County Council Eliminates Beach Driving Fees for Volusia County Residents

Posted On: August 6, 2024

Starting Oct. 1, Volusia County residents will enjoy driving on the beach without having to pay a fee following a decision by the Volusia County Council during its Aug. 6 meeting. This exemption is exclusive to Volusia County residents; non-residents will be subject to a $30 fee for a beach driving day pass or $150 for an annual pass, plus applicable taxes and fees.

Eligibility for the Volusia County beach driving fee exemption includes full-time residents with a valid Volusia County driver's license; property owners on the latest tax rolls; and students from Bethune-Cookman University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Stetson University who possess a valid parking pass. Volusia County residents will need to register their vehicles online to have their fees waived. An online registration portal will be available, and automatic license plate readers will be installed at several vehicular beach access ramps in the fall. Existing beach driving annual pass holders will automatically transition into the new system until their current passes expire. No refunds will be issued for previously purchased annual beach driving passes.

Unregistered residents and non-residents can purchase a daily beach driving pass at the beach entrances. Annual passes will be available exclusively online or at selected office locations, ending sales at toll booths and on the beach. Separate registrations will be required for beach driving and off-beach parking privileges. These changes do not affect parking fees at inlet parks, which remain at $10 daily or $20 annually for all. Disabled individuals and veterans, identifiable through proper license plates, placards, or other identification, will continue to enjoy complimentary access to beach driving, off-beach parking, and inlet parks regardless of their residency status.

PCI Municipal Services, LLC has been awarded the contract to manage both beach driving and off-beach parking pass sales in an agreement that brings the County an annual discount of $450,000. With PCI handling both services, residents will benefit from a streamlined registration process, requiring only one registration to receive an annual pass for both beach driving and off-beach parking. This upgrade will expedite traffic flow onto the beach and enable the County to keep all vehicular access points open year-round, weather permitting.

The fee waiver for beach driving is part of a trial period ending on Jan. 31, 2026, unless extended by the Volusia County Council. The County will facilitate registration and purchase assistance through a 24/7 call center and multiple walk-in locations. A job fair for persons interested in becoming either parking or toll attendants is set for 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at Beach Safety Headquarters, 515 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach. For more information and to apply for a position, visit www.parkvolusia.org.