News Summary
A new app called DIBS Parking, co-developed by FSU alumnus Osher Steel, aims to tackle parking challenges during FSU athletic events. The app connects users needing parking with homeowners offering spots, enhancing convenience on gamedays. Initially launched in Miami, it’s rapidly expanded to Jacksonville and Tallahassee, providing competitive pricing and secure transactions to users. The app also creates jobs for FSU alumni and promotes entrepreneurial initiatives among students.
TALLAHASSEE — A new parking app named DIBS Parking has been co-developed by Florida State University (FSU) alumnus Osher Steel to address the ongoing challenges of parking during FSU athletic events. The app connects users seeking event parking with homeowners who have available spots, aiming to streamline the parking process on gamedays.
DIBS Parking operates as a two-sided platform, similar to Airbnb. Users can create an account, select their event location, and set preferences, such as security features, walkability, and pricing options. Once their preferences are established, users can view and connect with available parking listings close to their desired venue.
Homeowners looking to list their parking spots on the app can easily register by creating an account, documenting their parking area, and linking it to nearby venues that host events. This creates opportunities for homeowners to earn extra income while helping to alleviate parking concerns for attendees.
The app initially launched in Miami in March 2025 and quickly expanded to Jacksonville and Tallahassee, where it has seen a steady increase in bookings. During recent home football games, DIBS Parking provided 50 spots within a 20-minute walk of Doak Campbell Stadium, offering competitive prices compared to traditional on-campus lots.
Steel developed DIBS Parking with the intention of reducing parking-related stress for users on gamedays. By allowing documented transactions and issuing receipts, the app also seeks to provide a secure platform that protects against parking scams.
The idea for the app originated during a product innovation course at FSU, inspired by Steel’s experience using a similar app while visiting Israel in 2019. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from FSU, Steel partnered with software engineer Willy Merlet to develop the app after conducting market research and exploring its feasibility.
DIBS Parking achieved its first event service during a Formula 1 race in Miami in May 2025, showcasing its adaptability and readiness for new markets. The app’s growth is not just limited to services, as it also generates job opportunities for FSU alumni, involving roles like legal counsel, designers, and social media managers as it prepares for broader expansion across Florida.
Steel encourages FSU students to pursue entrepreneurial projects, highlighting the importance of problem-solving and skill development throughout their endeavors. This approach not only benefits the students but also contributes to developing innovative solutions to real-world issues faced in day-to-day life.
As DIBS Parking continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to FSU alumni’s entrepreneurial spirit, aiming to create a more efficient and secure parking experience for all users attending events at FSU and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- FSU News: Dibs on Parking
- Wikipedia: Parking
- FSU News: Student Concerns
- Google Search: Florida State University
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: University
- Virginia Sports: Cavaliers Welcome FSU
- Google News: FSU Athletics
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The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
