ORGANIZATION & HISTORY
When was the Miami Parking Authority established?
The Miami Parking Authority, officially known as the Department of Off-Street Parking of the City of Miami, was created in 1955 by a Special Act of the Florida State Legislature and incorporated into the City of Miami’s Charter in 1968. MPA has been providing parking services to the City of Miami for more than 60 years.
What is MPA’s legal status?
MPA is a semi-autonomous, self-sustaining agency managed by parking industry professionals. It is financed by parking revenues, and funds not used for operations are returned to the City of Miami. All ticket citation revenues are payable directly to Miami-Dade County.
What is MPA’s mission?
The Miami Parking Authority will meet the community’s parking needs through innovation and partnerships while maintaining a commitment to ethics, fiscal responsibility, economic development, and operational excellence.
What is MPA’s vision?
The Miami Parking Authority will be the central resource for planning, financing, development, and management of parking in South Florida, while demonstrating its commitment to strong ethical standards and contributing to the betterment of the community as a whole.
How is MPA governed?
The Miami Parking Authority is governed by a voluntary five-member Board of Directors who either live or work within the City of Miami. Board members meet monthly in a public forum and have powers and responsibilities similar to board members of private corporations. The City of Miami Commission retains final authority to confirm appointments to the Board, approve MPA’s budget, issue parking revenue bonds, and determine parking rates for MPA-managed facilities. A Chief Executive Officer oversees day-to-day operations.
Is MPA funded by taxpayers?
No. MPA is a self-sustaining agency receiving no taxpayer support from the City. Operations are funded through parking revenues and bond issues. Guidance by a volunteer board of independent directors, combined with the need to generate sufficient revenues to meet operational requirements, ensures efficient operations and strong financial management. MPA has returned millions of dollars of revenue to the City of Miami.
What makes MPA different from private-sector parking operators?
The critical difference is MPA’s public mandate to provide affordable, convenient parking — even in areas where the financial return is not as great. As a result, MPA has the single largest inventory of parking spaces in the City of Miami, offering uniform policies and payment options, along with strong accountability and a well-trained customer service staff. Additionally, all excess revenues are returned to the City of Miami rather than to private shareholders.
Does MPA have authority to operate outside the City of Miami?
Yes. MPA has a statutorily unique legislative structure that allows it to cross jurisdictional boundaries and provide parking management services outside Miami throughout the State of Florida. This enables partnerships with entities such as the City of Doral and other municipalities seeking professional parking management support.
Is MPA a member of national and state parking industry associations?
Yes. MPA has strong ties to both the International Parking and Mobility Institute (IPMI) and the Florida Parking and Transportation Association (FPTA) — the two most prominent professional organizations in the parking industry at the national and state levels, respectively. MPA’s involvement with both organizations goes far beyond membership. MPA’s leadership holds elected positions, presents at conferences, contributes to industry publications, and shapes the future direction of both associations. Details are provided in Section 2.
Does MPA hold any industry accreditations?
Yes. MPA holds one of the most prestigious accreditations available in the parking industry — the Accredited Parking Organization (APO) designation, awarded by IPMI. MPA earned the APO as part of the inaugural class of designees and subsequently achieved the even more elite APO with Distinction — one of only two organizations in the country to receive that honor. In order to secure APO with Distinction status, an organization must satisfy stringent requirements, proving adherence to over 100 criteria across 14 categories and showcasing more than 60 advanced best practices.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP AND RECOGNITION
Who leads MPA, and what is their standing in the national parking industry?
MPA is led by CEO Alejandra “Alex” Argudin, who was appointed by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors, becoming the first woman CEO in MPA’s more than six decades of existence. Alex brings over 13 years of experience at the Authority, nine of which were as Chief Operations Officer, during which she led a number of forward-thinking initiatives that positioned MPA as a national leader in the parking industry.
Alex is a graduate of Florida International University with a Master’s degree in Business Administration. She holds the Parking Transportation and Mobility Professionals (PTMP) designation and is a U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP). She has been named among Florida’s top executives by Florida Trend magazine.
What is CEO Alex Argudin’s role at IPMI?
CEO Argudin’s involvement with IPMI represents the highest level of national industry leadership:
- 2019 — Board Member and Treasurer: Appointed to the IPMI Board of Directors while serving as MPA’s Chief Operations Officer.
- 2022 — Re-elected Board Member: Re-elected to serve an additional term through 2024.
- 2023 — Chair-Elect: Served as IPMI Board of Directors Chair-Elect.
- 2024-2025 — Chair of the IPMI Board of Directors: Began a two-year appointment as Board Chair — the highest elected position in the national parking and mobility industry.
Has CEO Argudin presented at major industry conferences?
Yes. CEO Argudin has served as a featured speaker at the IPMI Parking and Mobility Conference and Expo, addressing one of the most pressing challenges in urban mobility: curb management. Her session — alongside leaders from the City of Hoboken and Populus — addressed how cities can optimize curb management strategies in the face of shared mobility, e-commerce deliveries, and autonomous vehicles, and offered tactical tips for other cities to learn from Miami’s experience.
Has CEO Argudin contributed to industry publications?
Yes. Argudin contributed a Board Perspective in Parking and Mobility magazine titled “Welcome to 2026,” examining how parking and mobility organizations are moving from experimentation to operational maturity, addressing tighter budgets, higher expectations, and more complex mobility ecosystems. She has also been profiled as a trailblazer in the August 2024 issue of Parking and Mobility, IPMI’s flagship publication, and has written for the Miami Herald.
What is COO Angel Diaz’s role at IPMI and FPTA?
Angel Diaz Jr. serves as Chief Operations Officer for the Miami Parking Authority, overseeing more than 150 employees and the Authority’s full on-street and off-street portfolio of over 47,000 parking spaces. He is a member of IPMI’s Planning, Design and Construction Committee and has served as past president of the Florida Parking and Transportation Association (FPTA). Angel is also a member of the Urban Land Institute, the Miami Downtown Development Authority, and sits on the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami board.
How deep does COO Diaz’s industry experience run?
Mr. Diaz started his career in parking at the Miami Parking Authority as a frontline employee in 1993, working as a meter collector, facility supervisor, and operations manager. He has more than 30 years of parking experience managing municipal parking and earned his Certified Administrator of Public Parking (CAPP) designation through the International Parking Institute and The University of Virginia. He also graduated from the Urban Land Institute’s Leadership program in 2021. Throughout his career he has managed parking contracts for the cities of Richmond, Virginia and Santa Monica, California.
Has COO Diaz presented at industry events?
Yes. COO Diaz has presented at IPMI events on Parking Intelligence Dashboards and has authored multiple articles in Parking and Mobility magazine on boosting mobility in Miami and the challenges facing rapidly urbanizing cities. He also hosted an FPTA field visit to loanDepot Park to showcase MPA’s IPMI Award of Excellence-winning FreeFlow parking operation.
What awards has MPA received from IPMI?
Miami Parking Authority was recognized by IPMI with an Award of Excellence in Innovation in the Mobility, Transportation, or Parking category for its FreeFlow parking operation at loanDepot Park. IPMI recognized MPA as a premier parking organization and leader in technology integration and innovation, noting MPA’s work to support micro-mobility options, pilot in- and above-ground sensors, and drive economic development in Miami.
PARKING FACILITIES AND INVENTORY
How large is MPA’s parking inventory?
MPA manages approximately 47,000 parking spaces, including 13 garages, 67 surface lots, eight Miami-Dade County Parks, six marinas, and two City of Miami boat ramps. This represents the single largest inventory of parking spaces in the City of Miami, with uniform policies and payment options across all locations.
How many vehicles does MPA serve annually?
MPA provides parking for approximately 6 million vehicles annually.
What types of parking are available?
MPA manages and develops on-street and off-street parking assets in the City of Miami. Options include garages, surface lots, and on-street spaces. MPA also offers a vacation parking program with short- and long-term garage parking for vacationers and business travelers. You can reserve parking for hotel stays or cruises, and park downtown and take Metrorail to the airport.
What are MPA’s operating hours?
MPA operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. On-street parking assets are coordinated through a state-of-the-art command center that monitors operations around the clock, ensuring consistent service and rapid response to any issues that arise.
How do I find available parking near my destination?
While MPA offers parking at many locations throughout Miami, parking aggregators like SpotHero display all available parking options — including locations not managed by MPA — in one convenient map view. In many cases, these platforms also allow you to reserve a space in advance. Visit miamiparking.com for direct links to available tools, or download SpotHero to explore all nearby options.
Can I reserve parking in advance?
Yes. Parking aggregators like SpotHero show real-time availability and allow advance reservations at many locations. In some cases, reservations can be made for hotel stays, cruise terminals, and airport park-and-ride trips. Visit miamiparking.com for booking links.
Are there head-in parking requirements at MPA facilities?
Yes. Head-in parking — pulling forward into a space rather than backing in — is required at most MPA facilities. Where this policy is in effect, it will be clearly and prominently posted at the entrance and throughout the facility.
Drivers who fail to comply with the head-in parking requirement may be subject to a verbal or written warning, a formal citation, or towing of the vehicle at the owner’s expense.
Please observe all posted signage upon entering any MPA facility and park accordingly.
Are there vehicle height restrictions at MPA facilities?
Yes. Off-street facilities such as garages and some surface lots have vehicle height restrictions due to structural clearance requirements. Height limit signage is posted at the entrance of all applicable facilities.
If your vehicle exceeds the posted height limit — including trucks, vans, SUVs with roof racks, campers, or vehicles with cargo — do not attempt to enter. Doing so may result in damage to your vehicle and/or the facility, for which the vehicle owner may be held liable.
If you drive a tall vehicle and are unsure whether a specific MPA facility can accommodate it, please contact MPA customer service at (305) 373-6789 before arriving.
Is overnight parking permitted at MPA facilities?
Overnight parking in MPA garages and lots is permitted only at locations specifically designated for residential parking. Standard transient parking facilities are not intended for overnight vehicle storage.
Designated overnight and residential parking locations have their own permit requirements, hours of enforcement, and pricing. Where overnight parking is regulated, signage will be clearly posted indicating the applicable hours and rules.
Attempting to leave your vehicle overnight at a non-designated facility may result in your vehicle being cited or towed.
For a current list of overnight-designated parking locations and to apply for a residential parking permit, visit commerce.miamiparking.com or contact MPA customer service at (305) 373-6789.
Does MPA offer a Hurricane Parking Program?
Yes. In preparation for hurricane season, MPA offers year-round enrollment in its Hurricane Parking Program for City of Miami residents. The program provides annual permits for residents in designated City of Miami neighborhoods. Visit miamiparking.com for enrollment details.
PAYMENT OPTIONS AND RATES
How can I pay for parking?
MPA offers multiple payment methods depending on the type of parking:
On-Street Parking: Paid via the PayByPhone or ParkMobile mobile apps. Both apps use the same zone numbers, offer City of Miami resident discounts, and allow you to extend your session remotely.
Gated Garage and Lot Facilities: Accessed using your RFID card or QR code associated with your monthly or annual permit, purchased at commerce.miamiparking.com.
Monthly and Annual Permits: Purchased and managed online at commerce.miamiparking.com using a debit or credit card.
Do City of Miami residents receive a parking discount?
Yes. Residents of the City of Miami enjoy up to a 50 percent discount on on-street parking when paying via PayByPhone or ParkMobile. Apply for your resident discount through the MPA website at miamiparking.com.
How successful has MPA’s mobile payment program been?
Extraordinarily successful. Under CEO Argudin’s leadership as COO, MPA grew PayByPhone adoption in Miami from approximately 23 percent to an industry-leading 95 percent adoption rate — the highest percentage of PayByPhone users for any municipal organization in all of North America. The program has generated approximately $22 million in parking revenue and registered approximately 398,391 new vehicles.
How are parking rates set?
The City of Miami Commission retains final authority to determine parking rates for MPA-managed facilities, with recommendations from MPA’s Board of Directors and professional staff. MPA’s rate-setting process is subject to public review and community input.
I’ve seen QR codes on parking signs. Are they safe to use?
Exercise caution. Miami Parking Authority has taken action against fraudulent QR codes appearing on parking signs. Always use the officially sanctioned apps — PayByPhone or ParkMobile — to ensure your payment is safe and secure. When in doubt, download the app directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play rather than scanning any posted QR code.
Can I rent a meter for a special event?
Yes. MPA offers meter rental services for temporary or special event needs. Contact the Rent Meters department at [email protected] or call (305) 373-6789 ext. 270.
PERMITS AND ACCOUNTS
Does MPA offer monthly or annual parking permits?
Yes. Monthly and annual permits are available for many MPA locations and can be purchased and managed entirely online through the MPA commerce portal at commerce.miamiparking.com.
There are two types of e-permits, depending on the facility:
Gated Facilities (Garages and Secured Lots): Access to gated facilities is provided via RFID card or QR code — simply present your credential at the gate upon entry. These credentials are issued and managed through your online account.
Non-Gated Facilities (Open Lots and On-Street Areas): For non-gated locations, MPA issues license plate-based e-permits. Rather than a physical card or code, your vehicle’s license plate number is your permit. When a Parking Enforcement Officer patrols the area, your plate is scanned and validated in real time against the permit database — no credential to carry, no sticker to display. This technology creates a frictionless experience for permit holders while maintaining accurate, efficient enforcement.
Key reminders for all permit types:
- Permits are purchased online at commerce.miamiparking.com using a debit or credit card.
- Your license plate number must be registered correctly — it validates your permit at non-gated facilities and is linked to your account at gated ones.
- License plate numbers can be updated in your account under “Account Maintenance,” but no more than three times per month.
- MPA does not prorate fees — your permit covers the full month from the first to the last day.
What can I do through the MPA online portal?
Access your MPA customer account at commerce.miamiparking.com to purchase parking permits, complete payments, view invoices, manage RFID or QR code credentials, update your license plate, and cancel your account. Visit the “How Do I” section on the MPA website for step-by-step guidance.
Does MPA offer parking for people with disabilities?
Yes. ADA-accessible parking spaces are provided at all MPA facilities. Parking privileges for individuals with disabilities are governed by Florida Statute 316.1964, which establishes the following key rules:
Free On-Street Metered Parking: Vehicles displaying a valid disabled parking permit or qualifying disability license plate may park at metered on-street spaces at no charge, provided the vehicle is transporting the person to whom the permit was issued.
Time Limits Still Apply: On-street metered spaces allow a maximum of four hours at no charge for vehicles displaying a valid disabled parking permit. Local governments may extend this time by local ordinance.
Garages and Timed Lots May Charge Fees: Parking facilities and lots that provide timed parking spaces may charge fees to vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit. However, vehicles equipped with specialized disability equipment — such as ramps, lifts, or hand controls — and vehicles displaying a Florida Toll Exemption permit are exempt from parking fees.
Event Venues May Charge Full Rate: When a public parking facility is being used in connection with an event at a convention center, cruise-port terminal, sports stadium, arena, coliseum, or auditorium, the facility may charge a person displaying a disabled parking permit the same rate as all other parkers.
The Permit Must Be Used by the Permit Holder: The permit must be properly displayed and only used when the vehicle is transporting the person to whom the permit was issued. The permit may not be used if the permit holder is not in the vehicle.
100 Percent Disabled Veterans: Under Florida Statute 316.1964(8), disabled veterans with a “DV” license plate are exempt from paying parking fees statewide.
Misuse Penalties: Anyone who obtains or uses a disabled person parking permit that does not belong to them can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor — subject to a $1,000 fine or up to six months in jail. Improper use of the permit costs twice the fee of a standard disabled parking violation.
For questions about ADA accessibility at a specific MPA facility, contact customer service at (305) 373-6789 or [email protected].
Does MPA offer parking validation programs for local businesses?
Yes, see the Park and Ride Program.
Are there special parking permit programs for seniors or veterans?
Beyond the statewide disabled veteran exemption under Florida Statute 316.1964, which provides free parking statewide for vehicles displaying a “DV” license plate, please contact MPA directly at (305) 373-6789 to inquire about any additional programs available for seniors or other specific populations.
PARKING ENFORCEMENT AND CITATIONS
Why is parking enforcement important?
Parking enforcement is far more than the issuance of citations. It is a foundational public service that supports the health, safety, economic vitality, and quality of life of an entire city.
Keeps Traffic Moving: Effective parking enforcement helps improve the flow of traffic on city streets, reducing congestion and making it easier for drivers to navigate through busy urban areas. In a dense, rapidly growing city like Miami, even a single double-parked vehicle can cascade into gridlock across an entire block.
Protects Public Safety: Parking enforcement helps ensure that parked vehicles do not obstruct traffic flow, crosswalks, or fire hydrants — increasing safety for parkers, pedestrians, and motorists alike. Vehicles parked illegally can obstruct sightlines, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and road signs. Access to fire lanes, emergency vehicle routes, and bus stops is equally critical. Blocked bus stops force transit riders — especially those with disabilities — into active travel lanes to board and exit, creating dangerous conditions.
Supports Local Businesses and Economic Vitality: When parking spaces turn over regularly, short-term visitors can reliably find a spot near their destination — and local businesses benefit directly. Customers who cannot find parking near a restaurant, shop, or service provider will simply go elsewhere. Regulated parking ensures that street spaces serve the greatest number of people throughout the day, driving foot traffic and commercial activity into Miami’s business districts.
Ensures Fairness and Accessibility: Enforcement protects the spaces most critical for the most vulnerable members of the community. Without effective enforcement, accessible spaces are often misused or fraudulently occupied — leaving people with disabilities unable to find the access they are legally entitled to and sometimes deterring them from traveling altogether. Consistent enforcement of ADA spaces, loading zones, and time-restricted areas ensures equal access for all.
Maximizes the Existing Parking Supply: The primary goal of parking enforcement is to promote fair and safe parking practices, maximize parking availability, and prevent violations that disrupt traffic flow or inconvenience others. Effective enforcement means a city can serve more people with the parking infrastructure it already has — without building expensive new structures.
Supports Cleaner Air and Sustainability: When parking is well-regulated and easy to find, drivers spend less time circling the block — reducing fuel consumption, vehicle emissions, and frustration all at once. Smarter parking management, adaptive pricing, and effective curb management all contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable Miami.
Generates Data That Improves the City: Parking enforcement generates rich data on occupancy, usage patterns, and compliance trends. MPA uses this data through advanced analytics dashboards to direct enforcement resources where they are needed most and to plan future parking investments intelligently — helping the city grow smarter, not just larger.
Builds a Culture of Civic Responsibility: When rules are consistently enforced and citizens understand that those rules serve a greater social purpose, compliance improves — not just because of penalties, but because of shared civic values. MPA’s industry-leading 95 percent mobile payment adoption rate — the highest of any municipal parking organization in North America — is a testament to what happens when compliance is made easy and enforcement is seen as fair.
MPA’s Approach: Education First: MPA’s Parking Enforcement Officers have no quotas and no financial incentive to issue citations. All citation revenue goes directly to Miami-Dade County — MPA receives none of it. MPA’s goal is always education first, citations last.
Who is responsible for parking enforcement?
MPA shares responsibility with the City of Miami Police Department and Miami-Dade County for enforcement of parking regulations.
What types of violations do Parking Enforcement Officers address?
Parking Enforcement Officers issue citations to vehicles parked illegally, including loading-zone violations, no-parking zones, fire lane violations, double parking, expired time zones, expired parking meters, and disabled parking violations. Parking Enforcement Officers help regulate turnover and increase the availability of parking for the City’s residents, businesses, and visitors.
Do MPA Parking Enforcement Officers have citation quotas?
No. MPA parking enforcement officers have no quotas to fulfill and no financial incentive to issue citations. All parking citation revenue goes directly to Miami-Dade County.
Does MPA receive revenue from parking citations?
No. Citations are payable directly to Miami-Dade County and MPA receives no revenue from their issuance. During fiscal year 2024, MPA’s enforcement efforts generated approximately $5.0 million in parking fine revenue for the City of Miami and approximately $4.6 million for Miami-Dade County — a total of $9.6 million — all of which went to the respective government bodies, not to MPA.
How do I pay a parking citation?
Ticket citations are payable directly to Miami-Dade County. You can pay a parking ticket online through the Miami-Dade County payment portal.
I received a notice/invoice from Professional Parking Management
There are many private sector companies that enforce parking payments at private locations that are outside of the MPA jurisdiction. The transactions with Professional Parking Management or other private operators are outsidfe the purview of MPA operations.
Does MPA boot (immobilize) or tow vehicles?
MPA does not boot vehicles but may tow them if pose a risk to public safety, emergency access, or the rights of others. Tow-eligible violations include:
Immediate Safety Hazards:
- Parking in a fire lane, within a fire hydrant zone, in a crosswalk, on a sidewalk, or in a bicycle lane
- Double parking or blocking a driveway or another vehicle
Accessibility Violations:
- Unauthorized parking in a designated disabled parking space
Posted Tow-Away Zones:
- Parking in any posted tow-away zone — whether on public or private property
Police-Directed Removal:
- Vehicles ordered removed by law enforcement in connection with an accident, an incapacitated driver, or other emergency circumstances
Outstanding Citation History:
- A vehicle with 5 or more past-due parking citations on record
- A vehicle with 1 or more past-due disabled parking citations on record
What should I do if my vehicle has been towed?
Towing of vehicles in the City of Miami is handled by Roadway Towing:
Address: 1691 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33147
Phone: (305) 593-7474
Please have your vehicle registration and a valid photo ID available when you go to retrieve your vehicle. Fees and release procedures are determined by Roadway Towing and applicable City of Miami and Miami-Dade County regulations.
How can I avoid having my vehicle towed?
The best way to avoid a tow is to observe all posted parking signs and resolve any outstanding citations promptly. Remember:
- Never park in fire lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks, or bike lanes — even briefly.
- Never park in a disabled space without a valid, properly displayed permit issued to a qualifying individual who is present in the vehicle.
- Resolve outstanding citations early — a vehicle with 5 or more unpaid citations, or any unpaid disabled parking citation, is eligible for tow.
- Observe all posted signage — tow-away zones on both public and private property are enforced.
- When in doubt, use PayByPhone or ParkMobile for on-street parking, or use a permitted MPA facility.
PARTNERSHIPS AND SERVICE AREAS
Which major organizations does MPA partner with?
MPA has developed strategic partnerships with a wide range of public and private organizations, including:
- City of Doral — Comprehensive parking management services
- Miami Marlins — Venue parking operations at loanDepot Park
- Jackson Health System — Hospital parking management
- Miami-Dade County Parks and Marinas — Eight parks and six marinas
- Miami Dade College and Miami Arena — Approximately 225 parking spaces
- Florida Department of Transportation — Infrastructure and enforcement coordination
- Knight Center/Miami Tower — Managed under a separate agreement for the City of Miami
What is MPA’s partnership with the City of Doral?
MPA manages a comprehensive parking program for the City of Doral, addressing parking challenges arising from the city’s rapid urbanization. Doral has grown to 81,000 residents, with approximately 150,000 people working within its 15-square-mile area. The MPA parking program generated $1,048,744 in revenue from 248 parking spaces between September 2023 and August 2024, and deployed parking ambassadors to improve community engagement — with 13 of 17 surveyed businesses awarding the program five-star ratings. This success led three additional municipalities to request MPA parking proposals.
Details about the City of Doral Parking Proregam are available at: https://www.cityofdoral.com/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Parking-in-Doral
Does MPA offer its parking management services to other municipalities?
Yes. MPA’s unique legislative structure allows it to provide parking management services to municipalities throughout Florida. MPA has the expertise, infrastructure, and track record to help cities of all sizes address parking challenges arising from growth and urbanization. Municipalities interested in partnering with MPA are encouraged to contact MPA directly at (305) 373-6789.
Does MPA manage parking at all Miami Dade county municipalities?
No, various municipalities with parking operations run their own programs with distinct policies. These include:
- The Miami Beach: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/parking/
- South Miami: https://www.southmiamifl.gov/347/Parking-Division
- Coral Gables: https://www.coralgables.com/department/parking-department/parking-garages-fees-information
- Sunny Isles Beach: https://www.sibfl.gov/Building-Code/Parking/Public-Parking
Does MPA offer micro-mobility and transit connections?
Yes. Customers who park in any MPA garage in downtown Miami can hop on the Freebee ridesharing circulator free of charge to reach their destination within the central business district. Freebee users also receive a 50 percent discount off their garage parking rate.
How does MPA manage curb space for rideshare and delivery companies?
MPA recognized that managing competing interests for curb use requires smart-city digital technology. MPA worked closely with the City of Miami to update Chapter 35 of the Code of Ordinances, which cleared the way for MPA to formally implement a curb management program in 30 loading zones across downtown Miami. Through the Smart Loading Zone program powered by CurbPass, commercial vehicles can register once and pay only for the minutes they use — reducing congestion and improving pedestrian safety citywide.
MAJOR PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT
How does MPA contribute to Miami’s economic development?
Parking is an integral component of the transportation and infrastructure system that supports economic development. MPA’s planners, working closely with city officials and private developers, have built and proposed a number of developments that bring new life to neighborhoods underserved by private-sector parking. These developments support public safety, drive commercial traffic into business districts, enhance redevelopment programs, complement public transportation initiatives, and add to Miami’s quality of life through responsible land use. In fiscal year 2024, the Authority strengthened its relationships with community stakeholders by expanding strategic public-private partnerships throughout the City.
What major projects has MPA completed or developed?
MPA has been involved in a number of transformative projects across the City:
- Regatta Harbour Garage (Coconut Grove): Completed August 2020. Four-level garage at 3351 Pan American Drive featuring 388 parking spaces, 104 surface spaces, and 33,476 square feet of ground-floor retail.
- Model City Lot (Liberty City): Completed early 2020. Provides 17 additional spaces for residents and patrons of the Liberty City community in response to a growing community need.
- Skate Free / Lot 11 (Under I-95): Completed November 2019. Transformed an underutilized lot into a 30,000-plus square foot mixed-use skate park and green space in partnership with Skate Free, Inc.
- Grand Station (Public-Private Partnership): A 30-level mixed-use development at 240 North Miami Avenue including 350 parking spaces, 300 micro-residential units, and 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, plus a residential amenity deck.
- College Station and Cultural Center Redevelopment: Two aging downtown garages being redeveloped into premier mixed-use developments, expanding parking, housing, and retail in the heart of downtown Miami, designed to enhance transit-oriented neighborhoods and improve connectivity.
- Waldorf Astoria Green Space: MPA collaborated with developer PMG to create a pedestrian-friendly urban oasis across from the Waldorf Astoria tower in downtown Miami, featuring native landscaping, seating, decorative lighting, pavers, and a teahouse.
- FreeFlow Parking at loanDepot Park: An IPMI Award of Excellence-winning innovation that transformed the game-day parking experience at Miami’s major league baseball venue.
What is MPA’s approach to redeveloping aging parking infrastructure?
MPA has the responsibility to redevelop its aging infrastructure to protect public safety and avoid operational failures. Upgrades to aging infrastructure spur economic growth and enhance quality of life. When public funding for infrastructure is constrained, MPA uses public-private partnership agreements to reduce the debt burden and risk while still delivering safe, modern facilities that meet community needs.
Is the Miami-Dade Cultural Center Garage redevelopment moving forward?
Plans for the renovation of the Miami-Dade Cultural Center Garage in downtown Miami are currently on hold due to market conditions. MPA is working to make the site available as a temporary parking lot to provide parking relief in the interim while the development project awaits favorable market conditions to resume.
Is MPA developing parking in new or emerging neighborhoods?
Yes. MPA has announced plans to develop a boutique garage in the Miami Modern (MIMO) district — a 27-block area on Biscayne Boulevard between NE 50th and 77th Streets. MPA continues to identify underserved areas throughout the City where new parking development can catalyze economic growth and serve community needs.
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
What technology does MPA use to manage operations?
MPA employs advanced analytics platforms providing real-time insights, customizable dashboards, yield forecasting, and violation management — all coordinated through a state-of-the-art command center that monitors MPA’s full on-street and off-street portfolio 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Does MPA offer Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations?
Yes. Through a partnership with Brickell Energy, ChargePoint Level 2 dual-port EV charging stations compatible with all electric vehicles have been installed in seven garages, totaling 20 EV spaces, including four new stations in the Marlins Park garages. MPA continues to expand its EV charging network as part of the City of Miami’s transition to a more electric mobility ecosystem.
What is the Smart Loading Zone program?
MPA is piloting an innovative Smart Loading Zone technology to improve pedestrian and driver safety and reduce traffic congestion. After updating the municipal code in partnership with the City of Miami, MPA implemented the program across 30 loading zones in downtown Miami. Commercial vehicles register once through CurbPass and pay only for the minutes they use — streamlining last-mile deliveries and freeing curb space for all users.
Is MPA exploring autonomous vehicle or smart city parking technologies?
MPA and Cleverciti deployed smart city technology in the busy Coconut Grove neighborhood to eliminate the traffic congestion and emissions caused by drivers circling for parking. By mounting AI-powered sensors and 360-degree LED displays on existing streetlights, the system monitors up to 30 parking spaces per sensor and provides drivers with real-time, highly visible turn-by-turn directions to exact open spots. The technology processes all data locally to ensure strict public privacy—transmitting no video or license plate data—while providing the MPA with valuable analytics on parking utilization to improve urban planning, support local businesses, and create a frictionless parking experience for visitors.
The Miami Parking Authority’s Smart Loading Zone program, deployed in partnership with Automotus, utilizes AI-powered computer vision cameras to optimize commercial curb space and reduce traffic congestion. Mounted on existing street poles, the technology automatically captures the license plates of delivery vehicles entering and exiting designated loading zones, enabling seamless, per-minute automated billing directly to commercial fleets. By eliminating the need for drivers to interact with traditional meters or apps, the program increases loading zone turnover, drastically reduces dangerous double-parking, and provides the MPA with real-time data to better manage high-demand curbsides.
ACCESSIBILITY AND EQUITY
How does MPA ensure its facilities are ADA-compliant?
ADA-accessible parking spaces are provided at all MPA facilities. All disabled parking spaces are required to be 12 feet wide with a 5-foot access aisle. A 5-foot access aisle may be shared by two accessible spaces. MPA follows all applicable federal ADA guidelines and Florida accessibility standards in both existing facilities and new development projects.
How does MPA address parking equity in underserved neighborhoods?
MPA has demonstrated its commitment to underserved communities through projects like the Model City Lot in Liberty City, completed in response to a growing community need with the support of local civic leaders. MPA continues to identify neighborhoods underserved by private-sector parking and prioritize development in those communities.
SUSTAINABILITY
What is MPA’s commitment to sustainability?
MPA’s commitment to sustainability is reflected at the highest levels of the organization. CEO Argudin holds a LEED AP designation from the U.S. Green Building Council — one of the most recognized credentials in sustainable design and building operations — and she incorporates sustainability principles into MPA’s strategic planning and capital development decisions.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
How does MPA give back to the South Florida community?
MPA is an active member of the South Florida community, contributing funding and in-kind services to more than thirty festivals, events, and non-profit organizations each year.
How does MPA improve quality of life in Miami?
MPA addresses key quality-of-life issues in the urban community by providing convenient and affordable short-term and long-term parking, offering multiple payment options, installing environmentally friendly meters and technologically advanced facilities, sponsoring and facilitating community events, and maximizing economic use of urban land with responsible development.
Does MPA engage with neighborhood and business improvement districts?
Yes. COO Angel Diaz Jr. is a member of the Miami Downtown Development Authority, representing MPA’s ongoing collaboration with downtown Miami’s business and civic leadership. MPA also maintains active relationships with neighborhood stakeholders across its service area.
How does MPA engage with the public on planning and policy decisions?
MPA’s Board of Directors meets monthly in a public forum — an important avenue for public accountability and transparency. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
CONTACT AND RESOURCES
What if my vehicle has been towed?
Towing of vehicles in downtown Miami is handled by Roadway Towing:
Address: 1691 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33147
Phone: (305) 593-7474