Pinellas County Considers Parking Rate Change at Beach Parks
Pinellas County is considering a shift from a $6 daily parking fee to a $3.50 hourly rate at popular beach parks including Fort De Soto, Sand Key, and Fred Howard Park. This proposed change is part of the county's fiscal…
Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, August 22, 2026 —
Pinellas County officials are exploring a significant adjustment to parking fees at some of its most frequented beach parks. The proposal, currently under consideration as part of the county’s fiscal year 2027 budget planning, involves moving away from the current $6 flat daily parking rate to an hourly fee of $3.50.
The potential change would affect several popular destinations, including Fort De Soto Park, Sand Key Park, and Fred Howard Park. The current system charges a single rate for a full day of parking, regardless of how long a visitor stays. The proposed new structure would introduce an hourly charge, which could alter the total cost for park visitors depending on their length of stay.
Details regarding the specific implementation timeline or the exact projected impact on county revenue were not immediately available. The proposal is part of the broader budget discussions for the upcoming fiscal year, indicating that the change, if approved, would likely take effect in the 2027 fiscal year. Further information is expected as the budget process progresses.
Story summarized from the original created by Aaron Styza on stpetecatalyst.com, see more information here.
