Parking in Miami-Dade has become a pressing issue for residents, and annual price increases stand in stark contrast to cities around the world that offer free on-street parking. Most Miami neighborhoods monetize sidewalks, resulting in higher fees each year.
For example, according to NBC6, hourly rates in Little River increased from $1.75 to $2.50 in 2018, with Wynwood seeing the largest increase, from $1.25 to $3 per hour. As of July 2024, rates in Wynwood have increased further to $3.40 per hour and $6.65 for two hours. In contrast, Time Out reported in 2018 that the hourly rate in Bayfront Park was $3.50, but increased to $10 by 2024.
Miami Beach, known for its entertainment and South Beach areas, charges $4 per hour for street parking. During peak times such as Memorial Day and Spring Break, the price increases even further. On Memorial Day, non-residents had to pay $30 for street parking, while residents paid $15 in all municipal parking garages in the entertainment district. Regular rates in most municipal parking garages are around $14 for 1-2 hours.
In other Miami neighborhoods, such as Brickell, the rate is $3.40 per hour, while in Coconut Grove it is $3.15.
Vehicle subscription company FINN has released a 2023 study examining which major U.S. cities have the cheapest parking spaces and parking garages.
According to the 2023 FINN study, Miami is tied with Boston for fourth place on the list of the most expensive monthly parking in the country, with costs starting at $150 per month. In comparison, cities like Dallas offer rates starting at $40 per month, while Nashville and Houston are at $50.
Reflecting broader industry trends, Towne Park noted significant growth in the parking sector, from $58 billion in 2020 to $121 billion in 2022, and expects further increases to $144 billion in recent years.
“It’s almost impossible to find a parking space, which makes us late everywhere. Parking fees are now almost $10 an hour,” said Pamela Gomez, a Miami-Dade resident. “Why do we have to pay for it?”
Like Pamela, many drivers question the need for parking fees, especially given that fees continue to rise every year.
According to History, the world’s first parking meter was installed in Oklahoma City on July 16, 1935.
It was created as a solution to the lack of parking spaces for the rapidly increasing number of cars that crowd into the downtown business district every day.
Economists argue that parking fees can be beneficial. According to JSTOR Daily, free parking often leads to more people driving rather than walking or using public transportation. Vox cites UCLA economist Donald Shoup, who advocates for paid parking in high-use areas to better manage limited parking spaces.
Shoup argues that parking is not a true public good. Unlike resources that are shared by everyone, parking is finite. “Parking doesn’t just appear out of thin air,” Shoup explains. “So those who don’t have a car end up subsidizing those who do. Every time you walk, bike or take the bus, you’re essentially paying for other people’s parking.”
For residents of a county like Miami-Dade, with its large population, hot climate, and long distances, the need for private vehicles is even more pressing. With public transportation ranking 52nd out of 100 cities, many rely heavily on their cars.
While parking fees fund road repairs, cleanup projects and other improvements, the combined costs of parking, gas and other commuting expenses can place a significant burden on drivers.
The parking situation in Miami-Dade presents residents with a challenging reality as costs rise nationwide, raising ongoing concerns about equitable access and financial burdens.
