City of Fort Myers announces free on-street downtown parking all weekend and extends free after 5 p.m. weekday parking

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 6, 2024) – Beginning tomorrow, Sept. 7, the City of Fort Myers is implementing free on-street parking all day on weekends and an indefinite extension to the free after 5 p.m. weekday on-street parking in downtown Fort Myers.

At the Sept. 3 Fort Myers City Council Meeting, for both on-street and City Hall parking, a motion unanimously passed by councilmembers to indefinitely extend free after 5 p.m. weekdays and enact free parking all day on weekends. On-street parking will remain free all day on holidays. Digital signage on the parking kiosks and mobile applications will inform users that no payment is required after 5 p.m. or on the weekend.

The changes exclude parking garages and will remain in effect unless otherwise determined in the future by City Council.

At the Aug. 5 Fort Myers City Council Meeting, councilmembers voted to temporarily extend the free on-street parking after 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday through Sept. 30, 2024, while the Caloosahatchee Bridge was closed for renovations. Previously, on-street parking was already free all day on Sundays.

During the off-season and year-round, City officials invite residents and visitors to experience downtown Fort Myers and support businesses and special events, as well as encourage downtown business owners and employees to utilize the Royal Palm Lot permitting program to keep on-street parking available for patrons.

The monies generated from paid parking are used to fund the operations and maintenance of the garages, related equipment, on-street parking program, debt repayments, capital improvements, and possible funding towards a new garage. 

To learn more, visit parkftmyers.com or cityftmyers.com/parking.

About the City of Fort Myers
Incorporated in 1886, the City of Fort Myers is committed to providing exceptional municipal services to residents, businesses and visitors in a fiscally responsible manner while preserving the City’s rich history, diverse culture and charming lifestyle. To carry out its mission, the City of Fort Myers strives to provide economic opportunity, personal growth and a high quality of life surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, while fostering an atmosphere where citizens and businesses can thrive. To learn more and get involved, visit www.cityftmyers.com.