Miami Beach residents who park illegally no longer face an immediate tow for most violations. The city's "End Resident Tows" program took effect Wednesday, July 1, giving registered residents up to three courtesy text warnings per calendar quarter before a fourth non-safety violation triggers a tow.

The city expects the change to cut the number of resident vehicles towed by more than half, according to a city announcement. The program builds on the city's 2025 "Text Before Tow" pilot, which saw more than 85% of notified residents move their vehicles in time to avoid a tow, according to city data.

"Our residents' cost of living is expensive enough without adding towing fees for non-safety parking violations, like parking a few feet into a yellow curb," Commissioner Alex Fernandez, who sponsored the measure, said. "Residents deserve the benefit of the doubt."

Mayor Steven Meiner co-sponsored the reform. He said getting towed is "stressful and disruptive" and that the program delivers relief while keeping immediate towing where public safety is at stake.

The Miami Beach City Commission approved the measure unanimously in May.

How it works

When a registered resident receives a parking citation for a non-safety violation, the city sends a 15-minute warning text. If the resident moves the vehicle within that window, no tow. The counter resets each calendar quarter. A resident who racks up four non-safety violations in a single quarter, or who leaves a cited vehicle in place for more than 24 hours after receiving a text warning, can still be towed.

Residents still receive fines for violations such as yellow curb infractions, no-parking zones, and authorized-vehicles-only areas. The program makes towing a last resort, not citations.

What still gets towed immediately

Vehicles parked in fire hydrant zones, disabled spaces, blocked sidewalks, obstructed driveways, blocked bike lanes, emergency access areas, and freight loading zones remain subject to immediate towing. Under the new program, these safety violations also trigger a text notification to the vehicle owner, though the tow process is not delayed.

How to register

Residents who already hold a residential parking permit or residential parking discount through the Parking Department are automatically enrolled. Everyone else can register at register.miamibeachparking.com or parking.miamibeachfl.gov/portal, or visit the Miami Beach Customer Service Center at 1755 Meridian Ave., first floor, with a photo ID, vehicle registration, and proof of Miami Beach residence such as a utility bill.

Residents are responsible for keeping their mobile numbers and vehicle information current with the city.