VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Starting next year, if you want to visit Volusia County’s beaches, expect to pay more for parking.
Volusia County council members voted 6-1 on Tuesday to pass the plan that would change the parking fee for residents and charge more for non-residents parking at the beach. This new plan will go in effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
Some cities, like New Smyrna Beach, already have pay-for-parking lots. These new charges are going to be for Volusia County parks and parking lots along the beaches.
Instead of paying $25 for an annual pass, the county will utilize license plate reader tech so residents can park for free. Residents will need to register ahead of time for the free pass.
If residents don’t have the pass and get fined, they have 48 hours to call the county and get the pass. Parking enforcement officers will be hired by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
Now, visitors can either pay $20 a day or $100 for an annual off-beach parking pass.
News 6 hit the beach after the vote to get people’s thoughts.
“I don’t think you should penalize us, who don’t have a beach in Orlando, so that we have to pay to come to your beach and park,” said Carla, visiting Daytona Beach from Orlando. “There are people coming in from different parts of the world putting money into Daytona, so, how’s that going to work for people who actually come and spend money in your town? That’s going to make people want to not come here if they have to come pay for parking as well.”
The county said it would cost $1 million to put in place the license plate reader technology and signage.
“I understand needing the funding but I think people come to Florida for the beaches and I think everyone should be able to attend,” said Kristina McEwen, a Volusia resident.
Many Volusia residents told News 6 they like the free parking perk for themselves but hope it doesn’t stop visitors from coming.
“It makes it difficult especially in the economy that we’re in for people to try to take their family to the beach just for a free day on the beach and then they have this added expense of $20 or whatever, but then I understand they’re still trying to fix the damage from the hurricanes and storms. Maybe they’re trying to raise money to get that done,” Mia Catalini said.
If you live and have your car registered in Volusia County, the county said you will register for a free annual pass like you would for on-beach parking.
Until then, the county said there will be ambassadors informing beachgoers until January of the upcoming changes.
At the next county council meeting on Aug. 6, the council is going to discuss parking fees for driving onto the beach. Those are expected to change too.
Here is parking information for some free parking at other Central Florida beaches:
Flagler Beach
- Where: N. Central Ave. and N. 5th St.
- Cost: Free.
- Where: N. Central Ave. and N. 4th St.
- Cost: Free.
- Where: S. Oceanshore Blvd. and S. 5th St.
- Cost: Free.
- Where: S. Daytona Ave. and S. 5th St
- Cost: Free.
- Where: S. Central Ave. and S. 8th St.
- Cost: Free.
Beyond these free public lots, there are many approved parking areas along the east and west sides of A1A. Please take note of dune signage that clearly states where you are, and are not, permitted to park. Then use the beach walkovers (stairs) located nearly every block to access the beach.
Cocoa Beach
- 103 N. Atlantic Ave.
- 217 N. Orlando Ave.
Most of the street parking spots in Downtown Cocoa Beach are metered. But some are free. To locate them, you can use the SpotAngels map before navigating to your desired area.
Daytona Beach
- 101 S. Palmetto Ave.
- 150 Magnolia Ave.
- International Speedway Boulevard
- 131 Magnolia Ave.
There is also free street parking. To locate the free parking spots, you can use the SpotAngels map before navigating to your desired area.
New Smyrna Beach
- Amenities: Restrooms and outdoor showers.
- Where: 4516 S. Atlantic Ave.
- Cost: Free.
- Hours: Open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park
- Amenities: Restrooms outdoor showers, large picnic pavilions and beachfront sidewalks.
- Where: 6656 S. Atlantic Ave.
- Cost: Free.
- Hours: Open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
South Pine parking lot
- Where: Located adjacent to Coronado Civic Center at 105 N. Pine St.
- Cost: Free.
Jasmine Avenue parking lot
- Where: Located next to Garden Arts shop at 407 Flagler Ave.
- Cost: Free.
Julia Street parking lot
- Where: Located behind Corkscrew Bar and Grille at 235 Canal St.
- Cost: Free.
Sams Avenue parking lot
- Where: Located on the intersection of Sams Avenue and Canal Street.
- Cost: Free.
South Orange parking lot
- Where: Located at the intersection of Downing Street and South Orange Street.
- Cost: Free.
There is also additional street parking along Flagler Avenue and Canal Street that is free of charge. However, many beachfront parking lots offer self-pay kiosks for daily parking, or you’ll find a staffed admittance gate. Be sure to note signage for applicable time limits where free parking is available.
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