MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Residents in Miami Beach have long voiced concerns about parking enforcement and towing. Now, city commissioners are making a major change they say could cut the number of resident vehicles being towed by more than half.
At a recent commission meeting, Miami Beach leaders approved the new “End Resident Tows Program,” which changes how parking enforcement will work for residents with permitted vehicles.
“Our residents deserve the benefit of the doubt, a courtesy warning before we take the extreme measure of towing their vehicles,” said Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez.
Starting July 1, residents with permitted vehicles will be allowed up to three parking citations and text message warnings for most parking violations, including yellow curb violations, no parking anytime areas and authorized vehicles only zones.
Drivers will then have 24 hours to move their vehicles. A fourth violation, however, will result in the vehicle being towed.
“As residents, people who contribute to this city, this beach, pay taxes here, we deserve so. So thank you very much commission,” said Miami Beach resident Frank Delour.
Delour, a 20-year Miami Beach resident, said he has experienced similar situations before — frustrations that were famously captured in the mid-2000s reality show “South Beach Tow.”
According to city officials, nearly 1,200 resident vehicles have been towed so far this year. Under the new initiative, officials estimate more than 60% of those resident tows could have been avoided.
“Let’s be clear, if you’re parked in a handicap space, fire hydrant, in a school zone, you will still get towed,” Fernandez said.
Commissioners also approved new universal loading zone hours. Loading zones will now be enforced from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
As for the citations, drivers can expect to pay about $40.
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