Perhaps you’ve wondered if you can legally drink alcohol on Fort Lauderdale. As a local, I’ll walk you through all the rules in place regarding alcoholic beverages on our city’s beaches as well as share with you how you can legally consume alcohol and carry on with your day without worrying about getting into trouble.
Drinking Alcohol on The Beach in Fort Lauderdale
For over 30 years, there has been a rule about no drinking alcohol on the sand on our amazing beach. However, as reported by NBC Miami, there are now many ways you can do so in a legal manner.
Hotels have successfully fought to get a rule in place where they can serve alcohol on the beach.
Designated areas that reside in front of the likes of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach can now serve cocktails and beer. This comes after many visitors complained about paying for a vacation and not being able to drink on the beach.
To quote the NBC article, the General Manager, Tamas Vago, was saying:
“It’s an amazing destination, but we would like to enjoy a beverage at the beach like we do at any other major destination.”
(Vago is referencing hotel guests in this quote who shared with him their frustrations about visiting Fort Lauderdale Beach and not being able to consume alcohol.)
Hotels had to obtain permits, and of course have comprehensive general liability insurance in order to legally serve alcoholic beverages to guests.
The Central Beach Alliance has been actively advocating for these changes, engaging with city officials and hotel executives to address community concerns regarding exclusivity and logistical issues related to alcohol service on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
City officials outlined that Hotels need to be in designated areas in order to apply for this permit.
The hotel must reside on A1A in between Sunrise Boulevard and Holiday Street. The hotel also has to be beachfront and have chairs for their guests. Lastly, each property has to have 25 or more rooms.
As of now, there are six hotels that have obtained this permit for hotel guests.
In order to drink alcoholic beverages, you must be a registered hotel guest. However, if you simply want to rent a chair from the property, you can do that as well. (That’s always been a local hack down on Miami Beach, and the same applies here.)
Alcoholic Beverages and Laws in Fort Lauderdale
They don’t call it “Fort Liqourdale” for nothing. Ever since Spring Break put Fort Lauderdale on the map back in the 1980’s, it’s been known as a city that loves it’s libations. While there are open container laws, they are rarely enforced.
In short, as long as you are responsible, respectful, and minding your own business, you are usually okay. I can recall many times outside of the iconic Elbo Room where people are having open containers and walking freely along public streets with a police presence.
One thing that is not tolerated is underage drinking. If you are a minor, consider non alcoholic beverages or don’t do any public drinking. It’s for public safety and alcohol consumption is prohibited for minors, even if they are spring breakers!
How to Legally Drink Alcohol on the Beach in Fort Lauderdale
As I mentioned earlier, if you are a hotel guest, grab a beach chair and have a blast. Hotel guests can enjoy beachside beverage service accessible from their hotel rooms. If you aren’t hotel guests, rent a beach chair. It’s that simple.
Anything else is generally prohibited. Fort Lauderdale Beach is very liberal with their rules, and again if you keep a low profile, you’ll generally be okay. However, laws are laws, and here are a few that you need to strictly obide by if you aren’t in a beach chair:
- No glass bottles
- No open container
- No underage drinking
Designated Drinking Areas
Where to Sip and Sit: Finding the Right Spot
When it comes to enjoying a drink on Fort Lauderdale Beach, there are designated areas where you can sit and sip. These areas are specifically designated by the city to ensure that beachgoers can enjoy their drinks while also maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
To find the right spot, look for designated drinking areas marked by signs or flags. These areas are usually located near beachfront hotels or restaurants that have obtained permits to serve alcohol on the beach. Some popular designated drinking areas include the beachfront patios of hotels like the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort or the beachside bars and restaurants along A1A.
Remember to always follow the rules and regulations of the designated drinking area, and be respectful of other beachgoers who may not be drinking. With a little forward thinking, you can enjoy your drink of choice while taking in the beautiful views of Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Hotel Hospitality and Drinking Policies
Hotel Guests vs. Public Beachgoers
When it comes to drinking on Fort Lauderdale Beach, hotel guests and public beachgoers have different rules to follow. Hotel guests who are staying at a beachfront hotel that has obtained a permit to serve alcohol on the beach can enjoy drinks on the beach, but only within designated areas.
Public beachgoers, on the other hand, are not allowed to consume alcohol on the beach, except in designated areas where they have rented a beach chair or umbrella from a city-approved vendor. This policy is in place to ensure that the beach remains a safe and family-friendly environment for everyone.
Note: locals avoid this by making drinks and putting them in Yeti’s or other concealed containers.
It’s worth noting that some hotels may have their own drinking policies in place, so it’s always a good idea to check with your hotel before heading out to the beach with a drink. Additionally, be sure to follow all city regulations and rules regarding alcohol consumption on the beach to avoid any fines or penalties.
Exceptions Exist
Now, I will say that some exceptions exist. Many special events will have tents or pop up bars where they serve alcoholic beverages. Tortuga is a big music festival held on Fort Lauderdale Beach every year and there are areas you can avoid the booze ban and legally drink. However, you won’t find glass bottles and there are specific regulations that will be in place. But hey, city officials know when there is an event, there will be public drinking and they generally tolerate it.
Summary
Just behave, respect the beach area by not littering, and you should be able to always freely drink alcohol on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip.
