The entrance to South Beach Park along A1A, Boca Raton, FL, June 2025. (Photo: Boca Daily News)
Boca Raton officials are pursuing a plan to close the gate houses at three parks along the oceanfront and convert the parking payment system to a “pay by plate” alternative, however the item was pulled from the city council’s agenda prior to Tuesday night’s meeting after concerns were raised by residents. Mayor Scott Singer has said the rates will not change, and residents would simply replace the current “sticker” based system with the modernized approach.
The council was poised to approve the establishment of a “parking meter zone” for the city’s beachfront parks – Spanish River Park, Red Reef Park, and South Beach Park. The resolution wold have also authorized the city manager to implement the zone, including setting maximum time limits for metered spaces. The technical language behind the resolution prompted many residents to reach out with concerns since it appeared as if the plan would have totally replaced the annual parking permit system with parking meters. That is not how the city plans to proceed, however officials have maintained the current system is outdated.
The entrance to South Beach Park along A1A, Boca Raton, FL, June 2025. (Photo: Boca Daily News)
“The city is preparing to modernize parking operations at its beachfront parks by transitioning from a gatehouse-based access model to a metered parking system,” a memorandum from City Manager George Brown said. “All of the existing gatehouses were constructed decades ago and have reached the end of their useful life. They lack essential infrastructure such as Wi-Fi and are not compatible with modern parking or enforcement technologies. Additionally, they contribute to long vehicle lines at park entrances, especially on weekends and holidays. These limitations, along with increasing maintenance demands, have led the city to pursue a more efficient, reliable, and customer-friendly parking approach.”
The move to a metered system will not directly impact prices for resident parking, which is currently handled by setting resident-only rates and out-of-town pricing via annual permits, or payments at the gate house at the entrance of the parks.
“Beach permit holders will not be required to interact with the meters prior to entering and enjoying the beach, preserving convenience for regular users while still enabling efficient enforcement of non-permit parking,” the memorandum said.
Permit holders would enter the facilities and have their license plate numbers read by a camera, ensuring they are authorized to park there. Rumors of the switch caused some confusion online, leading Singer to take to social media to clarify the impending policy change and announce that additional information will be transmitted to residents before the change is confirmed.
The entrance to South Beach Park along A1A, Boca Raton, FL, June 2025. (Photo: Boca Daily News)
“I believe it is important to not proceed tonight to allow more time for staff to explain its recommendations, provide additional information, and communicate with residents and beach parking permit holders on any potential changes,” he wrote. “Residents like you have raised some concerns, and it’s important that the city address them. I expect staff to provide more information in the coming weeks.”
Singer said switching to an automated system would not only save infrastructure costs, but eliminate the need for park staff to physically patrol the parking lots. The memorandum also addressed the fate of staffers who man the gates.
“The city is evaluating options for current gatehouse staff, who may be reassigned to a variety of roles such as assisting patrons, supporting enforcement, or maintaining the overall park experience-roles made possible now that staff will no longer be confined to gatehouse operations,” it said.
