In a rare act of municipal kindness, Miami Beach is dramatically slashing parking prices this summer. From July 1 through Aug. 31, the city is offering $1-per-hour parking at all municipal parking zones citywide, including lots, garages and metered street parking, as long as they’re operated by the City of Miami Beach. It’s an effort to drive both cars and customers toward local businesses during what’s typically a sweltering, sluggish season for tourism.
The offer, available only through the ParkMobile app, allows drivers to park for up to three hours at the discounted rate per session. Each user can claim up to 15 discounted sessions, adding up to 45 hours of cheaper parking over the two-month period. The program auto-locks the discount by zone once the code is entered, so repeat parkers don’t have to jump through digital hoops each time.
“Summer is here and we welcome everyone to enjoy Miami Beach with our lowest parking rates ever,” said Commissioner Alex Fernandez in a release announcing the initiative. “With $1 hourly parking and incredible seasonal offerings like Miami Spa Month and Miami Spice, this is the perfect time to explore, unwind and savor all that Miami Beach has to offer.”
Beyond the convenience for drivers, the city is hoping the program will give local restaurants, spas, boutiques and small businesses a much-needed seasonal boost. Visitors coming for prix fixe menus or discounted spa treatments may be more inclined to stay longer, shop more and explore beyond the usual hotspots when they’re not feeding an aggressive meter.
There’s a bit of fine print, of course: Each individual parking session is capped at three hours, though back-to-back sessions are allowed until the 15-session limit is reached. The discount is valid only through ParkMobile—not at pay stations or kiosks—and will only apply to municipal-run zones, not private lots.
Still, for a city that’s rarely synonymous with affordability, it’s a refreshing change. And for locals and visitors alike, it’s a reason to get out of the house—and maybe into a small business or two—without budgeting $30 for a parking space.