Miami Beach is preparing for the arrival of Spring Break with a clear message: uncontrolled behavior will not be welcome. To avoid incidents and maintain order, the Florida city will implement severe restrictions during March, focused on the control of alcohol, traffic and security on beaches and public spaces.
Security measures in Miami Beach during Spring Break
Miami Beach authorities outlined a high-impact security plan for the Spring Break season, which includes the closure of parking lots and lots in South Beach, restricted access to the beach, strict security controls, possible curfews and increased police presence in multiple jurisdictions.
“We will use license plate readers, drones and video technology, in addition to reinforcing law enforcement against illegal public drinking and drug possession,” announced Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones at a press conference.
He also stressed: “For those people who think they are going to come here and disrupt our way of life, break our laws and think they can do it like they did years ago, think again. This is a wake-up call. It is not going to happen.”
“The mayor said they will go to jail and that is what we are going to do. Please, if you are thinking of coming here, breaking our laws, disrupting our way of life, think again. You are making a mistake,” he added.
In the same vein, Mayor Steven Meiner said: “Miami Beach will not tolerate lawlessness. We want visitors to enjoy our city responsibly, but we will not allow chaos to take over our streets.”
The most severe restrictions will be in effect from March 13 to 16 and from March 20 to 23, when a large influx of visitors is expected. Key measures include:
Parking lot closures: Parking will be closed in public garages and lots south of 23rd Street. Only authorized residents and employees will be allowed.
High fees: A flat $100 parking fee will be charged at the Sunset Harbour and 42nd Street garages.
Beach security checkpoints: Entries on Ocean Drive will be limited to 5th, 10th and 12th streets, with inspections to prevent entry of prohibited items.
Breath-testing stations: Police will conduct DUI testing on 5th Street beginning at 7 p.m.
Low-speed vehicle restrictions: Scooter, moped and golf cart rentals will be suspended.
Increased police presence: Officers will be deployed at strategic points, using drones, surveillance cameras and license plate readers.
Restrictions will also apply on other key weekends: February 27 to March 2, March 6 to 9, and March 27 to 30. During these periods, the Miami Beach Police Department will implement a traffic plan to restrict access to certain areas and ensure vehicular flow.
In addition, regulations on short-term rentals are being strengthened: stays of less than six months on platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO will be prohibited, with fines of up to US$5,000 per day in case of non-compliance.
The tightening of measures is not new. In 2024, the city applied similar restrictions and managed to significantly reduce incidents related to party tourism. “This year we are building on that success and ensuring that Miami Beach remains a safe destination,” Meiner said at the conference.
