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A Guide To Parking In Key West, Florida.

Navigating parking in downtown Key West adds an exciting layer to your tropical adventure. Finding free parking here is akin to discovering hidden treasure, especially during bustling hours when parking spaces are as coveted as the ocean views. Embrace the thrill of the hunt as you circle around, and once you secure a street-side spot, keep an eye out for signs guiding you through the simple payment process.

Are there any free parking spaces in Key West?

A majority of the island is paid parking. However, there are a few free spots located throughout the island’s side streets. Parking spots marked with “Resident” painted on the ground should not be parked in unless you are using a vehicle with a registered resident parking permit. If you are renting a vehicle, it is best to ask the company or owner if the vehicle has it’s resident permit. Parking spots without any visible signage on the street saying “Paid Parking” or that do not have the term “Resident” painted over the spot are few and far between but there are a few out there. If you see one, grab it and don’t let go.

Here is a link to map that will show you where you can park and any free parking (Spot angles). Parking on the streets in downtown Key West is about $4.00 per hour.

What do the spots that say residential parking mean?

There is a Key West residential parking program, with a valid Residential Permit, vehicles can park in marked “Resident” spaces on the street located within the Historic District.  Additionally, vehicles can park in certain parking lots for four (4) hours one time per day without paying (you must enter your vehicle registration in the machine to get the 4 free hours).

To qualify for the residential parking permit you can be: Residents of the City of Key West, Key West Real Estate Property Owners, Active Military Personnel Stationed in Key West , Seasonal Residents Who Reside in Key West for Four (4) Months or Longer or a Businesses Holding Business Tax Receipt (License) with the City of Key West.

The fine for parking in a residential parking spot without a permit is around $50.

Is there a list of all of the major parking lots & the prices?

Yup, here it is! These locations and prices are accurate as of Sept 1, 2023.

• Conch Republic Parking Lot (Greene Street Lot) $5 per hour, 10-hour maximum, 136 total available spaces.
• Ferry Terminal Parking Lot 100 Grinnell Street $5 per hour, 10-hour maximum, 19 total spaces available.
• Fire Station Parking Lot Corner of Angela and Simonton Streets – borders the Old Town Fire Station Pay Station in the center of the lot. $5 per hour, 10-hour maximum, Residential Permits are valid up to 4 hours per day, 84 total spaces available.
• Half Shell Raw Bar Parking Lot 231 Block Margaret Street $5 per hour, 2-hour maximum, 19 total spaces available
• Jackson Square Lot 600 Thomas Street Located in the 600 block of Thomas Street, $5 per hour after business hours and during the weekends, Monday through Friday from 6 pm to Midnight, Saturday from 6 am to Midnight, Sunday Noon to Midnight. Residential permit valid for 4 hours per day during metered hours.
• Key West Bight Parking Lot (Caroline Street Lot) $5 per hour, $40 daily maximum, Residential Permits are valid up to 4 hours per day, 120 total spaces available.
• Mallory Square Parking Lot 412 Wall Street $6 per hour, $48 daily, 10-hour maximum, 100 total spaces available.
• Old Town Garage (Park N Ride) 300 Grinnell Street Monthly employee permits may be purchased online, $5 per hour, $40 per day, $268.75 per month, Employee Parking Lot Permit: $25 per month, Residential Permits are valid up to 4 hours per day, 250 total spaces available.
• Parking Lots at Butler Boulevard & Angela Street Adjacent to the Truman Waterfront Park playground, there are 3 parking lots at the intersection of Butler Boulevard and Angela Street $5 per hour, Residential parking is accepted for up to 4 hours at no additional cost, 75 total available spaces.
• Simonton Street Beach & Parking Lot 0 Simonton Street Parking Lot: $5 per hour, 10-hour maximum, Limited boat trailer parking.
• Truman Waterfront Park North Parking Lot This lot is closest to the USCGC Ingham Museum, the TWFP playground/ splash pad and the fitness trail, $5 per hour, Residential Permit allows 4 hours per day at no cost, Monroe County Resident Park Parking permits are $25.00 per year that allows up to 4 hours per day. 106 spaces.

Some of the meters say pay by phone. What does that mean?

Another easy tool to help you navigate Key West’s parking is the ParkingApp.com mobile app. This app allows you to pay by phone at most of the cities public parking lots and locations. All you need to do is have your car license plate, The app will connect to your phone and notify you of the parking location you are at.

Parking rules for golf carts and scooters in Key West.

One of the greatest things about Key West is the fact that the island is golf cart friendly. Which means that golf carts can travel on any road on our island. Which means, golf carts are one of the most unique and popular ways to get around. There is nothing like riding down Duval Street on a golf cart on your way to the Southernmost Point Buoy. Then driving straight to the beach at Smathers Beach or Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Understanding the rules and regulations of golf carts are easy. Golf carts are treated the same as cars in Key West. If you wouldn’t do it in a car, don’t do it in a golf cart. If you are looking to rent a golf cart in Key West, make sure you do that in advance. This can be done by giving us a call at 305-296-2554. Rental info and options are located here. Scooters are another extremely popular mode of transportation in Key West. Scooter parking is designated by parallel white lines throughout the downtown district. These parking spots are first come first serve and are completely free.

Lets talk about the fines for parking in Key West.

Here is a list common parking infractions & their affiliated costs in Key West, Florida. We are adding this to the article to simply inform you of the local parking penalties. We want you to have a great time in Key West and not leave with any sour taste due to a simple parking infraction.

• Failure to park the vehicle within the authorized parking space: $50.00
• Vehicle illegally parked near a fire hydrant (within 15 feet): $190.00
• Parked in the designated fire lane: $190.00
• Unauthorized use of handicap parking space: $250.00
• Parked in designated no parking zone: $50.00
• Vehicle parked on public right-of-way facing oncoming traffic: $50.00
• Recreational Vehicle/Oversize vehicle parked illegally on a public right-of-way oncoming traffic: $90.00
• Vehicle parked on the sidewalk on a public right-of-way: $50.00

Please note that all violations must be paid within ten calendar days, or an additional late charge of $5 will be assessed.  After 20 days, an additional late charge of $5 will be assessed – a total late fee of $10 per ticket.  Parking violations will be considered delinquent after 30 days and sent to a collection agency.

The above information can be found on the City of Key West website parking department

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