Twelve things to know before your first Fort Lauderdale trip

Most of these come up in the first day of a first visit. None are complicated, and knowing them ahead of time saves money and a sunburn. Facts are from the city, the county, the state and federal agencies, checked in September 2026.

1. Tolls and rental cars

Florida's Turnpike and several expressways are cashless. The state's toll-by-plate option is not available for rental cars, so rental companies sell their own toll programs, either a transponder or plate billing with a daily fee. If you own a SunPass Portable transponder, you can add the rental's plate and dates to your account and skip the rental fee; remove the car before you return it. Around the nest itself you rarely need a toll road.

2. Beach rules

On Fort Lauderdale Beach the city bans alcohol, glass, tents and canopies, digging, and dogs on the sand (service animals and Canine Beach excepted). Grills need a permit, swimming is limited to 50 yards from shore, and lifeguards' instructions are the law. Fishing from the beach is allowed only from 6 pm to 8 am.

3. Rip currents

Rip currents cause about 80 percent of beach rescues, according to NOAA. If you are pulled out, do not swim against it: swim parallel to the shore until you are free, then angle back in. Swim near a lifeguard tower and check the flags. The National Weather Service publishes a daily beach forecast.

4. The sun is stronger than you think

The UV index here sits at 8 or higher for much of the year. The EPA's rule of thumb: if your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade. Broad-spectrum SPF 30, a hat and sunglasses between 10 am and 4 pm, and reapply after the pool.

5. Parking at the beach

City garages and lots charge about $3 an hour, paid by the PayByPhone app or the meters. Event days switch to flat rates, and the lots north of Sunrise Boulevard fill later than the ones on Las Olas. The beach guide has the specifics.

6. The water taxi is transport as well as a tour

An all-day pass costs $38 for adults and $18 for children aged 5 to 11 (under 5 free), with a $25 evening pass after 5 pm and a 30-day pass for longer stays. Boats run seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm, and there is a stop within walking distance of the house. Our water taxi guide maps the stops.

7. Brightline is the way to Miami

The downtown station is at 101 NW 2nd Ave. Promotional fares in 2026 have included $15 one-way South Florida tickets on weekends; regular fares vary by time and class. Miami is about 30 minutes. Our airport and Brightline guide has the fares and the station walk.

8. Tipping

Standard American norms apply: 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill at sit-down restaurants, 15 to 20 percent for taxis and rideshares, and a few dollars a day for hotel housekeeping. Some beachfront restaurants add a service charge to the bill; check before tipping twice.

9. The tax on your stay

Broward County charges a 6 percent tourist development tax on rentals of six months or less, on top of state sales tax. You will see it itemized at checkout; it is not a fee we invent.

10. Summer rain is brief

From May to October, most days bring a short, heavy afternoon storm and then clear. Plan the beach for the morning, the pool for the afternoon, and dinner out. See best time to visit for the month-by-month picture.

11. Mosquitoes are year-round

Broward Mosquito Control says mosquitoes are present all year here and peak in the rainy season. An EPA-registered repellent at dusk, and the screened patio at the house, handle it.

12. Self check-in, and booking direct

Check-in is from 4 pm with a keypad code sent before arrival, so a late flight is no problem. Booking on our own site rather than through a platform skips the third-party service fee, and the availability is the same. New to the city entirely? The complete guide to Fort Lauderdale is the place to start, the airport tips smooth the arrival, and the getting-around guide covers wheels once you land. Everything else is on the FAQ.

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