ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions twice per week in a segment called “Ask Trooper Steve.”
Trooper Steve on Thursday was asked about parking on the street in a neighborhood.
We’ve all got that neighbor: the one who swears they know every rule, watches every move you make and tells you it’s illegal to park on the road near their yard.
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But is that true under Florida law?
If your neighborhood is open to the public, meaning it’s not gated and the streets are maintained by the city or county, those roads are considered public right-of-ways. That means anyone can legally park on them, including in front of a home -- as long as they follow the rules.
In gated or private communities, it can be a different story. Homeowners associations or property owners may impose their own parking restrictions that can be enforced inside the community.
Florida Statute 316.1945 outlines where vehicles cannot be parked.
Drivers may not:
- Block a driveway
- Park within a crosswalk or intersection
- Park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
- Stop too close to a stop sign or traffic signal
- Park facing against the flow of traffic
But nowhere in state law does it say drivers cannot park in front of someone’s house on a public street. Unless a local ordinance or posted sign says otherwise, parking there IS allowed.
So, if your neighbor leaves you a handwritten note or tells you it’s illegal, the law isn’t on their side, as long as you’re parked legally.
Still, parking disputes often come down to relationships more than rules. A little courtesy can go a long way, even if you’re technically in the right.
After all, can’t we all just get along?
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