OCALA, Fla. (Nov. 23, 2022) – To celebrate the holidays and support local businesses in downtown Ocala, the City of Ocala is providing free parking in all metered spaces beginning Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, through Monday, Jan. 2, 2023.  The parking meter rates of 50 cents per hour will not be in effect during this time. However, the time limit of three hours per space, for most spaces, will still be enforced. Normal parking operations downtown will resume Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023.

The parking meters downtown are normally in effect on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are approximately 160 parking meters located throughout the downtown and midtown areas.

In addition to the metered parking spaces, free parking is available daily at the downtown parking garage located at 296 SE Broadway St.

“The City of Ocala will continue the tradition of offering free metered parking to our residents and visitors this holiday season,” said Peter Lee, City Manager. “We want to encourage people to enjoy the downtown area, view the festive decorations and support the local businesses and restaurants that make the downtown area special during the holidays and throughout the year.”