Applications for the hurricane parking program are open year-round, but anyone interested must provide either proof of residency or employment – utility bills, vehicle registration and city of Miami employee badges are all acceptable forms of documentation, according to the MPA’s website.

Registration for the program expires one year from the date it was initiated, and must be renewed on a rolling basis to maintain access. If there’s a storm or flood alert, the program could be activated “at the discretion of the CEO of the Miami Parking Authority,” but is guaranteed to be activated once the National Hurricane Center or Emergency Operations Center issues a hurricane watch, according to the MPA.

Will my car at a Miami parking garage be accessible during a Florida tropical storm or hurricane?

Once a hurricane warning is issued, all MPA facilities will be shut down until the Emergency Operations Center deems them safe to reopen. So while your car may be safe from flood threat, it may not be accessible.

How much does parking cost in Miami and Miami Beach, Florida?

Normally, hourly rates for parking vary in Miami and Miami Beach, Florida, usually depending on the time and day of the week. Parking garage rates in Miami Beach can range from $2 an hour to $20 for 15 hours. In the event of an emergency such as a tropical storm or hurricane in the Miami-Dade County area, parking fees can be waived.

If you do live in a low-lying area that’s prone to flooding, it may be safer to evacuate entirely if there’s a severe weather threat. The Florida Division of Emergency Management maintains a website to help you determine whether you live in an evacuation zone – just click the link and enter your address.