- The Vero Beach City Council voted to double most parking fines.
- Timed parking fines rise from $20 to $40. Other fines rise from $30 to $60.
- The new rates apply in Vero Beach, in Indian River County, starting Oct. 1.
Vero Beach doubled most of its parking fines on Oct. 1. The Vero Beach City Council approved the increase in a vote in late September. It is the first fine increase in the city since 2011.
What Changes for Drivers in Vero Beach
Parking in Vero Beach is still free. The higher costs apply only to drivers who break the rules.
Here are the new fine amounts:
- Timed parking violations went from $20 to $40.
- Other miscellaneous violations went from $30 to $60.
- Handicap parking violations stayed at $200.
City officials said the changes took effect Oct. 1. Drivers who park in timed spaces must now move their vehicles or risk a larger ticket.
Why Police Asked for Higher Fines
The Vero Beach Police Department asked for the increase in an August letter to the council. The department said higher fines would encourage drivers to follow parking rules.
Lt. Brian Kerensky said the goal is to keep spaces moving. He said faster turnover can bring more foot traffic to the city. He described the fines as an incentive for drivers to move their cars.
Mayor John Cotugno said the council chose the timing on purpose. Property taxes are on the ballot this November, and he said the city needed to revisit some of its fees. The source report does not say how much money the city expects to collect from the higher fines.
Concerns and Possible Permit Talks
Some residents and business owners have questioned the change. People who park along Beachland Boulevard said they have received tickets for not moving their cars. Others said spaces can be very hard to find on busy beach days. Beachside and Downtown Vero Beach areas often draw crowds, and limited parking is a common concern in those areas.
One business owner suggested a monthly permit system. He said it could help owners and employees who need to park close to work. The city has not adopted a permit program.
Cotugno said a permit system may be worth discussing in the future. He did not announce a plan or a timeline. For now, the new fine amounts are the only change.
Drivers can look for posted time limit signs before they leave their vehicles. Visitors heading to the Vero Beach beaches may want to plan extra time to find a space. Questions about a specific ticket should go to the city.
