ORLANDO, Fla. – A newly approved parking rate increase in downtown Orlando is drawing criticism from drivers and business owners who fear the changes will hurt local businesses and discourage visitors from coming downtown.
The Orlando City Council voted May 11 to approve higher parking rates that are expected to take effect in October. City leaders said the changes follow a parking study that found Orlando’s rates were outdated and lower than comparable cities. Officials said the increase is intended to improve parking availability and turnover in busy areas.
But some downtown business owners say the higher costs will only add to existing challenges…