Parking rule changes go into effect in Sarasota

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – According to the City of Sarasota, several new public parking rules will go into effect on Monday, July 15, aimed at increasing business and efficiency.

The new rules include:

Charging electric vehicles: There will be a $1 per hour charge for using electric vehicle charging stations in public parking lots across the city.
Garage parking: The free parking period at the State Street, Palm Avenue and 2nd Street garages will be reduced from 2 hours to 1 hour. Parking costs will be $2 for the second hour and $1 for each additional hour. The daily maximum will remain $23.
Credit card only: Paid parking spaces throughout the city only accept credit cards. Payment will also be accepted via the ParkMobile app.
Benjamin Franklin Drive: Paid parking will be implemented in 80 premium spaces along Benjamin Franklin Drive on Lido Key. The rate will be $1 per hour. Free: 368 public parking spaces at the Lido Beach Pavilion 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 first week of implementation, parking tickets will not be issued. Instead, written warnings will be displayed to inform drivers of the changes.

Parking ambassadors will also be on site to raise awareness and offer assistance with the new policy changes.

For more information about public parking policies and programs in Sarasota, visit www.Sarasotafl.gov/Parking.

Any questions regarding public parking should be directed to [email protected].