RV Overnight on Tampa Bay Skyway bridge in Floriday?

even though I am a couple of days late on this post, I shall respond in hopes that in the future it may help others. Being a resident of manatee co, and a native of Pinellas co, both rest stops have security, yet as far as access is concerned, I drove past the manatee rest stop today and saw 2 DP's with toads nicely parked- a much more accessible option. FHP is always close by to both rest stops (FHP from Pinellas, Hillsborough and manatee county troops.) just don't set up the lawn chairs and you should be fine, by the way, your morning walk will be most spectacular. welcome to Florida!

I have stayed at a rest area with no overnight parking sign in 2012, with security. No problems at all.

OhhWell wrote:

FormerBoater wrote:
You can park and sleep in Florida Rest Areas on all Interstates.

The rest area at the south end of the Skyway Bridge has pull-thru parking spots for RV's and Semi's, has security and rest rooms as well as a great view of the bay.

Is that still true? I seem to remember no overnight parking signs popping up.

Was there last week, did not notice the signs...as long as you are respectful and do not deploy slides etc., I think you would be fine.

Picnic Tables under shelters with grills, seems like they do not mind if you spend a little time there.

rgatijnet1 wrote:
You can park and sleep in all Florida rest areas, for up to three hours. Overnight camping is not permitted. Florida Rest areas

That is technically correct, but conversations here indicate that security and LEO's are "relaxing' that rule a little. They do not want to put a tired driver back on the road. The tired driver is as dangerous as the drunk one.

The "3 hour" rule is just that, a FDOT rule, NOT a law. It allows the police to use it as a tool against the homesteaders but has no teeth for any type of legal enforcement. Police will not harass you if you are resting for a reasonable period of time, less than 18 hours.

You can park and sleep in all Florida rest areas, for up to three hours. Overnight camping is not permitted. Florida Rest areas

FormerBoater wrote:
You can park and sleep in Florida Rest Areas on all Interstates.

The rest area at the south end of the Skyway Bridge has pull-thru parking spots for RV's and Semi's, has security and rest rooms as well as a great view of the bay.

Is that still true? I seem to remember no overnight parking signs popping up.

You can park and sleep in Florida Rest Areas on all Interstates.

The rest area at the south end of the Skyway Bridge has pull-thru parking spots for RV's and Semi's, has security and rest rooms as well as a great view of the bay.

wesdevoe wrote:
I know you can't bring RV on to fishing Piers -- Was thinkinh about rest areas on north or south end of bridge

Thank you for clarifying that you didn't mean on the actual skyway....

Good luck getting in at Ft Desoto unless you get there early Friday morning. This is still the busy season there.

You might get in at the campground. Ft. Desoto county park