Beach Parking Stays Free for Jupiter Residents After Commissioners Unanimously Kill Controversial Fee Plan

Palm Beach County residents will keep parking for free at county beaches — including Jupiter Beach Park, DuBois Park, Carlin Park, and Ocean Cay Park — after commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday night to kill a controversial proposal that would have charged locals to use lots they've long accessed at no cost.

The reversal came after a groundswell of public opposition that included more than 5,000 petition signatures and over 2,000 emails sent to District 1 Commissioner Maria Marino, whose district covers seven of the twelve affected parks.

"Our residents have spoken," Marino said, drawing no opposition from fellow commissioners.

What Was Proposed

The original plan, floated as part of the county's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, would have charged $4 an hour at 12 county-owned beach parks that currently offer free parking — effectively expanding paid parking from 2 to all 14 county-operated beaches. A later compromise offered residents a 20% discount, dropping their rate to $3.20 per hour, but the backlash continued.

The fee was projected to generate up to $10 million annually and help close gaps in the county's $2.2 billion budget without raising property taxes.

What Commissioners Decided

Marino directed county staff to halt all further evaluation of resident parking fees. The full Board of County Commissioners backed her unanimously.

Commissioner Joel Flores praised the reversal. He and Commissioners Gregg Weiss and Bobby Powell had previously argued that going to the beach is one of the few affordable outings still available to cost-burdened residents.

County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo said the county will implement a free annual resident beach parking pass — residents will need to apply for one, though the application process and proof-of-residency requirements are still being finalized.

Non-Residents Will Still Pay

The vote only protects residents. Out-of-county beachgoers will be charged $4 per hour at the previously free lots starting October 1, 2026 — the start of the county's new fiscal year. The county estimates this will generate roughly $3 million annually, leaving a $4 million gap that Abruzzo said will be covered by county reserves.

Jupiter Beaches on the List

The following Jupiter-area parks were included in the original plan and will require the free resident pass once the system is established:

• Jupiter Beach Park
• DuBois Park
• Carlin Park
• Ocean Cay Park
• Coral Cove Park (Tequesta)
• Juno Beach Park
• Loggerhead Park (Juno Beach)

Street parking along A1A near these parks will remain free with no pass required.

Details on how to obtain the free resident pass — including the application process and required documentation — have not yet been released. Jupiter Brief will update this story as the county finalizes the program ahead of the October 1 rollout.

Sources: WLRN, WPTV, CBS12. The vote took place Tuesday, July 15, 2026.