Plan the whole route
An accessible portable restroom is one piece of the puzzle. A guest needs a way to get from accessible parking to the unit, a surface they can roll or walk on, and space to maneuver at the door. If any part of that route fails, the unit does not do its job.
Know who sets your requirements
As a federal baseline, the 2010 ADA Standards (section 213.2) say that where portable toilet units are clustered at one location, at least 5 percent of them, and never fewer than one, must be accessible and marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility. Beyond that, what you must provide depends on the type of event, whether it is open to the public, the venue and local rules. Your city or county permit office, the venue manager or an accessibility professional can tell you what applies. We cannot give legal advice, but we can price the quantity you decide on. Florida also has its own building and accessibility rules in addition to federal law, so verify with the authority that covers your location.
The ground is the hard part in Florida
- Best: pavement, concrete or well-compacted surfaces.
- Risky: soft sand, loose shell, deep grass, mulch and ruts left by vehicles.
- After rain: a lawn that was firm in the morning can be soft by evening after a typical afternoon storm. Choose a route that works wet and dry.
- At the beach: ask the land manager whether temporary mats or paths are allowed over sand. See the beach and waterfront guide.
Mats, paths and soft ground
Where a firm surface does not exist, a temporary path may be the answer. Interlocking mats, rolled walkways and temporary boards can turn a stretch of sand or turf into a usable route, but they need to be secured so they do not shift or curl at the edges. Check with the venue or land manager before you install anything. Allow time for setup, since a path that stops short of the unit helps no one. Ask us what ground the unit itself needs under it, because a unit on a soft or tilted base is a problem even if the route to it is fine.
Doors, thresholds and turning space
Accessible units are built with wider doors and more interior room, but the approach matters as much as the interior. Look at the threshold, the slope up to the door and the clear space outside it. Keep the area in front of the door free of cords, cones, trash cans and parked carts so a mobility device can line up squarely. Features and dimensions differ by model, so ask us what the unit you are quoted includes and verify that it meets whatever standard your venue or permit office expects.
Parking, drop-off and distance
An accessible unit that sits at the far end of the grounds from accessible parking defeats the purpose. Walk the route from the parking area and the drop-off point to the unit as if you were pushing a wheelchair. Is the surface continuous? Are there curbs without ramps? Are there stretches of sand, gravel or standing water? If the answer to any of these is yes, move the unit or fix the path.
Placement checklist
- As close as practical to accessible parking and the main gathering area.
- On level ground, not on a slope or cross-slope.
- With clear space in front of the door to turn a mobility device.
- Along a path free of cords, hoses, steps and tight gaps.
- Lit if the event runs after dark.
- Marked with signs from the main paths.
Signs and wayfinding
Many guests will not know where the accessible unit is until they see it. Use clear, high-contrast signs at decision points along the main paths and at the unit itself. Mention the location in event announcements, on the map or in the program. If staff or volunteers circulate, make sure they know where the accessible facilities are.
Lighting, including near beaches
For evening events, plan lighting along the route and at the door. On many Florida beaches, however, artificial lighting is restricted during sea turtle nesting season. Rules vary by city, county and beach, so ask the local authority what is allowed before you string lights near the sand. Where lighting is limited, a route that works in low light is even more important.
Handwashing the same way
If you offer handwashing, make sure at least one station can be used from a mobility device and put it beside the accessible unit. See handwashing stations.
Different events, different priorities
- Festivals and street fairs: locate accessible units in more than one cluster so nobody has a long walk. See festival rentals.
- Weddings: consider older relatives and the walk from the ceremony. See the wedding guide.
- Races and tournaments: put accessible units near the start, finish and spectator areas.
- Work sites: if a worker or visitor needs an accessible option, mention it when you call.
Heat and distance
A long walk on hot pavement in July is hard on anyone and especially on people with limited mobility. Shade along the route and a short path make a real difference. The weather guide has more on heat.
After a storm
Debris, mud and standing water can make accessible routes unusable. If you are setting up facilities for recovery crews or the public, see the storm recovery guide.
Common mistakes
- Ordering an accessible unit but placing it on soft ground or at the far edge of the grounds.
- Forgetting the route from parking and focusing only on the unit.
- Leaving cones, cords or vendor carts in front of the door.
- Skipping signs, so guests cannot find the unit.
- Assuming that one accessible unit is the right number without checking the permit office or venue.
Day-of walkthrough
An hour before the event, walk the route from accessible parking to the unit. Check the surface, the lighting, the signs, the clearance at the door and the handwashing station. Fix whatever you find while there is still time. After a thunderstorm, walk it again.
What to tell us when you call
The surface at the site, the distance between parking and the intended spot, your expected attendance and whether you want accessible units alone or alongside standard ones. We will confirm what is available for your date. Our accessible rentals page explains what to expect.
Call us with your event details and we will help you plan.
Last updated November 4, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal, engineering or regulatory advice.