Miami Beach loosens spring break restrictions, law enforcements cracks down
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
MIAMI BEACH, Florida – The city of Miami Beach is loosening spring break restrictions in an effort to make way for calmer crowds for the first time in two years.
Miami International Airport expects more than five million passengers during the 33-day spring break travel season. March 12-15 through March 19-22 are expected to produce the largest spring break crowds in Miami Beach this year.
“We got divorced over spring break,” said Christopher Bess, public information officer for the Miami Beach Police Department. “There have been no deaths, shootings or chaos in the last two years.”
Miami Beach launched its official “spring break departure” campaign in 2024. A strict curfew was imposed in the city, as well as numerous road and parking closures. This year, the city is lifting some of those restrictions, aiming to attract more families with a series of wellness-focused events.
MIAMI BEACH SPRING BREAK SWEEPSTAKES CAUSED 1 DEAD, TURNED CROWDS
A crowd enjoys the warm weather in Miami Beach, Florida. (Amy Gallo)
“Basically, someone who’s been in a coma for ten years wakes up and sees a different Miami Beach, one that’s not just a party scene where everything goes right, it’s about health and wellness, because Miami Beach is not a place where anything goes,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “This is a law and order city. We’re going to have a great spring break.”
Two people sit on Miami Beach and watch the water. (Amy Gallo)
Municipal garages in the Art Deco District are open to the public this year, but the fixed parking fee will be increased by $40 to $100. To assist businesses affected by parking price increases, the city will offer free 24-hour shuttle service.
“[Last year] We had barricades in some major areas on Washington Boulevard and Collins, so we’re removing a lot of those barricades to provide better access to businesses, because one of the things we heard from businesses was that maybe it was a little bit difficult to access,” Meiner said.
MIAMI BEACH SPRING BREAK CRASH SENDS PARTIES TO PACK TO OTHER BEACH CITIES
Dozens of Miami Beach business owners told FOX News that crowds are no longer as large as they used to be, leading to decreased spring break foot traffic. But for some restaurants like Poseidon Greek, which has experienced the chaos of spring break’s past firsthand, it’s a welcome change.
The storefront of Poseidon Greek Seafood restaurant in Miami Beach, Florida. (Amy Gallo)
“You see less people on the street, like less foot traffic, but that means a lot more business. So we get more customers. People can park, people can move around safely,” said Vasilis Pyliotis, owner of Poseidon Greek in Miami Beach.
He added: “There’s less foot traffic, but there are more actual customers who want to spend money in the restaurant, in the stores; not just groups of people walking around and drinking.”
Starting March 5, high-impact measures will be in place every Thursday through Sunday throughout March. This means visitors will notice increased police presence, limited access to Ocean Drive, and DUI enforcement.
OFFICIALS SAY THE FIRST 1,000 ARRESTED DURING MIAMI BEACH SPRING BREAK
“We will have our real-time intelligence center fully operational with over a thousand cameras throughout the city,” Bess said. “We will also keep our license plate readers operational, which can transmit any information regarding wanted persons, stolen vehicles and illegal weapons in real time.”
Two Miami Beach police cars parked on Washington Boulevard in Miami Beach, Florida. (Amy Gallo)
Although city restrictions are looser for 2026, law enforcement remains committed to fighting crime.
“Anyone who comes to our city and breaks the law will be arrested,” Bess said.
CLICK TO REACH THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
The city of Miami Beach isn’t the only Florida destination cracking down on spring breakers. Panama City Beach declared a children’s curfew at 8 p.m. Fort Lauderdale does not allow alcohol or amplified music on beaches unless the alcohol is sold by an approved hotel vendor.
“This is a time of transition,” Pyliotis said. “It’s going to take a few more years to completely clean it up. We’re in the transition phase, but I think it’s going to get better.”
