Navigating the New Spring Break in Florida

By Ariana Fromm

TAMPA, Fla. — As a junior in college, spring break has always been that time of the semester that I’m always excited about: a break from classes and a break from homework. However, unlike many other students, I was never one to go out and do things like go to the beach. Instead, I preferred the quieter moments — reading a book, watching a movie, or just hanging out with friends. 

Although I’m not one to normally go out much during spring break, I have noticed a change in Florida over the past few years. I remember when I would watch the news or even go on social media, I would see tons of people crowded on beaches — mainly in Fort Lauderdale and Miami — either enjoying themselves under the Florida sun, loitering, or fighting. It got to a point where regulations had to be set in place to control the chaos that would happen in those parts of the state. This year, new rules have been introduced, including bans on drinking alcohol on beaches, traffic and parking restrictions, and even curfews. There would be an increase in police presence to make sure that the safety and curfew were kept, as beachgoers had to leave by 5:30 p.m., which would allow for the beaches to be cleaned up. 

As a Florida resident, I can see firsthand how crowded and hectic it gets. It doesn’t even have to be Fort Lauderdale or Miami for someone to tell that it’s spring break in Florida. Malls, movie theaters, and places like Key West, Tampa, and Disney World can feel the spring break effect. I feel like it can be tiring for Florida residents as tourists from all over the world come to enjoy all of what the state has to offer. 

This year, though, my priorities are starting to change as I go into my senior year next semester. I find that there is less time for me to do spontaneous and fun things with my friends. With summer now being so close, I would rather do something calm with friends and family, as well as figure out what I want to do with my life after school.

With all of these new rules put into place for this year, I wonder how the environment in these areas will change since this can influence the way students and tourists plan their spring vacations. With alcohol bans and early curfews, there could be a shift in what kind of activities are planned and when they happen. Fort Lauderdale and Miami have already posted some events that will be happening, which can make for a varied and culturally enhanced spring break. This will allow for wider audiences to be reached and appealed to.

As I look into the future, I see that these regulations could lead to a different spring break experience in Florida. With old activities now being more controlled, new activities can be made to include not just partygoers but also those looking for more family-friendly events. As students, we might have to change the way we do spring break, but it can still be enjoyable nonetheless.

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On the beach (Miami). Photo courtesy of Mike McBey, CC By 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.