‘End Resident Tows’ Reform in Miami Beach Starts Today

Miami Beach, FL – Starting today, the City of Miami Beach is implementing a major shift in its parking enforcement rules that is likely to reduce the number of resident vehicles that get towed by more than half. The measure will save Miami Beach residents the financial burden and inconvenience associated with towing.

“Our residents’ cost of living is expensive enough without adding towing fees for non-safety parking violations, like parking a few feet into a yellow curb,” said Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez, who championed the measure. “Parking in Miami Beach can be complicated. Spaces are limited, parking restrictions can change over time, and honest mistakes happen. Residents deserve the benefit of the doubt. This reform gives registered residents up to three 15-minute courtesy warning texts before a fourth non-safety violation results in a tow. It protects public safety while making towing a last resort instead of the first response.”

The measure was approved unanimously by the Miami Beach City Commission in May.

While residents are still subject to citations in the case of parking violations such as yellow curb violations, no parking anytime or authorized vehicles only, among others, the End Resident Tows program makes towing a last resort in the enforcement toolbox with respect to residents who have registered with the Miami Beach Parking Department. Those residents will now receive up to three parking citations together with courtesy text messages each calendar quarter for most parking violations before being subject to towing in the case of fourth violation. Residents who fail to move their illegally parked vehicle 24 hours after receiving a parking citation, will also be subject to towing after receiving a text warning.

“For our residents, getting towed is stressful and disruptive. Residents now have an opportunity to move their vehicle for most violations that do not pose a safety risk,” added Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner who co-sponsored the initiative. “This reform delivers relief while keeping immediate towing in place where public safety is at stake.”

Immediate towing authority would still remain in place for serious public safety hazards such as violations involving fire hydrants, disabled spaces, blocked sidewalks, obstructed driveways, blocked bike lanes, emergency access areas and freight loading zones. As part of the reform, those safety violations subject to immediate towing will now also receive a text notification allowing residents an opportunity to correct the violation.

The new program builds upon the success of the city’s Text Before Tow program, which was introduced last year to give registered residents a 15-minute warning text in the event their vehicle is about to be towed for non-safety violations. More than 85% of vehicles receiving a Text Before Tow notification avoided towing by correcting the issue.

Under the program, residents who have previously registered with the Parking Department for residential parking permits or residential parking discounts are automatically enrolled for text warnings. Residents are responsible for updating their mobile numbers and vehicle information with the city.

To register, visit register.miamibeachparking.com or stop by the Miami Beach Customer Service Center (1755 Meridian Ave, 1st floor) with a photo ID, vehicle registration and proof of Miami Beach residence such as a utility bill. Miami Beach residents can make changes to their vehicle or contact information by visiting parking.miamibeachfl.gov/portal. They can also stop by the Miami Beach Customer Service Center.

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