NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Parking at the beach in New Smyrna Beach could soon get a whole lot simpler. The city is looking to eliminate its own parking permits and start accepting Volusia County’s beach parking passes — meaning residents and visitors may only need one pass instead of two.
Under the proposed change, all Volusia County residents with free passes, as well as anyone who purchases an annual Volusia County off-beach parking pass, would be able to park in city lots. Those lots include Grayce K. Barck North Beach Community Park, Esther Street, Flagler Avenue, Marianne Clancy Park and 27th Avenue Park.
“We used to park in different spots and didn’t know where we could be and then we’d get tickets,” said resident Hannah.
It’s a welcome change for people who live in the area and have pushed for a simpler system.
“It makes it so much easier to keep it together so you don’t get a ticket and think you’re already covered,” said resident Melissa Wyman.
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The city has already approved the switch. Now, the Volusia County Council must do the same. If approved, current city annual parking passes would remain valid through the end of the year. Starting Jan. 1, 2027, anyone holding only a city permit would need to sign up for a County Park Volusia pass — which is free for Volusia County residents. Those who already have a county pass would not need to take any additional steps.
The city stands to lose approximately $17,000 a year in revenue — and slightly more in citation income — by giving up the lots. City officials said they decided the trade-off is worth it for the convenience of a single pass.
A key question for beachgoers is whether broader access to the lots will mean more congestion.
“I work in Orlando and I know a lot of people who like to come to the beach here and if they can buy the pass they’ll definitely use the parking here,” said Hannah.
News 6 asked the city about the concern, and a spokesperson said the city does not expect an increase in traffic. Officials said they will continue to monitor parking and traffic conditions, as they do now, and assess any changes once the new system takes effect.
For park-goers in New Smyrna Beach, the appeal is simple: less confusion and fewer tickets.
“It’s happened before to my mom, who’s elderly. She’s been a resident her whole life here, and then she gets a ticket because she was parked in a boat ramp that she thought was part of a pass but not part of it, and then she’s got to go to the office, but then they do it online. It’s just been too much confusion - make it one thing,” said Wyman.
The new system would also extend the county permit’s reach to the city’s three public boat ramp parking areas. The Volusia County Council is scheduled to discuss the proposal at its August meeting.