Overview
- The Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday night to stop evaluating parking fees for Palm Beach County residents and to keep resident beach parking free.
- Parks and Recreation had proposed charging $4 per hour at all 14 county-operated beach lots to make up a shortfall in its proposed 2027 budget and to raise about $7.5 million a year.
- Public opposition grew quickly, with online petitions collecting more than 4,000 signatures and many beachgoers saying paid parking would limit access for lower-income residents.
- County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo told the board staff will implement a free annual resident parking pass and continue exploring fees that would apply only to non-resident visitors.
- The decision narrows the county’s original plan ahead of the September budget meeting and leaves officials to fill a remaining budget gap while they finalize pass details and a non-resident fee plan.