How to apply for Hardee County Transportation (NU-HOPE TD + Heartland Rides Network) in Florida
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.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Discover my benefitsWhat 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: 1-863-773-2022
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Hardee County Transportation (NU-HOPE TD + Heartland Rides Network). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may 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) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Renewals
periodic re-registration; rides scheduled per trip
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.