Oppose New Parking Fees and Protect Public Beach Access in County Parks

Palm Beach County has withdrawn all plans for new parking fees at public County beaches for fiscal year 2027! Surfrider’s Palm Beach County County, and neighboring Treasure Coast, and Broward Chapters, celebrate this victory for beach access.

On September 15, 2026, Palm Beach County Commission finalized the fiscal year 2027 budget without any plans for new parking fees at County beaches. The decision followed widespread opposition from the public, thousands of emails sent to Commissioners, public comments at Commission meetings, and an online petition that gathered over a thousand signatures. Surfrider provided public comment (min. 14:25) at a Commission meeting, communicated with the Commission about concerns related to the proposed fees, and shared information with the public to encourage awareness and action.

The County’s original plan would have implemented new fees for public beach parking at 12 beaches – including Jupiter Beach Park, Carlin Park, Juno Beach Park, Ocean Reef Park, and Phil Foster Park – on top of the two that already charge (R.G. Kreusler Park and South Inlet Park). The proposed rate: at least $4 an hour, projected to raise $7.5 million a year for the County.

The County indicated that the plan is meant to close a gap without raising the millage rate. But balancing the budget on the backs of beachgoers isn't the answer. Access to the coast is part of our Florida way of life, not a line item to be monetized.

The blanket parking fee proposal was met with swift opposition from the Surfrider Palm Beach County Chapter and community members. On July 15, the County Commission announced that public parking at County beach lots would remain free for County residents. While Surfrider recognized the Commission for listening to County residents regarding new fees, we remained concerned about how a resident pass would be effectively implemented and how fees for out-of-county residents would still be a significant burden and barrier to public beach access.

Surfrider continued to adamantly oppose any new parking fees across the board. We also provided recommendations for the County if they were to move forward with a resident pass and fees for out-of-county residents:

For the County Resident Parking Pass:

• The pass must be county-wide for all residents, not narrowed to residency in a specific town or municipality within the County.
• The process for securing a resident parking pass must be accessible and simple. There should be various options for completing the process (e.g., online, paper, phone, in-person) with minimal administrative barriers to ensure all residents maintain free access to the coast.
• A complicated registration process and burdensome requirements will effectively cut out County residents that would have been disproportionately impacted by public parking fees.
• Implement a widespread public information campaign to educate County residents about the resident pass and process to secure a pass prior to new public parking fee implementation.

For Parking Fees for Non-County Residents:

• Prior to imposing new public parking fees, complete a survey of beach users to better understand revenue projections at the designated County beaches based on public parking fees for non-County residents.
• Cap parking fees below $4/hour with restrictions on annual increases. Establish free parking during designated hours.
• Build in real exemptions for seniors, veterans, and low-income families.
• Improve public transportation and pedestrian infrastructure for County beaches.
• Commit to transparent revenue reporting and restrict revenue uses to improving public beach access, beach maintenance and services, water quality, and coastal environmental protection.

Thank you to everyone who spoke up for beach access in Palm Beach County! Surfrider celebrates this victory for our community. We will also remain vigilant as this issue could arise again in the future given uncertainty about local government budgets in Florida. Unfortunately, we have seen these kinds of efforts increasing across Florida and up and down the nation’s coasts: parking fees that skyrocket and access that is increasingly pay to play. Our mission prioritizes the protection and enjoyment of our ocean, waves, and beaches for all people – and meaningful public access is at the very heart.