If you’ve ever returned to find your car towed, you know it can be an expensive and frustrating experience. Miami Beach has taken a step to ease that sting — at least for residents — by introducing a 15-minute towing grace period with real-time text alerts that goes into effect in May 12, 2025.
However, this new text message alert system doesn’t cover all situations in which your car can be towed. The attorneys at VCM Law Group have broken down this new “resolution” and highlight what you should know about the new policy, how it works, and whether it could save you from an unexpected towing bill.
What Is the 15-Minute Towing Grace Period?
Starting Monday May 12th, 2025, Miami Beach residents who are registered in the city’s parking discount program will receive a text message alert if their vehicle is found in violation of certain parking rules. Once alerted, they’ll have 15 minutes to move their car before a tow truck is dispatched.
The goal of these text messages is to give Miami Beach residents a fair warning and a chance to correct a mistake without immediately resorting to costly towing fees.
Who Qualifies for the Program?
But there is a caveat. This grace period is only available to Miami Beach residents who have enrolled in the city’s resident parking discount program. If you haven’t registered yet, you will not be alerted about your car potentially being towed.
In order to register for the program and take advantage of these new text message alerts, you’ll need to provide proof of residency, a digital copy of your car’s registration and a valid phone number. You can sign up for the program here.
It is very important to understand that this initiative does not apply to visitors or non-residents.
What Types of Violations Are Covered?
The text alert and grace period are designed for non-life safety parking violations. These include:
- Parking in residential permit zones without a permit.
- Parking in areas with posted restrictions (like no parking zones during certain hours).
However, more serious violations — such as blocking fire lanes, handicap spaces, or creating safety hazards — will still result in immediate towing without warning.
What Should You Do Next?
If you live in Miami Beach, consider enrolling in the resident parking discount program to take advantage of this new protection. Not only will you receive discounted parking rates, but you’ll also benefit from the new towing notification system. If you are already enrolled in the program no additional registration is required at this time.