Spring break has returned to Miami Beach, and city officials are looking to curb the chaos before it even starts. This year, officials are encouraging…
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Spring break has returned to Miami Beach, and city officials are looking to curb the chaos before it even starts.
This year, officials are encouraging spring breakers are ditching the late nights and excessive drinking in favor of exercise and early mornings.
The city’s 2026 marketing campaign shines a spotlight on fun, fitness and, of course, safety. Some of the safety measures that are in place for this year kicked off Thursday.
“The spring break of the past is gone. We will never, ever go back there. This is a new era for this police department and for the city,” said Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones.
It’s time for the glow-up. This year, the city’s message is :”wake up to a new March,” while shifting their focus to fitness.
“Whereas in the past we had residents who would literally leave during certain weekends in March, [they] are now staying home enjoying our beautiful city,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner.
“We are making a deliberate pivot away from a party-centric spring break of the past and towards a month that celebrates all that Miami Beach has to offer: fitness, wellness and a healthier, more elevated experience here on the beach,” said Miami Beach City Manager Eric Carpenter.
Officials said the city’s crackdown has worked. Last year, they reported fewer crowds, less chaos, no shootings — a stark contrast to years past.
“We don’t have to go too far back in time to remember. In 2022, we had five shootings during spring break. 2023, we had two fatalities, and in 2024 and 2025, we had no related incidences,” said Meiner.
This year, the city will be breaking a sweat, as it hosts several fitness events like HYROX, Wodapalooza and a marathon.
At the same time, the city is ramping up security measures like license plate readers and security checkpoints at beach access.
As for street closures, officials announced on Wednesday that for the next two weekends, Ocean Drive will only be accessible by drivers at 15th Street, and cars will only be able to exit at Fifth Street.
Officials said keeping businesses up and running safely is a delicate balance.
“Certain businesses reached out to us with suggestions. Many businesses thanked us for the measures we took, because it created a level of orderliness, and they were busy and didn’t have to deal with stampedes in their businesses or people literally flipping over tables and not paying,” said Meiner. “That was real, and that was happening in our city.”
Over in Fort Lauderdale, city officials said they will be increasing security. However, they definitely have a different message for spring breakers.
“It’s really important that college kids know that Fort Lauderdale is putting out the welcome mat for you to come here and enjoy,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis.
Other safety measures being implemented in Miami Beeach include DUI checkpoints, alcohol sales restrictions and flat-rate parking rates from $40 to $100 at Art Deco District garages. For more information on all these changes, click here.
