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MIAMI BEACH, Florida For the first time in two years, the city of Miami Beach is loosening its spring break restrictions as it aims to bring in a calmer crowd.
Miami International Airport expects more than five million passengers during its 33-day spring break travel season. The periods between March 12-15 and March 19-22 are expected to generate the largest spring break crowds in Miami Beach this year.
“We’re apart for spring break,” said Christopher Bess, public information officer for the Miami Beach Police Department. “In the last two years, there have been no deaths, no shootings, no riots.”
Miami Beach launched its official “break away from spring break” campaign back in 2024. The city implemented a curfew, along with several road and parking garage closures. This year, the city is lifting some of those restrictions as it aims to attract more families with a series of health-focused events.
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A crowd of people enjoy the warm weather in Miami Beach, Florida. (Amy Gallo)
“Someone who was there, in a coma for ten years wakes up, and sees a different Miami Beach, that it’s about health and wellness and not just this party scene where anything goes, because Miami Beach is not about anything that goes,” said Steven Meiner, Mayor of Miami Beach. “It’s law and order in the city. We’re going to have a great spring break.”
Two people sit and watch the water in Miami Beach. (Amy Gallo)
Municipal garages in the Art Deco District are open to the public this year but will have increased parking rates, ranging from $40 to $100. To help businesses affected by the parking garage rate increase, the city will provide free 24-hour parking.
“[Last year] “We’ve had barriers in some major areas on Washington Avenue and Collins, so we’re removing a lot of those barriers to allow better access to businesses, because that’s one of the things we felt about businesses was, maybe it was hard to get to,” Meiner said.
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A number of Miami Beach business owners told FOX News that the crowds were nowhere near as large as they used to be, resulting in less traffic during spring break. But for some restaurants like Poseidon Greek, which experienced spring break chaos firsthand, it’s a welcome change.
Poseidon Greek Seafood Restaurant in Miami Beach, Florida. (Amy Gallo)
“You see less people on the street, like less foot traffic, but a lot more business. So we get more customers. People can park, people can walk around safely,” said Vasilis Pyliotis, owner of Poseidon Greek in Miami Beach.
He added, “there are few pedestrians, but they are real customers who want to spend money in restaurants, shops, not just groups of people walking and drinking.”
Starting March 5, high-impact routes will be in effect every Thursday through Sunday throughout the month of March. That means visitors will see increased police presence, limited access to Ocean Drive and DUI enforcement.
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“We’re going to have our own full-time real-time intelligence center with over 1,000 cameras across the city,” Bess said. “We will also use our license plate reader, which will be able to transmit in real time any information about wanted people, stolen vehicles and illegal firearms.”
Two Miami Beach police cars parked on Washington Avenue in Miami Beach, Florida. (Amy Gallo)
While city limits are more relaxed in 2026, law enforcement is still committed to fighting crime.
“Those who come to our city and break the law will be arrested,” said Bess.
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The city of Miami Beach is not the only area in Florida to be attacked by spring criminals. Panama City Beach has announced a curfew for children at 8pm. Fort Lauderdale does not allow alcohol or loud music on the beaches, unless the alcohol is sold by an authorized hotel vendor.
“It’s time for a change,” Pyliotis said. “It’s going to take a few years to clean up completely. We’re in transition, but I think it’s going to get better.”
