SPD assumes oversight of City parking operations
Oct. 28, 2026
The Sarasota Police Department assumed oversight of the City of Sarasota’s parking operations Wednesday, Oct. 28, bringing the Parking Services Section under the agency’s Patrol Division as part of an organizational transition. The transition is intended to enhance employee safety, improve customer service and strengthen coordination between parking personnel and police officers working throughout the city.
Parking Services employees regularly interact with residents, business owners and visitors while working independently in the field. Under the new structure, Parking Service employees will be known as Parking Ambassadors and will have access to additional communication resources, field support and training. The Sarasota Police Department has been working with Parking Ambassadors to support the transition and provide training in de-escalation techniques to help them perform their duties safely and effectively. This transition includes a gradual change in uniforms and equipment. The Sarasota Police Department will evaluate future equipment needs, including the potential use of body-worn cameras, as part of its planning process.
“We want every interaction with our community to reflect professionalism, respect and a commitment to public service,” said Sarasota Police Department Chief Rex Troche. “Bringing the Parking Division under the Police Department is not new. It’s been under our agency four times previously. This transition creates opportunities to strengthen training, improve coordination and better support our employees as they serve residents, business owners and visitors throughout the city,” said Chief Troche.
Parking Services will operate within the agency’s Patrol Division. Department leadership will continue working with Parking Ambassadors to continue a smooth transition and provide the resources needed to carry out their responsibilities safely and effectively. Police officers will retain the ability to issue parking citations, as they have in the past. Parking Ambassadors will continue to enforce parking regulations and assist with parking-related concerns throughout the city. Under the new structure, police officers will also be able to request assistance from Parking Services when parking-related issues arise, allowing officers to focus on their primary patrol responsibilities.
Parking payments, permits and customer service
Although oversight is moving to the Sarasota Police Department, residents and visitors will continue to access parking payment and permit services through the One Stop Shop, 1575 Second Street, 1st Floor, Sarasota, FL. Parking Ambassadors who facilitate parking permits, citations and respond to the parking phone line and email will become part of the Police Department’s Parking Services operations but will continue working from the One Stop Shop. Existing parking contact information will remain unchanged, allowing customers to continue using the same phone number and email address for parking-related questions, payments and other services.
Contact Information:
Parking Services: 941-263-6475
Parking Services E-Mail: ParkingInfo@SarasotaFL.gov
Parking Payment / Permit Services: One Stop Shop, 1575 Second Street, 1st Floor, Sarasota
The organizational transition does not, by itself, change existing parking regulations or enforcement policies. Residents and visitors should continue to follow posted parking restrictions and applicable payment requirements. Any future changes to the city’s parking program will be communicated separately.
The Sarasota Police Department is committed to working collaboratively with Parking Ambassadors and city partners to support safe, accessible parking and a positive experience for everyone who lives, works or visits Sarasota. For the latest information about City of Sarasota parking services, visit www.SarasotaFL.gov/Parking.
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