Engineering Department Parking Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is there a fee for parking?
• Do vehicles with handicap tags have to pay to park in the City of Clearwater?
• Where can I park on weekends during the City of Clearwater's special events (concerts, fireworks, Jazz Holiday, etc.)?
• I have a large group coming for a wedding, family reunion, etc. Can I get discounted or free parking?
• We are a non-profit organization. Can we get discounted or free parking?
• Where can I get change for the parking meters?
• How do I use a Pay & Display parking meter?
• What is a Park & Go Card?
• Where can Motor Homes or Recreational Vehicles park?
• Why are motorcycles prohibited from parking in cashier-operated facilities?
• What can I do if I don’t think I should have received a Parking Citation?
• Where can I pay my parking ticket?
• I work downtown. Does the City offer any permit parking?
• Can City of Clearwater residents purchase annual parking permits to park in the beach lots?
• Can I park overnight in the City’s parking lots?
• Does the City offer a validation program for downtown businesses?

Q. Why is there a fee for parking?

A. The parking fees pay for many services in Clearwater including beach cleaning, parking lot maintenance/lighting, and other services.

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Q. Do vehicles with handicap tags have to pay to park in the City of Clearwater?

A. Vehicles with handicap tags parked at a metered space in the City of Clearwater do not have to pay for parking, but must follow all posted time limits and restrictions. However, vehicles parked in a cashier-operated facility or parking garage must pay unless they have a Florida Toll Exemption or a specially equipped vehicle (ramps, lifts, hand controls).

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Q: Where can I park on weekends during the City of Clearwater's special events (concerts, fireworks, Jazz Holiday, etc.)?

A: All downtown City Parking Facilities are available (unless posted for an event) and offer parking free of charge on weekends, holidays, and weeknights after 6:00 pm (after 7:00 PM. at the Garden Avenue Garage).

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Q: I have a large group coming for a wedding, family reunion, etc. Can I get discounted or free parking?

A: Per our City Ordinance, we cannot provide free or discounted parking.

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Q: We are a non-profit organization. Can we get discounted or free parking?

A: Per our City Ordinance, we cannot provide free or discounted parking.

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Q: Where can I get change for the parking meters?

A: Change machines are located at the Marina (Lot #30), the Rockaway Lot (Lot #36) and Sand Key (Lot #40).

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Q: How do I use a Pay & Display parking meter?

 A: First note the hourly and daily max rates posted on each meter and decide how long you wish to stay. Then:

1. Insert payment until the desired time is reached.
2. Press the “Print Receipt” button
3. Display the receipt  (face up) on the dash of your vehicle.

Payment options include credit cards (Visa, Master Card or American Express), $5 bills, $1, bills, $1 coins, quarters, dimes and nickels. If using a credit card, an all day option is offered as a convenience.  The meter will only accept payment for the time you are in the lot but will never exceed the posted daily maximum.

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Q: What is a Park & Go Card?

A: The Park & Go Card is a pre-paid parking card that provides an alternative to carrying change for the parking meters, or for fees at the cashier-operated lots/Parking Garages. Cards can be purchased online or at the Municipal Services Building, 100 S. Myrtle Avenue, Parking System Office, during normal business hours.

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Q: Where can Motor Homes or Recreational Vehicles park?

A: There are several designated Oversized Vehicle Only metered parking spaces along N. Mandalay Ave., and at Sand Key Park.

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Q: Why are motorcycles prohibited from parking in cashier-operated facilities?

A: As recommended by the manufacturer of the parking gate equipment, motorcycles are prohibited for the safety of the driver. The gate equipment is not designed for motorcycles.

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Q: What can I do if I don’t think I should have received a Parking Citation?

A: Call the toll free phone # on the back of your citation (1-866-353-7137) for all questions, complaints and comments, including handicap ticket questions (tag fell down, etc.).

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Q: Where can I pay my parking ticket?

A: Payment options include:

• By Phone: (toll free) 1-866-353-7131. MasterCard or Visa accepted 24 hours per  day, 7 days per week.
• By Internet: www.myclearwater.com/payparkingticket
• By Drop Box: Any day or time – Parking Ticket payment drop box located at the Municipal Services Building, 100 S. Myrtle Ave. (next to the Utilities Drop Box)
• By Mail: Mail Payment and ticket in envelope addressed to:
  City of Clearwater
  Citation Processing Center
  PO Box 1423
  Alexandria, VA  22313-1423

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Q: I work downtown. Does the City offer any permit parking?

A: Monthly permit parking is available in Lots #16 and 24. Monthly parking is also available at the Garden Avenue Parking Garage. Monthly Permits may be purchased at the Municipal Services Building, 100 S. Myrtle Avenue, Parking System Office, during normal business hours. Garage Cards may also be purchased at the Garden Avenue Parking Garage, 28 N. Garden Avenue, during normal business hours.

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Q: Can City of Clearwater residents purchase annual parking permits to park in the beach lots?

A: Yes, please call the Parking System Office (727)562-4704 for details and availability.

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Q: Can I park overnight in the City's parking lots?

A: Overnight parking is permitted in all downtown lots and several of the beach parking lots per posted hours.

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Q: Does the City offer a validation program for downtown businesses?

A: Yes, all downtown merchants and businesses can purchase validations for the Garden Avenue Parking Garage for their customer/client parking. Validations may be purchased by qualifying businesses at the Parking System Office located at the Municipal Services Building, 100 S. Myrtle Avenue, Suite 220 during normal business hours. Validations may also be purchased at the Garden Avenue Parking Garage, 28 N. Garden Avenue, during normal business hours.

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