How to apply for Miami-Dade Special Transportation Service (STS) Paratransit in Florida
Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW)
Who it's for
Special Transportation Service (STS) is Miami-Dade County's ADA-mandated shared-ride paratransit service for people whose disability prevents them from independently using Metrobus, Metrorail, or Metromover for some or all trips. STS provides door-to-door van rides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, between the main entrances of pick-up and drop-off locations. Eligibility is functional, not categorical — a transit determination is based on whether your disability functionally prevents you from using fixed-route transit, rather than age or diagnosis alone. To apply, print and complete the STS application, have a Florida-licensed physician complete and sign the medical portion, then send the application with all medical documentation to the STS certification office by email, fax (786-469-5033), or mail (701 NW 1st Court, Suite 131, Miami, FL 33136); call STS Customer Service at 786-469-5000 with questions. Determination is mailed within 21 days. Miami-Dade residents with temporary disabilities are eligible for the duration of the disability; ADA-eligible visitors from out of town are presumed eligible for up to 21 days within any 365-day window.
STS eligibility is determined by a functional assessment of whether your disability prevents independent use of regular Metrobus/Metrorail — not by diagnosis or age alone. This check can tell you that you appear functionally eligible to apply, but the final determination requires (1) a Florida-licensed physician to sign the medical certification, (2) an in-person interview at the STS certification office, and (3) a written determination mailed within 21 days. If you can use fixed-route transit for some trips, STS may certify you as eligible only for the trips you cannot make on regular transit.
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
- Completed STS application form (downloadable from the Miami-Dade Transit website)
- Medical certification section signed by a Florida-licensed physician (page 7 of the STS application)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 786-469-5000
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Miami-Dade Special Transportation Service (STS) Paratransit. 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 completed STS application form (downloadable from the Miami-Dade Transit website), medical certification section signed by a Florida-licensed physician (page 7 of the STS application) — 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 recertification (interval set by the county; confirm with STS)
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.