By Coral Gables Gazette staff

The City of Coral Gables is adjusting its centralized valet parking rate for the first time in more than two years. Beginning October 1, the new rate will be $15 for up to four hours, up from the current rate of $12 for up to three hours, according to an official city announcement issued last week.

The change marks the first update to the city’s valet parking fee since 2022. According to the city, the valet service plays a key role in providing “safe, convenient, and reliable parking access” in high-demand areas of Downtown Coral Gables, serving residents, visitors, and local businesses.

25 percent rate increase includes additional hour

Under the new structure, the flat fee increases by $3, but customers will receive one additional hour of parking time under the base rate. Previously, a $12 payment covered parking for up to three hours. Starting October 1, $15 will cover four hours.

City officials emphasized that the change reflects a balance between maintaining affordability for users and ensuring the program remains financially sustainable.

“Valet parking is a service that enhances the Coral Gables experience, allowing patrons to enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment without worrying about parking,” said Monica Beltran, the city’s Director of Parking, Sustainability and Mobility Services. “This small rate change will ensure the program remains sustainable and provides a safe, convenient, and reliable service that enhances the customer and visitor experience.”

Coral Gables remains below regional averages

The city noted that even with the rate adjustment, its valet pricing remains lower than comparable programs throughout Miami-Dade County. According to the release, valet rates in other parts of the region “commonly range from $20 to $40 per day,” and can reach as high as $60 in Miami Beach.

The Coral Gables valet program is intended to serve the commercial core of the city, particularly high-traffic zones such as Miracle Mile, Giralda Plaza, and surrounding blocks, where parking turnover is essential for restaurant and retail activity.

Centralized model promotes shared access

The city’s valet program operates on a centralized model, meaning multiple businesses share designated valet stations and operators. This approach allows Coral Gables to manage congestion while maintaining a consistent service experience across participating locations.

The system also aims to reduce the number of separate valet stands on city streets, promoting greater walkability and more efficient curbside usage. Though the October rate adjustment modifies the cost structure, the city’s release did not indicate any additional changes to program scope, operator agreements, or service hours.

No further changes announced

The city’s announcement focused solely on the fee adjustment and did not include any references to future expansions, new drop-off locations, or structural changes to the valet program.

There were also no indications of forthcoming rate adjustments to other parking programs in the city, including metered street parking, municipal garages, or permit structures.

The new valet rate applies only to the centralized valet program, which is run in coordination with the city’s Parking, Sustainability and Mobility Services Department. The city did not release any new guidance on how or whether the change might affect usage patterns, staffing, or vendor partnerships.

Background on the program

The centralized valet program has been in place for several years and is a familiar feature throughout Coral Gables’ downtown district. The service is most commonly used by patrons visiting restaurants, retail shops, salons, and entertainment venues in the city’s most active pedestrian corridors.

Although Coral Gables has pursued a range of mobility and parking innovations in recent years, including digital payment systems for on-street parking and upgrades to its garage infrastructure, this particular rate update is the first change to the valet fee structure since 2022.

As of now, the city has not indicated that any further adjustments are planned. The new $15 for four hours rate will take effect across all participating valet locations on Wednesday, October 1.