Council authorizes LAZ Parking negotiations; approves pilot license‑plate enforcement and dynamic pricing

The Destin City Council authorized the city manager to finalize contract negotiations with LAZ Parking to expand the city’s paid‑parking program, approve capital allocation for the project and deploy license‑plate recognition (LPR) cameras in key harbor lots.

LAZ Parking representatives presented conservative projections based on the city’s 2022–2024 parking revenue data and proposed two scenarios: a base model increasing enforcement and conveniences and an enhanced model adding LPR camera enforcement for concentrated harbor lots. The company proposed QR code/text payment options to avoid an app download barrier, optional reserved parking and dynamic pricing that can raise or lower rates seasonally to encourage lot use when spaces are empty.

Council members asked about resident exemptions and data; staff said resident placards and a resident database can be integrated so permitted vehicles avoid citations. LAZ said pilot enforcement uses a roving vehicle equipped with LPR technology and that fixed cameras could be added to particular lots such as Marler’s and the Community Center if the council approves capital investment.

Councilman Gallo moved to authorize the city manager to proceed with final contract negotiations and to allocate capital funds for vehicle and LPR installations in targeted lots (Marler, Zerbe/Community Center and Joe’s Bayou with a validation kiosk at the community center). The motion passed unanimously. Council directed staff to return with a final contract and pricing details.

City officials said the program aims to increase effective use of underutilized public lots, improve enforcement efficiency, and capture revenue for municipal services while offering resident exemptions and customer‑friendly payment options.