Changes to downtown parking landscape coming ahead of new rates

Published on July 24, 2024

New parking signs and solar-powered pay stations are being installed throughout downtown Gainesville during the next few weeks in advance of new weekday parking rates, effective in mid-August.

The new rates rates, approved by the Gainesville City Commission in March, are designed to stimulate turnover of high-demand spaces in the heart of downtown as well as encourage drivers to find less expensive and long-term parking spaces farther away.

Five new solar-powered pay stations are being installed; a sixth is located in the Southwest Parking Garage at 105 SW Third St. All pay stations will accept both coins and credit cards for parking in any downtown parking zone. Drivers also can pay for parking online, via the PassportParking® app or by calling 352-290-3700.

Downtown parking remains free on weekends and on city-observed holidays – except for spaces in the municipal parking garage.

New weekday rates will include:

• $0.50/hour with a 2-hour time limit for on-street spaces in the center of downtown, weekdays
• $0.25/hour – or free – with no time limit outside the downtown core, weekdays
• $0.50/hour – or free – with no time limit for off-street lot parking, weekdays
• SW parking garage: $0.50/hour with no time limit. Permits available at monthly ($40) or quarterly ($100) rates
• Employees of downtown businesses may purchase a discounted monthly permit at $20/mo.

Enforcement of the new rates begin in mid-September. An educational grace-period in August will help familiarize drivers with new rates, the new pay stations and existing parking zones.

Visit gainesvillefl.gov/parking for an interactive map and additional information.