Florida Parking Laws: Understanding the Basics

Drivers in Florida need to know where they park their vehicles so they don't break the law. While most drivers are well aware of the rules of the road, they should remember that they still have to follow the law as well as basic courtesy when it comes to parking. If you park in an area where there is no parking, you could face severe fines. Some drivers may even find that their vehicle has been towed.

Parking Laws

When you park on a public road, you need to make sure that your vehicle is as far away from traffic as possible so that it does not interfere with traffic. Your vehicle must always be within 12 inches of the curb. In addition, drivers are not allowed to park in a disabled space, usually marked blue, unless they have an official vehicle permit that states they are transporting a disabled person.

In Florida, yellow colored curbs are not parking areas and are commonly found near intersections and in front of fire hydrants. The markings must be clearly visible so that you do not accidentally park too close. It is important to pay attention to where you park. Look not only for colored curbs, but for any signage that may indicate whether parking is prohibited at that particular location or not.

Yellow or white stripes drawn diagonally mark fixed obstacles. This may be a median strip or a zone without parking. Drivers are not allowed to drive or park in areas with road markings indicating safety zones and fire lanes.

Keep in mind that the exact rules may vary by city in Florida. Some cities have their own laws about where you can and cannot park, and you will need to follow them. Also, the amount you will have to pay for your fines can vary greatly from city to city. Each city will set its own schedule.

If you receive a fine, the ticket will tell you how much you must pay and when you must pay it. Those who are late in paying duty will find their fines doubled and a collection penalty may be added to the cost. Due to parking laws in the state of Florida, a ticket can be collected in as little as 14 days, so always pay attention to the dates on your ticket to avoid this problem.

It's a good idea to start checking curb markings, as well as any signs indicating where you can and cannot park. This will help reduce the risk of getting a ticket or returning to where you parked only to find out that the city has towed your car.