MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - 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 to ditch 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 in place for this year kicked off on 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 its 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.
The last two years were successful. No shootings, no stampedes, no large, unruly crowds, and that’s what we expect this year as well,” said Miami Beach Police spokesperson Christopher Bess.
This year, the city will be breaking a sweat as it hosts several fitness events, including HYROX, Wodapalooza, and a marathon.
The health theme has already attracted some spring breakers who want to enjoy athletics and warm weather.
“The CrossFit community is so much fun down here in fitness, yeah, it’s fitness and health, everything,” said spring breaker Garrett Suffoletto.
“Beaches, volleyball, football, just, you know, just having fun,” said spring breaker Widah Absi.
At the same time, the city is ramping up security measures, including license plate readers and security checkpoints at beach access points.
As for street closures, officials announced on Wednesday that for the next two weekends, Ocean Drive will be accessible only from 15th Street, and cars will be able to exit only at Fifth Street. Some street closures went into effect on Thursday.
“Our message is very clear. We welcome those who respect our city and who play by the rules,” said Bess. “If you think that you can come into our city and disrupt the quality of life and break the law, you will be arrested, and you will come on vacation but leave on probation.”
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.”
While officials find that balance, spring breakers search for their own, weighing outdoor exercise against smaller parties at home.
“Everyone just comes together, and we all just see everyone work out and have fun, like no one’s really drinking; we drink after, though, there’s an afterparty,” said Suffoletto.
In Fort Lauderdale, city officials said they will increase 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 Beach 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.
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