St. Pete Beach voted 4-1 Tuesday to increase parking rates, a move projected to generate nearly
$2 million in additional annual revenue, though that estimate is based on limited data and staff
projections.
The added revenue is intended to fund hurricane repairs and infrastructure following the damage
caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.
“Some of the data is not fantastic, in some cases, so some of them are estimates,” said Assistant
City Manager Adam Boyer during the meeting. “The dollar amounts aren’t exact figures [St.
Pete Beach] will capture.”
Under the proposal, sunset pricing will increase by $1 after 4 p.m., generating an estimated
$257,000. Seasonal pricing will also increase by $1, adding roughly $425,000, while the hourly
rate will rise by 50 cents, projected to bring in $600,000.
Weekend rates will begin earlier, starting Friday, adding an estimated $120,000. Holiday parking
will increase from $25 to $45 per day.
Parking rates, which previously varied across the city, will now be standardized under the new
structure.
Boyer also recommended keeping hourly rates, rather than switching to holiday pricing, for
Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day to gather more data on revenue impacts.
Beyond revenue, business owners have pushed for higher parking turnover to support local
restaurants and shops.
Newly sworn-in Mayor Scott Tate raised concerns about the sunset pricing component,
particularly its potential impact on evening business.
“What concerns me the most is sunset pricing. It feels like we are saying at sunset we are going
to charge more to have dinner,” Tate said.
Tate called for a motion to revisit the duration of sunset pricing before a vote. The commission
ultimately approved most of the increases, but excluded sunset pricing.
Boyer will continue evaluating that component, which could return for consideration at a later
date.
The parking increases will take effect once ParkMobile devices are updated, followed by a 30-
day trial period to collect data.
