With heavy rain and potential flooding forecasted throughout the week, cities across South Florida — including Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Hollywood — are offering free parking in select public garages to help residents safeguard their vehicles from water damage.
🌧 Upcoming Weather Outlook:
Meteorologists are warning of continued storms and isolated downpours through Wednesday, with the National Weather Service predicting localized flooding, flash flood warnings, and ponding on roadways, especially in low-lying and coastal areas.
🚗 Why Move Your Car? The Hidden Costs of Flood Damage
The Miami Car Accident Lawyer, Jonathan Perazzo, understands that when floodwaters rise, so does the cost of car repairs in the event of suffering damage. Common vehicle issues caused by flooding include:
- Engine failure if water enters the air intake or cylinders
- Electrical system malfunctions, including power windows and dashboard failure
- Brake system corrosion
- Interior damage like mold, rust, and foul odors from waterlogged carpets
- Transmission issues from contaminated fluid
Even minor flooding can lead to thousands in repair bills or a total loss declaration from insurers.
Flood damage to your vehicle is typically not covered under standard liability or collision insurance — you’ll need comprehensive coverage to be protected.
Here’s a quick list of insurance policies and how they relate to flood damage:
- Comprehensive Auto Insurance: Covers flood-related damage to your vehicle, including water intrusion, engine issues, and total loss.
- Liability Insurance: Does not cover any damage to your own vehicle—only covers damage or injuries you cause to others.
- Collision Insurance: Covers accidents involving other vehicles or objects, but not natural disasters like flooding.
- Gap Insurance: May help pay off your auto loan if your car is totaled by a flood and your comprehensive payout is less than what you owe.
- Rental Reimbursement Coverage: Does not cover flood damage but may cover rental costs while your car is being repaired if covered under comprehensive.
- Homeowners or Renters Insurance: Does not cover vehicle flood damage; only applies to personal belongings inside the home or garage.
✅ Bottom line: To protect your car from flood damage, make sure you have comprehensive coverage in your auto insurance policy.
🅿️ Where to Park for Free in South Florida
Miami Beach
Residents can now park free through Tuesday at noon at nine designated garages (proof of residency required upon exit):
- 200 7th Street
- 512 12th Street
- 1301 Collins Avenue
- 1557 Washington Avenue
- 640 17th Street
- 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue
- 1900 Bay Road
- 340 23rd Street
- 400 West 42nd Street
Not included: Convention Center, City Hall, and 5th Street & Alton Road garages
📞 Need a tow during a flood?
If a Flash Flood Warning or Emergency is issued, Beach Towing and Tremont Towing will provide $50 flood-related towing within city limits for residents (matching license & registration required).
Fort Lauderdale
Free garage parking is available during any Flood Watch or Warning on levels 3 and above at:
- Las Olas Garage (200 Las Olas Circle)
- Riverwalk Center Garage (150 SE 2nd Street)
Vehicles must be removed within 24 hours after the advisory ends.
Hollywood
Until 8 a.m. Wednesday, Hollywood residents can park free of charge at the following city-owned garages (proof of residency required, no commercial/fleet vehicles):
- Garfield Garage (300 Connecticut St.)
- Nebraska Garage (327 Nebraska St.)
- Van Buren Garage (251 S 20th Ave.)
- Radius Garage (251 N 19th Ave.)
Parking is first come, first served. Vehicles must be removed on time to avoid being charged regular rates.
If you live in a flood-prone zone or park on the street, take advantage of these free garage options while they’re available. A few minutes of preparation could save you thousands in repair bills — and possibly your car.
