A trip to St. Pete Beach is getting more expensive, as new parking rates took effect this week, making it the priciest place to park along the Pinellas County coastline.
City leaders approved the increase in late March, raising hourly parking rates by 50 cents across the board. Drivers now pay $5 per hour Monday through Thursday and $6 per hour Friday through Sunday. During peak tourist season — February through April — those prices climb another dollar.
The change officially makes parking in St. Pete Beach the most expensive compared to nearby communities, where most rates range from about $2.50 to $4.50 per hour.
For some beachgoers, the higher cost is already changing plans.
“Not gonna come. We’ll go to the pool or somewhere else,” one visitor said. “You could drive around for hours and not even find parking, and then when you do find parking you have to pay so much.”
City officials say the increase is necessary. They project the higher rates will generate nearly $2 million in additional annual revenue, which will go toward maintaining roads and upgrading sewer and stormwater systems.
They also hope the pricing shift encourages turnover, preventing beachgoers from occupying spots all day and instead pushing more visitors toward local businesses.
Some business owners support that idea.
Amy Loughery, owner of Bamboozle in Pass-A-Grille, said stricter enforcement and pricing could help ensure parking is available for customers — not just beachgoers.
“It basically gets parked out with beachgoers even though it says no beach parking,” she said.
Still, the timing of the increase is raising concerns. It comes as gas prices have surged in recent weeks, adding to the overall cost of a beach day.
For now, visitors heading to St. Pete Beach should expect to pay even more — at least through the end of peak season.