highlands) means Hardee seniors with appointments in Highlands — or vice versa — can use the same agency intake. Hardee's small population and rural geography mean transit capacity is materially more limited than larger counties; advance booking is essential. For broader transit options and current funding capacity, Heartland Rides at heartlandrides.org provides a regional information and referral hub. The Hardee County BOCC at (863) 773-9430 (412 W. Orange St., Wauchula) can also help route residents to current available services.
What you'll need
- Proof of age 60+ OR disability OR low-income eligibility (Medicare card, Florida ID, physician note for disability, income documentation)
- Proof of Hardee County residency
- Pre-registration with NU-HOPE for TD-pathway eligibility (advance scheduling required per trip)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 863-773-9430
Renewals
periodic re-registration; rides scheduled per trip
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.