Tallahassee, FL Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

Section 20-79, "Loading zones," splits curb loading into two regimes. Subsection (a) covers passenger loading zones: a vehicle can stop there only for expeditious loading or unloading of passengers, for no more than three minutes unless the posted sign states a different limit, and a police officer may have a violating vehicle removed. Subsection (b) creates the commercial permit: the city treasurer-clerk issues a permit, other than to vehicles for hire, that must be permanently displayed on the left front windshield of any vehicle using a designated commercial loading zone.

The permit must be renewed annually for a fee set by the city manager or a designee, and the applicant must show proof of a valid city or county occupational license before receiving it. Subsection (c) then governs the physical use of a marked commercial loading zone: the vehicle must carry commercial signage stating the business name and phone number, display the permit, and finish loading or unloading materials within 15 minutes unless the sign says otherwise; a violating vehicle can likewise be removed by an officer.

All three subsections independently authorize a fine set by city commission resolution after a noticed public hearing. The section derives from Code 1957, Sec. 32-21, and Code 1984, Sec. 23-39, and was last amended by Ord. No. 08-O-52 in 2008 to update the permit and fee structure.