VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Volusia County officials this week approved changes for commercial fisherman in what they called a “clean-up” to its parking rules that went into effect at the start of the year.
The changes now allow those with a commercial saltwater license, a commercial freshwater license or an aquaculture license issued by the state to park in county-owned paid parking lots outside of the normal hours, which are 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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“The ordinance accommodates historic users of the County’s off-beach parking facilities that pre-dated the transition to paid parking on January 1, 2025,” the agenda item for the measure said in part.
In January, News 6 reported that when the county’s new parking rules went into effect Jan. 1, commercial fishermen said it was impacting their business.
The fishers said they were encountering issues at various beach fishing locations, which they say was detrimental to their charters.
One charter fishing company told News 6 that the majority of their clients come from out of state and the additional parking fees were becoming a burden. Non-Volusia County residents now pay $20 per day for parking and cannot park between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
“If you brought three separate vehicles, it’s $20 plus tax, it’s a little over $60 to park after they paid almost $1,000 for a charter, and that just becomes a problem when they show up,” Tyler Witkowski, with NSB Shark Hunters, said.
For those visiting the beach during normal operating hours of the lots, the county utilizes license plate reader tech so Volusia County residents can park for free. Residents will need to register ahead of time for the free pass.
At the county’s off-beach parking lots, nonresidents have the option to pay $20 for the day or $100 a year.
