St. Augustine officials have approved an increase in fines for illegal parking in the city’s historic core, nearly tripling the penalty from $35 to $100.
The change applies to violations such as parking in front of fire hydrants, on sidewalks or grass, in loading zones, blocking driveways, occupying taxi or rideshare stands, or stopping in areas marked with yellow curbs.
Importantly, the fine for an expired meter remains unchanged at $25. City leaders emphasized that the new $100 penalty will apply strictly to illegal parking, not to visitors or locals who let their meter run out.
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The new enforcement zone is limited to downtown and adjacent neighborhoods where spillover parking has long vexed residents.
The boundaries stretch from Old Mission Avenue south to South Street and are framed by the Matanzas River on the east and the San Sebastian River on the west. That footprint also covers parts of Lincolnville.
As part of the rollout, the city plans to refresh yellow curbs throughout the district and install new signs alerting drivers to the $100 fine.
Commissioners described the move as a necessary deterrent in an area where competition for parking is fierce.
Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline argued that the $35 fine in place for decades no longer had the “ouch factor” needed to deter poor parking practices.
Commissioner Cynthia Garris agreed with the move, but unsuccessfully backed limiting the hike to $75.
The commission also pledged to continue outreach to make sure residents and visitors understand the difference between expired meter tickets and true illegal parking.
The new ordinance will go into effect on Nov. 1.
