A few upcoming changes in the parking policies may affect your visits to the vibrant downtown Sarasota and surrounding areas. Starting Monday, July 15, 2024, the City of Sarasota will implement new parking regulations aimed at increasing turnover and efficiency.
Here are the key points you need to be aware of:
Key Changes to Parking Policies
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EV Charging Stations:
- Public parking spaces equipped with EV charging stations will now have a fee of $1 per hour.
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Complimentary Parking:
- The Palm Avenue, State Street, and St. Armands Garages will offer one hour of complimentary parking.
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Metered Spaces:
- Metered parking spaces will accept credit cards only via a pay station. Additionally, the ParkMobile app will be available for convenience.
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Premium Spaces on Lido Key:
- Premium parking spaces along Benjamin Franklin Drive on Lido Key will be $1 per hour. However, it is important to note that the 368 spaces at the Lido Beach Pavilion surface parking lot will remain FREE OF CHARGE.
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Centennial Park Boat Ramp:
- Parking at the Centennial Park Boat Ramp will be $5 for a vehicle all day and $10 for a vehicle with a trailer all day.
Community Engagement and Feedback
The Parking Division began discussing these policy changes in August 2023. Over eight months, recommendations were shared, and feedback was received from community groups, stakeholders, and the City Commission to ensure the policies meet the needs of our community.
We encourage you to plan accordingly and take advantage of the available parking options. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you and ensure your experience in Sarasota remains exceptional.