Parking policy changes to take effect July 15 | City of Sarasota
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
Sarasota, FL: Following extensive public engagement, new public parking policies will take effect Monday, July 15 to increase turnover and efficiency of City of Sarasota public parking spaces.
Effective Monday, July 15:
- Electric vehicle charging: A $1 per hour fee will begin for the use of electric vehicle charging stations in public parking spaces citywide.
- Garage parking: The complimentary parking period at the State Street, Palm Avenue, and 2nd Street garages will be reduced from 2 hours to 1 hour. The cost of parking for the second hour will be $2 and the cost for each hour after the second will be $1. The daily maximum will remain $23.
- Credit card only: Metered parking spaces citywide will accept credit cards only. Payment also will be accepted via the ParkMobile app.
- Benjamin Franklin Drive: Paid parking will be implemented for 80 premium spaces along Benjamin Franklin Drive on Lido Key. The rate will be $1 per hour.
Free: The 368 public parking spaces at the Lido Beach Pavilion surface lot will remain free. - Centennial Park: Paid parking will begin at the Centennial Park Boat Ramp. Fees will be $5 for a single vehicle all day and $10 for a vehicle with a trailer all day.
During the initial week of implementation, citations will not be issued. Instead, written warnings will be provided to inform drivers about the changes. Parking ambassadors also will be on site to educate and offer assistance.
“We’re a growing city and our parking program needs to reflect best practices around the country that encourage parking space turnover without deterring visitors who want to experience all that Sarasota has to offer,” said Parking Manager Broxton Harvey. “The new policies are going into effect following considerable community outreach, discussion, listening to stakeholders and approval by the City Commission. These changes strike a needed balance for our community.”
The Parking Division began discussing recommended changes with the public in August 2023. Over eight months, staff hosted a special parking information community meeting, presented to stakeholders and shared details about the proposed changes during three City Commission meetings before the policies were adopted.
More information about public parking policies, programs and initiatives is available at www.Sarasotafl.gov/Parking
Questions about public parking should be directed to [email protected]