Fernandina Beach paid parking starts Feb. 16

The city of Fernandina Beach will launch its long-debated downtown paid parking program on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, city officials announced Thursday.

Under the new program, city residents will be eligible for free annual parking permits with advance registration beginning Feb. 1.  Each household may obtain up to two free permits. Residents who live within the paid parking zone may register up to two vehicles per household and park free around the clock within the area.

Non-city residents will be able to purchase annual vehicle permits for $124.

Rates and enforcement

Parking enforcement will be in effect Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Permit holders will receive daily free parking allowances of up to four hours for on-street spaces and up to eight hours in surface parking lots. After the free period, parking will cost $2 per hour.

Drivers without permits may park for $2 per hour, with the first 20 minutes free each day to accommodate short visits. Vehicles displaying a valid disabled placard will be allowed to park at no charge without a permit.

Parking area

The paid parking zone includes on-street spaces downtown from Ash Street to Alachua Street and from Front Street east to Eighth Street. Several designated surface parking lots throughout the downtown area are also included.

Program management

The city’s parking services contractor, One Parking, will maintain a local office at the Fernandina Beach Police Department, 1525 Lime St., where residents and visitors can receive assistance with permits and program questions.

City officials said additional information, including maps, frequently asked questions and permit registration, is available on the city’s website at www.fbfl.us/parking. Questions may also be directed to parking@fbfl.city.

The paid parking program follows months of public debate and multiple City Commission votes, with supporters arguing it will help manage congestion and fund downtown services, while opponents have raised concerns about impacts on residents, visitors and small businesses.

Opponents of the program are preparing to file for an injunction in Nassau County Court to halt the paid parking plan until a referendum vote takes place in August. An earlier effort was dismissed by the court because the paid parking ordinance had not yet been voted on by the city commission.

City of Fernandina Beach

City of Fernandina Beach