Destin council approves LAZ parking agreement and $1st‑year budget to expand enforcement and cameras

The City Council authorized the city manager to execute a professional services agreement with LAZ Florida Parking LLC to provide parking management and enforcement services and approved a corresponding FY2026 budget amendment to cover initial equipment and implementation costs.

Staff told council the target kickoff date for LAZ operations is March 1 so the system is functioning for spring break. The vendor proposal includes license‑plate readers, kiosks and a staffing plan for a daytime enforcement officer; staff said the first‑year cost figure includes equipment acquisition and is higher than ongoing annual operating fees. Councilman Destin and others expressed concern about the first‑year price but staff explained most of the upfront expense is equipment and installation and that the on‑going annual cost would be lower. Resident passes will be available to eligible residents (staff said they have begun issuing free annual resident passes at City Hall and the community center).

Council authorized the contract and a separate budget amendment. The contract authorization passed on the record with a 6–1 vote; the budget increase to fund the first year passed unanimously.

Staff noted enforcement will combine a single on‑the‑ground officer with camera‑based passive enforcement in key lots; parking rates will be dynamic and adjusted by demand and staff will monitor collections and equity impacts as the program begins.