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Parking in blue zones in Florence

Want to park in the Municipality of Florence? Discover the cost and how to pay

The blue stripes in Florence identify paid regulated parking areas, distributed mainly in the ZCS (Controlled Parking Zones), which are the neighborhoods immediately outside the ZTL of the historic center. Each zone is characterized by different rates, hours, and rules, designed to manage traffic flow.

  • ZCS – Controlled Parking Zones: areas where parking is regulated through blue stripes (paid) and white stripes (for residents).
  • ZTL – Limited Traffic Zone: area of the historic center with access controlled through electronic gates. It does not coincide with the blue zones and does not determine the parking rate, but may limit access.

Parking management is entrusted to the Municipality of Florence, specifically to the Mobility Department, with the operational support of Servizi alla Strada S.p.A. (SAS). This is the entity that defines rates, hours, permits, and regulations related to parking in the various ZCS.

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How to pay for blue parking zones in Florence

In Florence, it is possible to pay for parking on blue lines with different methods: via parking meter, by purchasing a subscription, or using digital apps like Telepass.

Parking meters

Parking meters in the ZCS allow payment for parking in various ways. You can purchase a ticket using:

  • Coins.
  • Cards including bank cards and contactless cards.
  • Compatible electronic systems displayed on the parking meter.

When using the parking meter, the ticket must be clearly displayed on the dashboard. Display is mandatory because enforcement is carried out by checking the ticket.

In many ZCS areas, there is a minimum payment increment (e.g., 15 minutes). Subsequent increments are automatically calculated based on the hourly rate for the zone.

App and digital portals

The main alternatives to parking meters are digital systems dedicated to parking management, such as the official portal "ZCS – Servizi alla Strada".

The portal allows you to:

  • Purchase subscriptions monthly / quarterly / annual.
  • Request special permits (residents, authorized categories, home care).
  • Manage parking digitally in areas that support it.

App Telepass

You can pay for blue stripes in Florence directly from the Telepass app, without having to go to the parking meter.

The advantages for cars and motorcycles:

  • No ticket to display.
  • Pay only for the actual parking time.
  • Remote management via app.
  • Controls based on license plate reading, without risk of fines for expired tickets.
  • Works also for motorcycles and scooters by registering the correct license plate

How much do the blue parking stripes cost in Florence

Parking fees in Florence vary according to the ZCS – Controlled Parking Zone where you are located. Each zone has different costs for the first hour and subsequent hours, with higher rates in areas closer to the historic center. Rates may also vary depending on the day, time, and type of parking space (mixed or quick rotation), so it's always necessary to check the vertical signage on site.

Hourly rates in the ZSR

  • ZCS 1: more central areas with higher parking demand.
  • ZCS 2, 3, 4 and 5: semi-central and residential zones.

Hourly rates in the ZCS

  • ZCS 1: the zone with the highest cost, as it includes areas immediately outside the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) with high turnover demand. First hour: €2.40. Second hour and subsequent hours: €3.00/h.
  • ZCS 2 – 3 – 4 – 5: more affordable rates, suitable for medium and long stays in residential neighborhoods adjacent to the center. First hour: €1.00 Second hour and subsequent hours: €2.00/h

The hours of validity may change depending on the type of parking space:

  • Mixed spaces: often 8:00–24:00.
  • Quick turnover: generally 9:00–18:00.
  • Some areas may have reduced or extended hours based on demand.

Minimum rates

For all ZCS (Controlled Parking Zones), there is a minimum payment fraction, indicated on the parking meters, generally equal to 15 minutes. This is very useful for short stops (errands, package pickup, deliveries).

Short packages and plans

In some areas, the following may apply:

  • Micro-charges for stays under 30 minutes.
  • Reduced rates for quick turnover parking.
  • Packages dedicated to commercial areas (if introduced through official resolution).

Long-term subscriptions and permits

Florence offers subscriptions and permits useful for those who frequently park in the same ZCS (Controlled Parking Zone).

  • Monthly, quarterly or annual subscriptions: available in the main ZCS areas, with variable costs based on proximity to the center. Ideal for: commuters who always work in the same area, commercial activities, residents of neighboring areas.
  • ZCS resident permits, which are perfect for parking free of charge in white parking spaces in your sector, parking free of charge in "mixed" blue parking spaces, parking in dedicated areas with specific hours.
  • Business or professional subscriptions: permits or subscriptions are available for businesses based in the ZCS, maintenance workers and craftsmen, professional operators who need daily access, home care services and authorized social categories.

Blue parking zone hours in Florence

Gli orari delle Zone a Sosta Controllata (ZCS) di Firenze variano in base alla tipologia di stallo e alla zona in cui si parcheggia. La regolamentazione è attiva soprattutto nei giorni feriali, con fasce estese nelle aree più vicine al centro storico. È sempre la segnaletica verticale a determinare gli orari effettivi per ciascuna strada.

Standard hours in ZCS

In Florence, there are two main types of blue parking spaces, with different regulations.

  • Mixed parking spaces (free for residents with permits, paid for everyone else): these are found particularly in neighborhoods close to the center, with high parking demand from residents and workers. Typical hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM–12:00 AM
  • Quick rotation parking spaces (paid for everyone, including residents): these are easily recognizable because the vertical signage indicates "rotation parking" or specifies the maximum duration. Designed for quick stops in commercial areas with high demand and may have limitations on maximum duration (e.g., 60 or 120 minutes). Typical hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Parking on holidays

Throughout Florence, parking in blue-lined spaces is generally free on Sundays and public holidays, both in mixed parking spaces and in quick turnover spaces.

However, there may be exceptions on certain occasions:

  • Special events.
  • Local markets.
  • Sports or cultural events.
  • Temporary resolutions or mobility ordinances.
  • Road works or traffic modifications.

Each exception is always properly indicated by:

  • Temporary vertical signage.
  • The Servizi alla Strada (SAS) website and the Mobility Department website.
  • Official payment apps.

Free blue parking zones in Florence: who is entitled to exemptions

The Municipality of Florence provides numerous exemptions and concessions for parking in the ZCS (Controlled Parking Zones). Some categories can park for free in all blue parking spaces in their zone, others only under specific conditions or areas. The rules are governed by Servizi alla Strada (SAS) and the Mobility Department.

Total exemptions

The following individuals are entitled to complete exemption from payment in the blue parking spaces of the ZCS (Controlled Parking Zones), under the specified conditions and with a valid permit or badge:

  • Residents and domiciled persons in ZCS areas: those who permanently live within a ZCS can park for free in the blue parking spaces of their own zone. It is important that they possess the resident permit issued by SAS. The exemption does not apply in other ZCS areas nor in quick turnover areas, unless otherwise indicated.
  • People with disabilities holding a valid badge: holders of a CUDE badge can park for free in blue areas without time limits. The badge must be displayed or digitally registered when required.
  • Home care providers: exemption provided for operators who provide assistance to non-self-sufficient persons or to children under 10 years of age residing in the ZCS. Free parking is limited to the time necessary for the service, subject to displaying the authorization.
  • Maintenance companies, auto repair technicians, and personal care professionals: electricians, plumbers, specialized technicians, hairdressers, and home beauty operators can park for free in blue spaces during service, with a specific professional badge.
  • Pregnant women and families with children up to 2 years old: in Florence, there is a dedicated permit ("Pink Sticker"), valid for brief and justified stops near the ZCS of residence. The exemption covers limited periods and specific areas indicated by the Municipality.
  • NHS-affiliated doctors (GPs and pediatricians): with a dedicated badge, general practitioners and pediatricians can park for free during home visits. The badge must clearly indicate the service time frame.
  • Institutional subjects (E Card): operators of authorized institutions (Municipality, Region, specific public entities) can park for free in blue spaces during institutional activities. The E Card must be displayed clearly.

Partial exemptions and possible limitations

  • White spaces for residents: in addition to the blue stripes, in the ZCS there are white stripes reserved for residents, who, if they have a permit, can park free of charge in the white spaces of their sector. These are not usable by non-residents.
  • Limitations on specific times and places: it is possible that in some areas free parking is valid only during particular time slots, or that free parking may be limited by maximum duration, or that some blue spaces always remain paid (e.g. quick turnover areas).

Blue parking zones in Florence: are there any benefits for electric and hybrid cars?

The Municipality of Florence provides specific benefits for low or zero-emission vehicles in the Controlled Parking Zones (ZCS). Rules vary based on residence, vehicle type, and license plate registration with Servizi alla Strada (SAS).

Electric cars

100% electric cars are those that benefit from the most significant concessions. If you are a resident of the Municipality of Florence and own an electric car:

  • Parking in the blue-lined spaces of all ZCS is free and there are no time limits, except for those indicated in rapid turnover areas.
  • The vehicle must be registered and you must be able to demonstrate residency and engine type.

If the electric vehicle is not registered to a natural person residing in Florence:

  • Parking is not free.
  • You can obtain a 50% reduced rate after registering your license plate through SAS.
  • The reduction is applied only if the license plate is correctly associated.

Hybrid cars

The incentives for hybrid cars follow similar criteria, but with some differences based on the vehicle type.

For individuals residing in Florence with a hybrid vehicle:

  • Free parking in blue-striped zones of the ZCS (as for electric cars) is provided.
  • Proof of residence and vehicle fuel type is required.
  • SAS may request license plate registration or a copy of the vehicle registration document to be displayed.

On the other hand, hybrid vehicles registered to non-residents:

  • Do not qualify for free parking.
  • However, they can benefit from a 50% discount on parking fees in blue zones, after registering their license plate with SAS.

It's important to note that regulations are subject to periodic updates, especially in relation to local air quality policies.

Where are the blue parking zones in Florence?

Blue parking spaces are widespread throughout the city's Controlled Parking Zones (ZCS), which represent the main area where regulated parking fees apply. The ZCS zones surround the ZTL (limited traffic zone) of the historic center and include most of the busiest residential and commercial neighborhoods.

Division of ZCS and main tariff zones

Florence is divided into several numbered ZCS (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), each with specific rules for residents, permits, and hourly rates. In general:

  • ZCS 1: innermost area closest to the borders of the ZTL. It's the zone with the highest parking demand and the highest rates. Includes portions of: Piazza Beccaria, ring roads, areas adjacent to the historic center.
  • ZCS 2, 3, 4 and 5: more external areas but still heavily frequented due to the presence of services, shops, university centers, and residences. Include neighborhoods such as: San Jacopino, Campo di Marte, Gavinana, Isolotto, Rifredi, Novoli, Cure.

Areas with a higher presence of regulated parking

  • Historic center (outer periphery of the ZTL): areas with high tourist and commercial traffic. Via dei Serragli, Via Il Prato, Piazza Beccaria, Porta al Prato, Viali di Circonvallazione.
  • University Area: Novoli district (University Campus), Campo di Marte near Franchi Stadium.
  • Hospital centers: such as Careggi, Meyer, Nuovo San Giovanni di Dio (Torregalli). These areas have high parking demand and require stricter regulations.
  • Residential neighborhoods with heavy traffic: where parking spaces are often mixed-use (free for residents, paid for non-residents). San Jacopino, Statuto, Gavinana, Le Cure, Isolotto.

Frequently asked questions about blue parking zones in Florence

The rates depend on the ZCS – Controlled Parking Zone.

  • ZCS 1: €2.40 for the first hour; €3.00/h from the second hour.
  • ZCS 2, 3, 4 and 5: €1.00 for the first hour; €2.00/h from the second.
Vertical signage may indicate local variations or time limits in quick turnover areas.

You can pay via:

  • Parking meters (coins, cards, contactless, tickets to be displayed).
  • ZCS Portal – Servizi alla Strada for subscriptions and digital permits.
  • Telepass App, which allows digital payment without tickets, remote management and charging only for the actual time used.

Parking is free:

  • On Sundays and public holidays in all ZCS areas.
  • For residents and domiciled persons in their own residential zone.
  • For people with disabilities, home care workers, NHS doctors with badge, authorized companies, families with children up to 2 years old, institutional categories (with permit).

  • Note: quick turnover areas always remain paid during the indicated hours.

It depends on your residence:

  • Florence residents
  • - Electric cars: free parking in all ZCS areas.
    - Hybrid cars: free or discounted parking, with specific requirements.
  • Non-residents
  • - Electric and hybrid cars: 50% discount with license plate registered on SAS.
Free parking does not apply in quick rotation areas, which follow their own rules.

Blue parking spaces are present in all ZCS 1–5, especially:

  • In areas close to the ZTL.
  • In high-traffic neighborhoods (San Jacopino, Statuto, Novoli, Gavinana).
  • In university areas, near hospitals (Careggi, Meyer) and along the boulevards.

Paga le strisce blu

Pay for blue parking lines with the Telepass App

Thanks to the Blue Lines service, you can manage your vehicle parking directly from the app.