As part of a major upgrade of the county government’s parks and beach access system, Volusia County will soon offer its residents free beach access by car.
The changes include the automation of some beach toll booths.
“Taxpayers spend millions of dollars to fund our great local beaches, and through a 5-2 vote by the council, Volusia residents will soon have the opportunity to drive, park and enjoy them the same way generations before us have for nearly 100 years, without having to buy a ticket,” Fourth District Councilmember Troy Kent wrote in a Facebook post.
Here’s what we know about some of the changes, including access to free parking.
When does Volusia County offer free beach passes?
From October 1st, access to the beach will be free for vehicles. From January 1st, a new paid parking system away from the beach will be introduced in the county-operated car parks.
How much does it cost to drive on the beach in Volusia County?
Once registered, Volusia County residents and property owners listed on the most current tax roll may drive and park on the beach for free.
Full-time students with a parking pass from Bethune-Cookman University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University or Stetson University may also drive and park at the beach for free.
However, non-residents will have to accept fee increases. Their fees will rise from $20 to $30 for a daily pass and from $100 to $150 for an annual pass to drive and park on the beach.
Disabled persons and veterans with identification may continue to drive on the beach, park off the beach, and enter Inlet Park for free, regardless of whether they are residents.
How much does parking outside the beach cost under the new system?
The county-operated off-beach parking lots are already free for everyone and will remain free for residents who register. Under the new system, which takes effect Jan. 1, visitors will pay $20 a day for parking and $100 for an annual pass. The county will announce more details on registration.
Those interested in New Smyrna Beach should know that Volusia County residents can already park for free in beach parking lots there if they register. For more information, visit cityofnsb.com or call 386-424-2238.
What about the inlet parks in Volusia County?
Fees for access to Volusia County’s inlet parks, Lighthouse Point Park and Smyrna Dunes Park, will not change.
How do I get a free Volusia County beach map?
An online registration portal will be set up, but a date has not yet been set. An awareness campaign will also help residents register ahead of the changes.
Why is parking and driving on the beach free for residents?
Kent led the effort to eliminate the fee for residents. He said residents already pay for the beach through property taxes and should not have to pay twice to use their beach. The County Council voted 5-2 to change the beach travel fees. 3rd District Councilman Danny Robins and 2nd District Councilman Matt Reinhart voted against the change.
What’s new when I park and drive at Volusia County beaches?
The off-beach parking system will begin operating on January 1. The full rollout of updates to beach access by car will be completed in February, but new fees will be introduced from October 1. This will include automation of beach accesses and a hybrid staffing and automation system where required.
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The system will include an app that shows beachgoers which beach entrances are occupied and provides other useful information.
County parking lots away from the beach offer multiple payment options, such as through an app, text message, or, in some lots, a kiosk. Users can also see parking capacity in real time.
