However, when it comes to parking in Florence, there are a few challenges. The historical centre is covered by the Florence ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato), a restricted zone with entrance only permitted for those with a permit. If you enter without one, you will have to pay a very high fine.

Florence is widely considered not car-friendly for visitors, primarily due to its strictly enforced Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL), or Limited Traffic Zone. Almost the entire historic center is off-limits to unauthorized vehicles, with high-tech cameras at every entry point recording license plates for immediate fines (often €100+). In 2026, these restrictions remain active Monday through Saturday during daytime hours, and summer "night ZTLs" can apply on weekends. The streets are narrow, medieval, and often one-way, making navigation difficult even with GPS. Unless you are staying at a hotel inside the ZTL that can "white-list" your plate for luggage drop-off, the best practice is to park in a large garage on the city's outskirts and use the tram or local buses to reach the center. Most travelers find that Florence is best explored on foot, as the historic district is compact and designed for pedestrians rather than modern automotive traffic.