Miami Beach, a vacation hotspot for spring break, is imposing new rules for visitors to prevent chaos.
The tourist destination has uploaded a video ‘breaking up’ with the popular tradition with a long list of rules travelers have to follow for their annual spring fling.
Spring breakers hoping for a week of fun have been warned by Governor Ron DeSantis they’ll “pay the price” if they’re thinking of breaking the law.
In a video message, he said: “If you’re coming here to enjoy Florida, and to have a good time, fine. If you’re coming for these other reasons, if you’re committing crime, causing havoc, you’re going to pay the price.”
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The city of Miami Beach has imposed a set of new rules for travelers but it doesn’t apply to anyone who lives there. There are new curfews and DUI checkpoints, and parking lots will be closed as well as bags checked at beaches. Cops will be on hand to make arrests for violence and drug possession.
Beach entrances will be limited to 5th, 10th, and 12th streets each Thursday through to Sunday in March, and will close at 6pm.
Popular items spring breakers may take with them will be banned on beaches, such as coolers, tents, tables, inflatable devices, and other similar objects. Visitors will be checked at entrances as part of the bag checks.
Playing music loudly without a permit is going to be restricted and alcohol and cigarettes are prohibited.
Parking fees will be increased in popular garages and lots to a flat rate of $30 – but not for residents – except for March 7th to 10th and 14th to 17th, when they will be shut.
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For Miami employees, residents, and permit holders who need access to these areas during the busy weekends, which are usually March 21st to 24th and March 28th and 31st, the flat fee doesn’t apply to them. There may also be some parking areas residents are only able to access, the city’s website dictates.
If a traveler’s vehicle is towed, the rate will be double the usual cost, at $516 as well as a $30 admin fee if towed on South Beach.
A new traffic plan will be put in force by the Miami Beach Police Department at 6pm each Thursday through to Sunday for the month. Major roads are mostly affected but local access to city streets will be restricted to prevent traffic jams.
Anyone running illegal short-term rentals through the likes of Airbnb and VBROs may be punished with a fine between $1000 and $5000 a day.
CBS Miami reports side cafes along Ocean Drive will be shuttered on the second and third weekends.
Spring breaks tend to start at the end of February and last into April, but another event could see people travel during this time – the solar eclipse on April 8.
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