Lakeland city leaders are keeping free parking on the streets of downtown. There had been concern that they were voting to take away free two-hour parking but that’s not happening.
On Monday, Lakeland leaders voted unanimously to raise the price of parking permits. Monthly permits will soon cost $90 per month instead of $70. The price hike goes into effect on Oct. 1.
For FY 2026, the permits will start costing $100 per month. For existing leases with a fixed lease rate, the fixed lease will remain in effect until it expires or is terminated.
Ahead of this meeting, there was a lot of concern regarding this agenda item which made it seem like city leaders could be taking away the free two-hour parking downtown.
A traffic operations manager provided some clarification, and concerned citizens were insistent to get on the same page.
“What I’m hearing, just want to be sure – the two hours seems to be the hot topic. The two-hour free parking to come down and have lunch or something that’s not going away? Is that correct?” asked a concerned Lakeland citizen.
“That’s correct,” said Mayor Bill Mutz. “That stays.”
Anyone who parks in metered spots without paying will receive a $25 fine.