VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Volusia County residents will now be able to drive on the beach for free, but non-residents will pay an additional $10, after a decision by the county council on Tuesday,
Officials said that eligibility for the Volusia County beach driving fee exemption includes full-time residents with a valid Volusia County driver’s license and property owners on the latest tax rolls. It also includes students from Bethune-Cookman University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Stetson University who possess a valid parking pass.
Volusia County Councilman Troy Kent said residents were essentially paying twice for the beach when they shouldn’t have to.
“We needed to right a wrong that’s been going on for 36 years. Volusia County residents pay for the beach to the tune of $17 million every year in their property taxes and then we charge them a second time to get on their beach?” he said.
Residents will have to register their vehicles online to have their fees waived, according to a news release. Officials said an online registration portal will be available, but did not specify when that portal will be active.
Non-residents will now have to pay a $30 fee for a beach driving day pass or $150 for an annual pass, up from $20 and $100, respectively.
According to the release, automatic license plate readers will be installed at several vehicle beach access ramps in the fall.
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Unregistered residents and non-residents can purchase a daily beach driving pass at the beach entrances while annual passes will be available exclusively online or at selected office locations.
Kent said that even without residents paying, the county will still make more money.
“This brings in an additional $6 million after all of our bills are paid to the toll booth operators,” Kent said.
Driving on Volusia County beaches goes back to the early days of the automobile.
According to the county’s website, the beach is open to vehicles from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. or sundown, whichever is earlier from May 1 through Oct. 31 and between sunrise to sunset from Nov. 1 to April 30, tides permitting.
Officials said that separate registrations will be required for beach driving and off-beach parking privileges.
Council members voted in July 6-1 to pass a plan that would change the off-beach parking fee for residents and charge more for non-residents parking at the beach. Instead of paying $25 for an annual pass, the county will utilize license plate reader tech so residents can park for free. Residents will need to register ahead of time for the free pass. That plan will go in effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
According to the release, the fee waiver for beach driving is part of a trial period that will end on Jan. 31, 2026, unless it is extended by county officials.
The county said it will facilitate registration and purchase assistance through a 24/7 call center and multiple walk-in locations.
In addition, a job fair for those interested in becoming either parking or toll attendants is set for 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at Beach Safety Headquarters located at 515 S. Atlantic Ave. in Daytona Beach.
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