Miami Beach Eases Spring Break Rules for 2026

Parking rates and beach closures will be less strict than in previous years, though license-plate readers and DUI enforcement will remain.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Miami Beach has announced a revised set of rules and protocols for the 2026 spring break season, easing some of the more restrictive measures that were in place in recent years. While parking rates will still be higher than usual and license-plate readers will be deployed, beach entrances on Ocean Drive will no longer close at 6 p.m., and parking garages south of 23rd Street will remain open. The city is also taking a more positive marketing approach, highlighting fitness-related events during the spring break period.

Why it matters

After two relatively calm spring break seasons, Miami Beach is looking to strike a balance between maintaining order and allowing visitors to enjoy the city. The changes reflect a shift in the city's approach, moving away from the more severe restrictions that were implemented in the past to address issues like large crowds and public safety concerns.

The details

Miami Beach will implement a range of measures for the 2026 spring break season, including higher parking rates, license-plate readers, and DUI checkpoints. However, some rules will be less restrictive than in previous years. Beach entrances on Ocean Drive will have security checkpoints but will no longer close at 6 p.m., and parking garages and surface lots south of 23rd Street will remain open, unlike in 2025 when they were closed entirely during peak weekends.

  • Parking garages and surface lots south of 23rd Street will remain open throughout the spring break period in March 2026.
  • License-plate reader details will be in place on the eastbound lanes of the MacArthur and Julia Tuttle causeways on March 13-15 and March 20-22, starting at 10 p.m., as well as along the Fifth Street corridor on March 6-8.
  • DUI checkpoints will be in place on March 13-14 and March 20-21.

The players

Steven Meiner

The mayor of Miami Beach, who stated that the city has "ended the chaos and restored order" after two successful spring break seasons.

Eric Carpenter

The Miami Beach city manager, who was given the go-ahead by the City Commission to ease some of the restrictions for the 2026 spring break season.

Alex Fernandez

A Miami Beach commissioner who said the city is "leaving the disorder of past spring breaks behind and moving forward with a safer, more disciplined approach that supports our businesses and allows everyone to enjoy our city the right way."

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What they’re saying

“After two successful back-to-back spring break seasons, Miami Beach has ended the chaos and restored order.”

— Steven Meiner, Mayor of Miami Beach (miamiherald.com)

“We are keeping every strict enforcement tool fully available, while giving our Chief of Police the flexibility to deploy them based on real-time conditions on the ground. We are leaving the disorder of past spring breaks behind and moving forward with a safer, more disciplined approach that supports our businesses and allows everyone to enjoy our city the right way.”

— Alex Fernandez, Miami Beach Commissioner (miamiherald.com)

What’s next

The city will host several fitness events in March, including the Life Time 305 Half Marathon & 5K on March 1 and the Gymreapers Wodapalooza fitness festival from March 12-15.

The takeaway

Miami Beach's revised approach to spring break 2026 reflects a shift towards a more balanced and flexible strategy, aiming to maintain order while also allowing visitors to enjoy the city's offerings. The easing of some restrictions, coupled with a focus on fitness-related events, suggests the city is seeking to strike a middle ground between past crackdowns and a more welcoming atmosphere.