ORLANDO, Fla. – The City of Orlando is kicking off the first phase of its parking modernization initiative this week, replacing traditional on-street parking meters with a fully digital payment system.
Throughout the summer, parking meters will be removed in phases across the city. Drivers will continue to use the same on-street parking spaces but will pay digitally using the ParkMobile app, Pay by Text, or by calling the number listed on newly installed signage and following the prompts.
The move comes as the city faces growing reliability issues with its aging meter infrastructure.
“We currently do have some issues with the parking meters, they rely on solar panels to charge and to work, and you might find some that don’t actually work anymore. That doesn’t help us with our customer experience. People don’t know what to do when they see a broken meter,” Maria Cortes, parking planner for the City of Orlando, said.
The financial case is just as compelling.
“We’ll be saving close to half a million dollars annually,” Cortes added.
The city has partnered with ParkMobile since 2015 to offer a faster, more convenient cashless parking option for drivers. Building on the success of its first meterless parking zone in Creative Village in 2019, Orlando is now expanding its digital parking program citywide. As meters are removed, these digital payment options will become the exclusive way to pay for on-street paid parking.
The transition also brings added perks for drivers. Parking sessions can be extended remotely, digital receipts are available, and drivers can receive up to two hours of free parking by entering promo code “ParkDTO” in the ParkMobile app.
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For frequent parkers like Orlando resident Mary Hannah Butler, the app is mostly a welcome upgrade — with some reservations.
“Sometimes it doesn’t work right away, so it makes me nervous because the red light is still blinking. I’ve already put in the right numbers and all of that, and with it being strict, I’m just like, are they looking at the ParkMobile app or are they checking my license plate?” Butler said.
While she welcomes the removal of meters, she worries the all-digital system could leave some users behind.
“It would definitely be an issue for my 80-year-old parents,” Butler said.
To ease the transition, the city plans to distribute flyers explaining how to use the new system as meters are removed.
The switch to digital is designed to make parking more accessible while improving curb turnover, safety and overall operations. Going digital also reduces maintenance costs, eliminates aging equipment and creates a more efficient parking system for residents, professionals, businesses and visitors.
During the phased rollout, some meters will temporarily remain in place while new signage is installed. A second phase of the modernization effort is set to launch Oct. 1, 2026, when updated on-street parking hours, pricing and enforcement policies take effect.
Orlando’s move to digital parking comes as cash itself is evolving. This year, the U.S. Mint halted new penny production. In response, Florida passed a law that allows businesses to round cash purchases up or down to the nearest nickel.
Meter removal schedule
Phase 1: SoDo, Orlando Health vicinity
Phase 2: South Eola neighborhood (east of Rosalind Avenue, south of Central Boulevard)
Phase 3: Remaining downtown meter locations between Colonial Drive, Anderson Street, Garland Avenue and Rosalind Avenue