About Fort Lauderdale

July 25, 2025

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is the city you never want to leave. From the rich, natural beauty of our world-famous beach, waterways, and cultural offerings, to the array of entertainment and educational opportunities, Fort Lauderdale offers an outstanding quality of life.


Our 165-miles of scenic inland waterways wind through the city, highlighting what makes Fort Lauderdale unique and why it truly lives up to its designation as the “Venice of America.”


Our semi-tropical climate is highlighted by more than 3,000 hours of sunshine each year and pleasant year-round ocean breezes. The picturesque Riverwalk serves as the cornerstone of the City's arts, science, cultural and historic district which features the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery and Science, Museum of Art and Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum. Las Olas Boulevard has gained international acclaim as Fort Lauderdale's centerpiece of fashion, fine dining and entertainment. In addition, the City's downtown area is home to Broward College, Florida Atlantic University, the award-winning Broward County Main Library, federal, county and school district offices.


Once known strictly as a tourism-based economy, Fort Lauderdale now supports a diverse range of industries, including marine, manufacturing, finance, insurance, real estate, high technology, avionics/aerospace, film and television production. Fort Lauderdale is establishing itself as a world-class international business center and one of the most desirable locations for new, expanding or relocating businesses.


Fort Lauderdale is a great place to live, work and raise a family, and the City looks forward to

continuing to build upon its success to meet the challenges of the 21st Century and beyond.

Our History

The City of Fort Lauderdale is named for a Second Seminole War fortification built on the banks of the New River in 1838. That year, Major William Lauderdale led a detachment of Tennessee Volunteers south along the east coast of Florida to capture Seminole agricultural lands and battle the elusive Indian warriors. Altogether, three forts named after Major Lauderdale would be constructed: the first at the fork of New River; the second at Tarpon Bend; and the largest on the beach at the site of Bahia Mar. None of the forts survive today. Incorporated on March 27, 1911, encompassing approximately 36 square miles with an estimated population of 186,220, Fort Lauderdale is the largest of Broward County's 31 municipalities and one of the ten largest cities in Florida.

A group of palm trees are silhouetted against a sunset over the ocean.
July 31, 2025
First of all, West Palm Beach does not have a beach. Think of West Palm Beach as the mainland, and just across the bridge is the island of Palm Beach, and yes, you can walk. So, now that we’ve established that Palm Beach is the island, and West Palm Beach is the city across the bridge…what’s the difference? Short answer…billionaires. Palm Beach Island is home to 32 billionaires including former President Trump, Rod Stewart, James Patterson and Billy Joel. To add to the confusion, Palm Beach International Airport is actually in West Palm Beach. The island of Palm Beach does not have an airport, but don’t worry, it’s a quick 10 minute drive to the island from the airport. FYI – the Fort Lauderdale Airport is 45 minutes away and offers more direct flights. Is it always sunny? There is a very distinct wet & dry season, but don’t worry, wet season does not mean it rains all day. During the wet season (May thru October) expect brief thunderstorms. During the dry season (November thru April) expect near perfect weather every day! By the way, the average high in the winter is 79 degrees with low humidity and very little rain. A winter vacation certainly sounds tempting, but don’t rule out a summer vacation if you’re looking for a bargain. Hotel and restaurant deals abound during the summer, and especially in the hot sticky months of August and September. City was incorporated in November 5, 1894 Incorporated 2 years before Miami 1000 residents in 1895 Florida's first junior college, Palm Beach Jr. College opened in 1933 Thousands of servicemen moved through West Palm Beach's airport during WWII West Palm Beach is now estimated to have 120,000+ residents Long a place where people of vision have brought their dreams, built new enterprises, and achieved success, the City of West Palm Beach is a regional center of commerce offering an environment where dreams can still come true. The city is home to sunny, palm-lined streets, breathtaking waterfront views, quaint shopping districts, historic and scenic neighborhoods, and exciting year-round outdoor festivals. When the sun sets on West Palm Beach, you can indulge the most epicurean of tastes by candlelight at one of the many lovely restaurants. West Palm Beach has several world class shopping and entertainment districts including The Square, Clematis Street, Antique Row, Northwood Village and more. For those looking to enjoy the outdoors, the city's teeming waterfront offers walkways and fantastic views. On the city's western edge, you can hike, bike, and get a view of the Florida Everglades up close at Grassy Waters Everglades Preserve. If you have an interest in the theater and the performing arts, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is the premier location to spend an evening. For museum enthusiasts, the Norton Museum of Art houses a world-renowned collection of European, American, Chinese and contemporary art.
A city street with cars driving down it and buildings reflected in the water.
July 31, 2025
Miami, often called the “Magic City,” is celebrated for its unique blend of vibrant city life, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Known for its sunny weather, palm trees, and iconic Miami Beach attractions, the city draws millions of visitors each year who come to soak up the South Florida charm. One of the top features Miami is known for is South Beach—a world-renowned destination with pristine sands, the Atlantic Ocean waves, and colorful art deco architecture lining Ocean Drive. This area, curated with the help of the Miami Design Preservation League, captures the spirit of Miami’s rich history and art scene. Beyond its beaches, Miami’s cultural influence shines through its Latin American culture and Cuban heritage, especially in Little Havana, where visitors can enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine and famous Cuban coffee. This neighborhood, along with areas like Coconut Grove and the Miami Design District, has become a focal point for Miami’s street art and contemporary art scenes. Each December, Art Basel Miami transforms the city into a bustling art haven, attracting collectors, artists, and celebrities from around the world. This commitment to art and culture, coupled with Miami’s vibrant nightlife, makes it one of the most distinctive cities in the United States. For those interested in the natural beauty of southern Florida, Miami is also known for its proximity to national parks, including the Everglades National Park and Biscayne Bay, which offer incredible outdoor adventures. From its bustling cultural hubs to its serene natural attractions, Miami offers experiences that capture the magic of South Florida. Cool Things to Do in Miami If you’re looking for cool things to do in Miami, you’re in for a treat! There’s no shortage of exciting experiences for everyone from art lovers to outdoor enthusiasts. Start by exploring Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum filled with colorful street art and murals, which has become a highlight of the Miami art scene. If luxury shopping and fine dining are more your style, the Miami Design District is home to high-end luxury boutiques and art galleries that make for a memorable day out. Nature lovers won’t want to miss a day trip to the Everglades National Park or a boating adventure on Biscayne Bay, where you can enjoy water sports and witness Miami’s diverse marine life. For more excitement, take a drive to Key West for the quintessential tropical getaway or head over to the famous Zoo Miami for a family-friendly day out. Why Miami is a Must-See: Fun Facts That Bring the City to Life Miami is one of the world’s greatest and most iconic tourist destinations – thanks to its sub tropical climate, pristine beaches and relaxed ambiance. It also does fun really well. In keeping with the ‘fun’ theme – here’s some of our best fun facts about Miami: Miami gets its name from one of the tribes that lived here. The Mayaimi lived here in the 16th and 17th Centuries. It’s the only US city that was founded by a woman. A local businesswoman called Julia Tuttle encouraged a developer to extend the new Florida East Coast Railroad to Miami – this led the way to the development of modern Miami.