Today, Hernando County Parks and Recreation announced that it will resume charging parking fees at local parks starting October 1, 2025, prompting immediate reactions from residents on social media.
“I don’t think these parks are the destination you think they are. It would be reasonable if you’re drowning in visitors. But this just makes these parks even easier to ignore by locals and tourists. Make it make sense,” one Facebook commenter stated.
The county has partnered with ParkMobile to collect daily fees ranging from $5 to $10 at multiple parks across Hernando County. The fee schedule includes:
- $5 Daily: Pine Island Park, Lake Townsen Regional Park, Linda Pedersen Park, Nobelton Wayside Park, Rotary Centennial Park, WW Preserve Parking Lot, Hunter’s Lake Parking Lot, Biketrail Head Parking Lot
- $10 Daily: Bayport Park, Jenkins Creek Park, Roger’s Park, Hernando Beach Boat Ramp
An Annual Pass will also be available for $53.25, providing access to all Hernando County parks for 12 months. Passes do not guarantee reserved parking and will be offered through ParkMobile starting October 1.
Florida Disabled Parking Permit holders and Disabled Veteran Parking Permit holders will continue to be exempt from parking fees, provided disability tags or hangers are clearly displayed.
Despite being posted only hours ago, the announcement has already sparked debate online, with many residents questioning the need for fees at local parks. Some expressed frustration over short visits, with one person asking, “So if I want to watch the sunset for 5 minutes it’s $10 to sit by the pier?” Others suggested that tourists, rather than local taxpayers, should cover the cost, and requested senior or veteran discounts.
Similarly to the ongoing Boca Grande parking situation, the public reaction highlights the ongoing tension between Florida’s public spaces generating revenue while also ensuring access to community spaces.
“Call it what it is, a tax on a tax. We are already taxed for parks so another tax is only bs. Where is the money going?” another Facebook user wrote.
For more information about fees, annual passes, or park locations, visit www.HernandoCounty.us/Parks or contact the Parks and Recreation Office at (352) 754-4031.
How do you feel about the new parking ordinance? Let us know in the comments below.
I find this disturbing, I’m not a full time resident, but I am a taxpayer and I have no exemption,so I pay the full rate. This seems more like NY instead of Fl. All about the money. The overbuilding is out of control. Are you thinking about how much money that will bring if they all buy parking passes? Why don’t you concentrate on cleaning up some of the junk yards in Spring Hill or enforcing some of the laws on the book that are ignored? I don’t understand how some of these eyesores can go on for years with no action taken. Please reconsider this action, it will cause problems down the road.
Thank you for sharing your opinion, Bernadette, I think you are far from being the only one who feels that way!
Only out of county visitors pay giving locals a chance to get in.