A NEW parking reform plan will see that first-offense fines in a popular beach city are increased.
As Pensacola, Florida moves forward with its parking reform plan, a new ordinance hits drivers in the city with higher parking fines.
Currently, a first-time fine on a parking ticket is $10, local news outlet Pensacola News Journal reported.
Once someone gets a second offense within 12 months of the first, the fine rises to $20, $40 for a third, and $100 for all further offenses.
Under the proposed ordinance, the fine would increase to $25 for the first offense.
For a second offense in 12 months, and any additional offense, the fine would be $50.
The ordinance adds a cap of $200 in total fines but an offender can be charged in a 12-month period.
The ordinance deletes language setting the parking rate for city-owned parking at $0.50 an hour.
This makes setting the parking rates part of the City Council’s budget process, according to Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves.