Valet parking permits in South Florida.

If your valet stand, drop-off lane, or parked cars touch public property (a curb, a street, a sidewalk, or a city lot), you almost certainly need a city permit. Valet that stays entirely on private property may still need a city review, especially for a new business. Rules differ by city, so this guide covers the five markets where valet permits come up most. Fees and rules change; always confirm with the city before you apply. This information was last checked in October 2026.

Fort Lauderdale

Any person, establishment, or entity that runs valet using a City of Fort Lauderdale right-of-way or city parking facility needs a Valet Parking Permit. Applications go to the Parking Services Division (Transportation and Mobility), by appointment.

• Fees: $265 for an initial permit, $150 for a renewal, and $25 for a temporary permit.
• Ramping: the city publishes design samples for one-lane and two-lane valet ramping, which show how the drop-off area should be laid out.
• Official page: City of Fort Lauderdale Valet Parking Permit

Miami Beach

Miami Beach has some of the strictest valet rules in the region. Valet on public property requires a space rental valet permit from the Parking Department, and each location needs its own permit.

• Start with the ramp: get preliminary approval of the valet ramp location from the Parking Department before applying for the Business Tax Receipt.
• One operator per block: no more than one valet operator per block, using no fewer than two and no more than four parking spaces (two per block face). Ocean Drive between 5th and 15th Streets is the exception.
• No ramping from traffic: cars may only be ramped from the curbside spaces assigned for ramping, never from a moving lane.
• Documents: a notarized authorization letter from each establishment served, authorization for the storage parking facility, the total spaces and storage location, FEIN, articles of incorporation, a certificate of insurance, and a valet parking operation plan (traffic analysis) for new locations.
• Four approvals: Transportation (operation plan), Code Compliance, Parking (spaces and ramp location), and Risk Management (insurance).
• Insurance: the city code requires general or garage liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and per location, naming the City as additional insured, plus garage keepers coverage for vehicles in the valet's care. Risk Management confirms the current limits.
• Official page: City of Miami Beach Valet Service Checklist

City of Miami (including Brickell and downtown)

Valet in the City of Miami is governed by Chapter 35, Article IX of the City Code, and valet permits and renewals are handled through the Miami Parking Authority. Check the Parking Authority's valet ordinance page for current fees and forms before you apply.

• Official page: Miami Parking Authority Valet Ordinance

Boca Raton

In Boca Raton, a Valet Parking Review must be completed before the city approves the Business Tax Receipt, so plan for it early when opening a new restaurant or venue. Applications go to the Building Department.

• Fee: $255, due when you apply.
• What the city asks for: Sunbiz corporate filings, a survey or site plan, a signed and notarized owner authorization, a project narrative, and operating details such as hours, number of valet stations and attendants, parking agreements, where cars will be stored, and circulation routes.
• Space limit: up to 15% of a site's approved on-site parking spaces may be reserved for valet when the code's criteria are met (Section 28-1651(c)).
• Official instructions: City of Boca Raton Valet Parking application instructions

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach adopted its valet rules through Ordinance 5013-22 in 2022. Businesses and special events that offer valet complete the Valet Parking Operations Permit Application with Parking & Mobility Administration, which also publishes a permit instruction guide.

• Contact: Parking & Mobility Administration, (561) 822-1500, 500 Banyan Boulevard.
• Official page: City of West Palm Beach Valet Parking

Other cities

Hollywood, Delray Beach, Coral Gables, Aventura, and other South Florida cities have their own rules. Start with the city's parking or code compliance department and ask two questions: do we need a permit to use the curb or public parking, and does valet need to be reviewed before our business license is issued?

Before you apply: a checklist

1. Decide where the drop-off point (ramp) will be, and whether it uses public curb space.
2. Secure a written agreement for the lot or garage where cars will be stored.
3. Set your valet hours and the number of attendants and stations.
4. Get a certificate of insurance that names the city as additional insured if required.
5. Gather your company documents: Sunbiz filing, FEIN, and owner authorization.
6. Apply before your opening date. Some cities require valet approval before the Business Tax Receipt is issued.