Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is working on a spring break message with a different approach than its southern neighbor, Miami Beach.
Miami Beach Police launched a reality television-themed advertising campaign in mid-February. violence During spring break, which began around 2020. Things began to turn around in 2024 as the city strengthened its law enforcement agency. Hundreds of arrested.
The city of Fort Lauderdale launched a similar reality TV-themed ad on February 26th, telling spring break tourists to “know the rules” and “enjoy our city responsibly.”
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Watch: Fort Lauderdale releases reality TV-themed spring break ads
“Come for fun, but don't forget to play with the rules. Love may be blind, but we're watching,” says Fort Lauderdale Police Department chief William Schultz in a video themed “Love is blind.”
On March 9th, 2025, a spring break revelry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Roman Maurice from Fox News Digital)
The two ads show the different approaches to spring break for the two departments. Miami Beach tells Spring Breakers to skip spring break altogether, but Fort Lauderdale encourages them to come as long as they follow city rules.
Rules include restrictions on alcohol, coolers, tents, tables, electric scooters, live or amplified music in certain areas.
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Spring Break Party in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, March 9th, 2025. (Roman Maurice from Fox News Digital)
The city said there will be “increased enforcement” at certain areas and at certain times, and there will be beach cleanups at 5:30pm every day.
“Our city is known for its beautiful beaches, great weather and exciting atmosphere. And we hope that everyone is safe and enjoyable,” Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantaris said in a statement on February 26th. “Learn the rules: Additional restrictions will remain in effect until April 12th to maintain a fun and respectful environment.”
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Spring Breaker enjoys the beaches of Fort Lauderdale, Florida on March 9, 2025. (Roman Maurice from Fox News Digital)
Meanwhile, Miami Beach Mayor Stephen Minor called it a “reality check” this year, saying the city's ad campaign “will not play by our rules, what will happen if we come here.”
See photo: Spring Breakers 2025
A similar ad campaign in Miami Beach in 2024 made them smaller than the crowd and less violent. Police Chief Wayne Jones said citywide arrests had fallen by 8% by March 17, 2024 compared to March 17, 2023.
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Spring breakers gather on the beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on March 9th, 2025. (Roman Maurice from Fox News Digital)
Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a press conference Friday that he saw the wild crowds when spring break in Miami began around 2020 when people fled to Florida during the coronavirus pandemic as other states remained open while they were still closed.
Members of the Fort Lauderdale Mount Police are looking forward to seeing you on spring break in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, March 8, 2025. (Roman Maurice from Fox News Digital)
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“We were grateful for that, and honestly, a lot of businesses came here and never came back.
The governor added that he has directed state law enforcement to provide additional personnel and assets to Miami Beach and other spring break hotspots over the coming weeks.
