Orlando Implements New Parking Rates and Switches to Cashless System

Parking fees in Orlando officially increased on October 1, as the City of Orlando introduced new parking rates and citation fees. This change is part of a wider initiative that also includes extended enforcement hours, the elimination of traditional parking meters, and a transition to cashless payments.

The rate for on-street parking has been revised from the previous $1 per hour to a new structure that charges $2 for each of the first two hours, escalating to $3 for the third hour, $4 for the fourth, $5 for the fifth, and $6 for the sixth hour, totaling up to $22 for a full six-hour stay. The city advises drivers to check posted rates and time limits as changes will continue to be implemented alongside the installation of new signage.

Paid parking enforcement hours are now from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, extending the previous ending time of 6 p.m. Parking remains free after 8 p.m., on Sundays, and on city holidays. During a transition period of three weeks, the city will educate the public about the new enforcement hours.

The city manages more than 1,200 paid on-street spaces located in various areas, including SoDo/Orlando Health, South Eola, downtown, and Creative Village.

In a move to promote cashless payments, Orlando has begun the process of removing its approximately 1,000 traditional parking meters, which commenced this summer. On-street parking payments can now be made via the ParkMobile app, by texting ‘park’ to 77223, or by calling 877-727-5714, noting that each ParkMobile session includes a service fee of 35 cents.

Changes are also being made to city-owned garages and lots, where standard parking rates are now set at $2 per hour for the first four hours, increasing to $3 per hour thereafter, capped at a $20 maximum for the day. Event parking at city facilities can vary from $10 to $20, while specific lots like the ThreatLocker Garage and Grove Park Lot might charge $20 to $30 depending on the event.

In addition to the new parking rates, citation fees are also increasing. Common violations such as not paying, overstaying, or improper parking will now incur a fine of $25, up from $20. Violations related to fire lanes and hydrants will increase from $30 to $50, while offenses involving wheelchair ramps will now cost $50 instead of $40. The delinquent fee has moved from $15 to $20, and the fee for removing a parking boot has risen from $100 to $120.

Drivers will benefit from a slight extension regarding citation payments, as they now have 21 days instead of 14 to pay or contest before incurring the delinquent fee.

There will be a gradual roll-out of certain new regulations, such as extended parking limits of four to six hours in various locations, which will be phased in over the fourth quarter as new signage is coordinated. Areas losing parking meters will be given a three-week grace period for violations associated with meter adjustments while drivers adapt to the digital payment system.

The city aims to enhance curb turnover and optimize the usage of its more than 9,000 garage and lot spaces with these changes. In summary, street parking is now pricier, enforcement hours have expanded, and traditional meters have been removed.