ADA Ramp Guidelines Every NEMT Owner Should Know in 2025

If you’re starting a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) business in 2025, especially in Jacksonville, Florida, your van must be safe, professional, and ADA-compliant — and that starts with the ramp. ♿️

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets national guidelines to make transportation accessible to people in wheelchairs and with limited mobility. In Florida, if you plan to work with Medicaid or managed care programs, your NEMT vehicle needs to follow these ramp rules:

• Slope: The standard is a 1:12 slope — meaning for every inch of height, the ramp should be 12 inches long. Steeper ramps are allowed in vehicles, but they must be safe and easy to use.

• Width: Your ramp must be at least 30 inches wide. Wider is better — 36 inches is ideal for power chairs or scooters.

• Non-slip surface: Florida rain can make things dangerous fast. Your ramp should be slip-resistant with raised edges at least 2 inches high.

• Weight capacity: Ramps should hold at least 600 pounds, though many today support 800 to 1,000 pounds for extra safety.

Having a reliable, ADA-compliant ramp not only keeps you legal — it builds trust with your passengers and sets your business apart. At JaxNEMT.com, we’ve seen how proper equipment can improve rider safety and lead to long-term success.

For official state guidance, always check with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) or visit:
👉 https://ahca.myflorida.com

Every NEMT business is different, so we highly recommend doing your own research and confirming current ADA and Florida-specific vehicle requirements before you hit the road. 🚐✅