Miami Beach Introduces New Security Measures To Encourage Peaceful Celebrations

March is historically a wild month in Miami Beach, where barrages of young folks descend upon the magic city and party hard for Spring Break. While we are fully aware of our city’s footloose reputation, things have gotten out of hand in recent years and this year’s partygoers are going to experience a new, grown-up version of South Beach.

In an effort to quell the lawless behavior, preparations are being made by law enforcement and city officials for the 2024 Spring Break season. The changes are in effect during the entire month of March, with special restrictions being introduced on “high impact” weekends (March 7-10 and March 14-17).

New Miami Beach Spring Break Regulations – March

On Thursdays through Fridays during the entirety of March, visitors will notice increased staffing of Miami Beach Police, Fire Rescue, Ocean Rescue, Code Compliance, Park Rangers, Parking and Sanitation as well as “Goodwill Ambassadors” to assist visitors. The “Goodwill Ambassadors” are not unlike the Downtown Miami “Outstanding Angels,”  who stroll the streets of Downtown Miami, offering directions and other advice to visitors who may have lost their way.

• Parking rates will be increased to $30 for visitors in all city parking garages and surface lots in the Entertainment District. These new rates do not apply to Miami Beach Residents, access card holders or authorized employees.
• The non-resident towing rate is increased to $516. This is roughly twice the normal rate, so please be mindful of your parking space or be prepared to meet the local celebrities/fine residents at South Beach Tow (spoiler alert: they are not fun to deal with at the regular rate, so watch your parking).
• Liquor stores in the Entertainment District will close at 8pm.
• Beach entrances along Ocean Drive will be limited to 5th, 10th and 12th Streets. At those locations, expect security checkpoints to ensure prohibited items are not brought onto the sand. Prohibited items include but are not limited to coolers, rafts/inflatables, tables and tents, firearms, fireworks and glass. The beach is also an alcohol and smoke-free environment.
• The beach entrances will close at 6pm sharp.
• Amplified music is prohibited without a city-issued permit.

High Impact Weekends (March 7-10 and March 14-17)

• The Miami Beach Police Department will implement a License Plate Reader (LPR) on the eastbound lanes of the MacArthur Causeway and the Julia Tuttle Causeway starting at 5pm. This will reduce the number of lanes available for use, so expect delays. These License Plate Readers will identify the vehicles in the event of any serious or violent offenders and assist with the recovery of stolen vehicles. The License Plate Readers will also be implemented on March 22-24th along 5th Street.
• Parking rates will be raised to $100 for city parking garages and surface lots in the Entertainment District (see map). The entry to these garages will be restricted from 6pm until 7am and Miami Beach Police Department officers will be posted at each city-owned garage all weekend. These rates and closures do not affect residents, access card holders or authorized employees.
• All sidewalk seating on Ocean Drive will be closed during these weekends. This also affects sidewalk cafes along the main drag.
• DUI sobriety checkpoints are to be introduced.
• There will be no use of golf carts, low-speed vehicles, slingshots, motorized scooters, mopeds, small motorcycles or motorized bicycles during this time.
• Barricades will be added to Ocean Drive in order to reduce pedestrians coming into contact with vehicles. Ocean Drive will be accessible only via 13th Street as an entry and 5th Street as an exit. There is no parking on Ocean Drive.

Parking

In order to reduce the impact of Miami Beach and South Beach residents during this time, enhanced parking enforcement and towing are to be expected. Be sure to check the signage for your parking spot if you find one and remember: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. South Beach Tow does not play.

Miami Beach Trolley Service

To help visitors get around despite the new regulations, the Miami Beach citywide trolley service will be available for augmented hours. They will have additional trolleys for the South Beach Loops A and B as well as two additional trolleys for the Collins Avenue Express route. These services are available free of charge from 8am to 1am.

Additional information can be found on the City of Miami Beach’s “Break Up with Spring Break” page.

While we understand that these regulations are not fun at all, they will help to alleviate some of the past problems that Spring Break has brought. In 2023 alone, there were two fatal shootings and almost 500 arrests. We hope that Miami Beach’s visitors have a lovely time this year with our city and please party responsibly.

Image Credit: World RedEye