A driver's guide
Florence ZTL: how to drive to a city-centre garage
Florence's historic centre is a ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato, limited traffic zone): entrances are monitored by camera gates that read your plate. If you drive in while the ZTL is active without authorisation, the fine is sent to your home – often months later, rental cars included. Here is how to reach a city-centre garage legally.
What the ZTL is and when it is active
The ZTL covers most of the historic centre and is active during time bands set by the City of Florence, with different hours for weekdays, holidays and the summer season. At each gate a sign shows whether it is active ("varco attivo"). Current hours and the gate map are published by the City of Florence: always check them before you travel.
Can I enter the ZTL to reach a garage?
Yes, if the garage you park in reports your plate to the City. Authorised garages register your plate on the City of Florence S.A.S. portal and your transit becomes legal.
All three City Parking garages – Fiesolana, Via Venezia and Borgo Pinti – are inside the ZTL and register their customers' plates.
How it works with City Parking, step by step
- Book online or call the garage.
- Enter the ZTL and drive straight to the garage, even if the gate sign says "active".
- On arrival our staff register your plate on the City's S.A.S. portal.
- The permit covers your transit up to 3 hours before the start of your stay. A minimum stay of 1 hour is required.
The permit does not cover lanes reserved for public transport: even with your plate registered, you will be fined there.
I received an unfair ZTL fine: what should I do?
If you parked with us and still receive a ZTL fine, our appeals office helps you appeal to the Prefect, which must be filed within 60 days of notification. Write to multe.ztl@gmail.com attaching:
- the recipient's identity document, front and back;
- the complete fine notice;
- the notification date;
- if you have it, the ticket proving your stay.
City Parking garages inside the ZTL
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City Parking Fiesolana
Via Fiesolana 17R · inside the ZTL · Every day 7:00 am–11:30 pm
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City Parking Via Venezia
Via Venezia 20 · inside the ZTL · Mon–Sat 7:00 am–9:00 pm, Sun 8:00 am–9:00 pm
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Garage Firenze Borgo Pinti
Borgo Pinti 101R · inside the ZTL · Mon 8:00 am–2:00 pm, Tue–Fri 8:00 am–8:00 pm, closed Sat and Sun
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive into the Florence ZTL to reach a garage?
Yes, if the garage registers your plate with the City. City Parking garages on Via Fiesolana, Via Venezia and Borgo Pinti do this for their customers.
How long before my stay does the permit cover me?
The permit registered by City Parking covers your transit up to 3 hours before the start time of your stay.
Is there a minimum stay?
Yes: a stay of at least 1 hour is required to obtain the transit permit.
Does the permit cover bus lanes?
No. The permit does not authorise driving in lanes reserved for public transport.
How long do I have to appeal a ZTL fine?
An appeal to the Prefect must be filed within 60 days of the fine being notified. For help, write to multe.ztl@gmail.com.