Miami Beach warns spring breakers that rowdy behavior won't be tolerated
MIAMI - Miami Beach is warning spring breakers that rowdy behavior will not be tolerated. To that end, the city will be enforcing certain restrictions through March.
Planned high-impact measures include South Beach parking garage and lot closures, restricted beach access, DUI and security checkpoints, potential curfews as well as heightened multi-jurisdictional law enforcement presence."
"We will be employing license plate readers, drones, video technology and are planning increased enforcement against the illegal consumption of alcohol in public as well as the possession of illegal drugs," Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones said in a statement.
City officials credit last year's restrictions for creating a safer atmosphere.
"This year, we're building on that success, ensuring Miami Beach remains a welcoming destination where people can enjoy our world-class beaches, restaurants, and community in a safe family-friendly atmosphere," Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner said in a statement.
According to a memo Miami Beach City Manager Eric Carpenter sent to the mayor and the commission, "The entire month of March 2025 has been designated as a high-impact period in Miami Beach, resulting in additional measures with respect to traffic, staffing and public safety."
Miami Beach parking during spring break
Every Thursday through Sunday on the first (Feb. 27- March 2), second (March 6-9) and fifth (March 27-30) weekends in March, the following high-impact measures will be in place:
The nonresident towing rate will be $516 - double the normal rate - plus a $30 administrative fee for vehicles towed in South Beach.
A flat parking rate of $30 will be in effect at city parking garages and surface lots in South Beach - including the following garages:
- 7 Street and Collins Avenue (G1)
- 12 Street and Washington Avenue (G2)
- 13 Street and Collins Avenue (G3)
- 16 Street between Collins and Washington Avenues (G4)
- 17 Street and Convention Center Drive (G5)
- 42 Street garage between Royal Palm and Sheridan avenues (G6)
- 18 Street and Meridian Avenue (G7)
- Lincoln Lane North and Pennsylvania Avenue (G9)
- 19 Street and Bay Road (G10)
- 23 Street and Park Avenue (G12)
Entry to garages closes at 6 p.m. to all visitors, the city stated.
The flat parking rate and 6 p.m. entrance restriction do not apply to residents, access card holders or authorized employees.
Ocean Drive will only be accessible to vehicles via 13 Street with a sole exit at 5 Street on March 6-9, March 13-16 and March 20-23. Barricades will line the west side of Ocean Drive to reduce the potential of pedestrians coming into contact with vehicles.
Police officers will be patrolling the city to detect and arrest drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Beach entrances on Ocean Drive will be limited to 5, 10 and 12 streets and will have security checkpoints to ensure prohibited items are not brought onto the beach. These entrances will close at 6 p.m. Coolers, inflatable devices, tents, tables and similar objects are not permitted on the beach. Amplified music without a city-issued permit will be restricted. As a reminder, alcohol and smoking are always prohibited on city beaches.
Packaged liquor stores in the Entertainment District will strictly adhere to the 8 p.m. regular closing time.
Busiest Miami Beach weekends in March
Carpenter's memo said based on college schedules, March 13-16 and March 20-23 are expected to generate the largest spring break crowds this year. On those two weekends, more stringent measures will be put in place.
- Parking garages and surface lots south of 23 Street will be closed.
- A $100 flat fee parking rate will be in effect for visitors at the Sunset Harbour Garage on 19 Street and Bay Road (G10) and the 42 Street garage between Royal Palm and Sheridan avenues (G6).
Parking garage and surface lot closures as well as flat-fee parking rates do not apply to Miami Beach residents, access card holders, permit holders or Miami Beach employees.
Sidewalk seating on Ocean Drive will be closed on March 14-16 and March 21-23.
Businesses will be prohibited from renting or leasing golf carts, low-speed vehicles, autocycles (i.e. slingshots), motorized scooters, mopeds, motorcycles powered by motors of 50 cubic centimeters or less and motorized bicycles.
A license plate reader detail on the eastbound lanes of the MacArthur and Julia Tuttle causeways will be implemented by the Miami Beach Police Department. Motorists should expect significant traffic as eastbound travel lanes will be reduced.
Ocean Drive will only be accessible to vehicles from the most northern available street with a sole exit at 5 Street on March 6-9, March 13-16 and March 20-23. Barricades will line the west side of Ocean Drive to reduce the potential of pedestrians coming into contact with vehicles.
A DUI checkpoint will be in place along the 400 block of 5 Street starting at 7 p.m. over March 14-15 and March 21-22.
Enhanced Miami Beach law enforcement and staffing
Staffing levels for Miami Beach Police, Fire Rescue, Ocean Rescue, Code Compliance, Park Rangers, Parking and Sanitation will be significantly enhanced throughout March.
Goodwill Ambassadors wearing pink "Take Care of Our City" T-shirts will be deployed throughout the Entertainment District to answer visitor questions, provide directions and give tips on how to enjoy the city.
Fort Lauderdale will also have restrictive measures
In Fort Lauderdale, acting City Manager Susan Grant said their busiest spring period will be from Feb. 23 through April 12.
During that time, coolers will not be allowed on the beach. No tents, tables and similar structures will be allowed on the beach from the 900 block of Seabreeze Boulevard to the 1700 block of North A1A. On that same stretch of beach, live or amplified music will be limited and there will be no alcohol allowed. However, alcohol will be allowed on the sand in front of authorized hotels.
