To support recovery after Hurricane Milton, St. Augustine is offering free parking to residents and visitors. Starting now and continuing through the weekend, the city is waiving parking fees in all metered areas, including on-street spaces and parking lots. The Historic Downtown Parking Facility will also be free, but it will return to the standard pay-to-park system on Monday morning, according to the St. Johns County.
The city is extending this courtesy through Columbus Day. The holiday, observed nationally on October 14, will also see parking fees suspended in metered areas. However, officials remind drivers to be vigilant and ensure they are not parking in areas owned by private operators, as their cars could be towed without warning, as reported by the St. Johns County.
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, which usually charges fees, announced it will join in the fee exemption starting October 14 due to the hurricane's impact. Enforcement of all city-metered spaces, including Castillo de San Marcos and the downtown parking facility, will resume on October 15. Residents are reminded that free parking is limited to legal zones and does not include spaces designated for specific uses like loading or taxi stands, as stated by the St. Johns County.
The city’s goal is clear: they hope that waiving parking fees will encourage local patronage in the storm-damaged Historic District. While this gesture is temporary, it offers much-needed relief for businesses trying to recover. Authorities also remind the public that illegal parking—such as blocking sidewalks or parking against yellow curbs—will still result in penalties.
