Miami, FL
How much and where to park in Miami during a hurricane or flood threat
Parking during severe weather in Florida: Where to keep your car safe in Miami during a hurricane or tropical storm. What residents should know.
When hurricane season strikes, it’s hard not to picture the iconic “cars floating in water” scenario.
That effect typically occurs due to storm surge.
Residents in South Florida, which usually has the highest hurricane potential, know to move their vehicle to higher ground, if possible.
In the event of flood threats − aside from tropical storms or hurricanes − cities in South Florida may allow residents to park for free in select public garages, although proof of residency is frequently required.
But as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season nears, many Floridians are bracing for the storm, and that includes buying a hurricane preparedness kit, getting the hurricane shutters out of the garage, and/or devising what to do with your car.
Keep reading for more information on where to park in Miami in the event of a flood threat such as a hurricane.
When is 2026 hurricane season in Florida?
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 to Nov. 30 every year, with August, September and October being the most active months, particularly in Florida. In several years past, however, hurricane season has started early, with tropical systems named as early as April or May.
In addition to building damage or palm trees that bend from strong wind, the image of car tops peeking through floodwaters has become synonymous with Florida hurricanes.
Photos of hurricane damage, flooded cars in Florida
If there’s a hurricane in Miami, Florida, some public garages will be open to protect cars from floods
Those living in low-lying areas could see their homes flood in the event of a tropical storm – but there are ways to mitigate damages.
For instance, while you can’t uproot and move your entire property, you and your family can evacuate, and you can move your vehicle to higher ground. In the event of flood threats, cities in South Florida may allow residents to park for free in select public garages, although proof of residency is frequently required.
The city of Miami Beach, for one, is located in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, according to the city government. It provides qualifying residents – those with properties on streets where the elevation is low enough to experience flooding from King Tides – with free temporary parking accommodations at three of its municipal parking facilities. Residents must register, and will receive a notification via email when a flood event is “activated.”
Miami and Miami Beach allow residents to park free during floods. How to apply
For GPS and web searches, here are the addresses of participating parking garages:
- Garage 1 at 200 7th St., Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Garage 9 at 500 17th St., Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Garage 6 at 400 W. 42nd St., Miami Beach, FL 33140
The city of Miami and Miami Parking jointly offer a similar initiative – the hurricane parking program – which allows residents and employees of the city of Miami to park one vehicle per household in select garages during flood events.
Participating garages for that include:
- College Station Garage, 190 NE 3rd St., Miami, FL 33132
- Knight Center Garage, 100 SE 1st St., Miami, FL 33131
- Regatta Harbour Garage, 3351 Pan American Drive, Miami, FL 33133
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.
Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Find a USA TODAY Network newspaper near you.
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network’s Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
Miami, FL
Miami police officers are attempting to locate blue car they think was involved in fatal hit-and-run
Officials with the City of Miami Police Department are trying to locate a blue car they think is related to a fatal hit-and-run on Saturday afternoon.
Miami police released a flyer saying the driver of a possible 2023-2026 Blue Honda Accord is wanted for questioning in relation to the hit-and-run fatality. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at approximately 12:25 p.m. at NW 17th Avenue and 43rd Street.
The deceased victim is only described by detectives as a 61-year-old man. No additional information on his identity has been released.
Anyone with information is asked to call any on-duty detective with the Miami Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit at 305-603-6525.
Body camera video captured the moments when a Miami-Dade deputy was forced to fire his weapon at a teen who was armed with a gun in Southwest Miami-Dade.
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the shooting happened on April 2, at around 3:30 p.m. in the area of Southwest 112th Avenue and Southwest 221st Street.
Deputies said that they received a call about threats with a firearm at a park.
When deputies responded, they found four teens, and a confrontation ensued, officials said.
According to an arrest report, the 15-year-old, with a gun, took off running.
Body camera footage shows the deputy running after him, asking him to surrender, and when the teen tripped, he fell, rolled onto his back, and then pointed his gun at the deputy.
The officer was then seen firing several shots at the teen.
In Ring Camera footage, the teen was seen switching the firearm from his left hand to his right, and when he tripped, he was seen with the firearm in his right hand.
An arrest report said the teen was grazed on the ankle and taken to the hospital in stable condition.
Investigators said they recovered a firearm near the teen. The gun was reported stolen in July.
Arrest documents stated that when detectives saw the group of four, a 17-year-old was “clenching his waistband as if attempting to conceal and control a firearm.” He took off into a home, the reports said, and a search warrant was conducted, where they found two handguns in a hallway closet.
The 17- and 15-year-olds were arrested, facing multiple charges ranging from resisting an officer, a minor possessing a firearm, tampering with evidence and assault on an officer.
Deputies recovered a firearm after the shooting.
Relatives of the teens involved said they were upset and looking for answers.
“I want to know, why did they come in unknown cars, jump out and get to shooting?” said Asia Spann, whose nephew was shot. “I want answers.”
She said she tried to find out what happened from people in the community.
“They didn’t shoot no firearms, they didn’t shoot at the police to my understanding,” Spann said. “I can’t even express how I feel.”
Darrell Collins said the teen shot is his cousin, and his two grandsons were also part of the group.
“I don’t understand what’s going on, and I’m here to find out what’s going on because none of them get in no problems,” Collins said. “My cousin don’t ever get in any problems with nobody.”
Keisha Williams said deputies put handcuffs on her son, who was also with the group.
“I’m very upset,” Williams said. “I feel so bad, I feel bad for the whole community over here.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating.
Miami, FL
Miami International Airport unveils $14 billion investment in major makeover ahead of World Cup
Miami International Airport (MIA) debuted a new logo and “vibe” Friday night, as Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and airport CEO Ralph Cutie showcased improvements underway as part of a multi-billion-dollar investment.
The two officials, joined by over a dozen people, took an airport tour to highlight changes, including new painting, lighting, moving sidewalks, murals, and an indoor playground. Mayor Cava emphasized the scale of the commitment, stating that the airport is making a “$14 billion investment”.
“This was something I only understood when I became mayor,” she said.
The mayor noted that many of the changes are expected to be completed by 2030. The current effort is a different picture from two and a half years ago, when CBS Miami documented persistent problems with broken escalators and moving sidewalks.
CEO Ralph Cutie credits the difference to hiring a new contractor, adding that the airport now has a “95 percent operational rate”. Upgrades also include renovated elevators and escalators, improvements to restrooms, new lighting, and a central garden center.
Traveler Alex Ginestra, one of the 55 million people who travel through MIA every year, acknowledged the improvements, calling the changes “long overdue,” especially in the international terminals. However, he still feels the airport falls short compared to others globally.
“I’ve been to other airports around the world, and it’s a wow. This is lackluster,” Ginestra said.
-
Iowa6 minutes agoIowa High School Girls State Soccer Champions Crowned In Thrilling Finishes
-
Kansas9 minutes agoEngland get rapturous welcome as they settle in to sprawling Kansas City home
-
Kentucky14 minutes agoKentucky Bluegrass 3 Wheel Klassic returning to Owensboro for second year
-
Louisiana21 minutes ago
Louisiana Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for June 13, 2026
-
Maine24 minutes agoMaine’s Dempsey Center shows the way on supportive cancer care | Opinion
-
Maryland29 minutes agoAFRO News endorses Brooke Lierman for Maryland Comptroller
-
Michigan36 minutes agoMan accused of vehicle theft, kidnapping roommate arrested in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
-
Massachusetts39 minutes agoHigh School Roundup: Massachusetts D-I baseball and softball titles
