Causeway delays. No parking. Blocked streets. What to expect on South Beach spring break
Garage shutdowns, DUI stops and license tag scans on causeways are starting in South Beach this week as spring break crowds arrive.
Miami Beach has made no secret that the city has lost patience with spring breakers who break the rules. So once again, the city has approved some new rules and police are enforcing them.
No decision has been made yet on whether to issue a nightly curfew. But the first wave of restrictions went into place two weekends ago, including flat-rate parking.
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And there are more rules coming this week.
So whether you’re heading to Miami Beach for spring break fun, or just planning a quiet dinner, shopping trip or heading to an appointment, here are things you should know Thursday-Sunday through March:
1. Causeway traffic delays
▪ Police will use license plate readers on the eastbound lanes of the MacArthur Causeway on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, starting at 8 p.m., with setup beginning at 7.
▪ License plate readers will also be used on the eastbound lanes of the Julia Tuttle Causeway on Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 p.m., with setup beginning at 8. Drivers should expect delays.
2. Neighborhood access
▪ A special traffic plan will go into effect at 6 p.m. Thursday through end of the day Sunday in the South of Fifth, West Avenue and Flamingo Park neighborhoods. Access to those neighborhoods will be limited to a few entry points.
▪ From Thursday to Sunday, cars will only be able to access Ocean Drive “from the most northern available street” and must exit at Fifth Street. All other streets along the western side of Ocean Drive will be barricaded.
3. DUI checkpoints
A DUI checkpoint will be set up Friday night and Saturday night in the 400 block of Fifth Street, starting at 7 p.m.
4. Access to the beachfront
▪ Beachgoers will only be able to access the beach from Ocean Drive at the Fifth, 10th and 15th Street entrances, all of which will have security checkpoints. Coolers, inflatable devices, tents and tables are banned.
▪ Sidewalk seating on Ocean Drive will be closed Friday through Sunday.
5. Parking
▪ All parking garages and surface lots south of 23rd Street will be closed March 13-16 and March 20-23. A $100 flat rate will be charged at garages in Sunset Harbour and on 42nd Street. The shutdowns and rates won’t apply to city residents and employees. The changes go into effect at 6 in the morning on Thursday, March 13.
▪ The city will charge a $30 flat parking rate March 27-30 at garages and surface lots in South Beach. Entry to garages shut at 6 p.m., except for residents and employees.
6. Towing
Fee through March doubles to $516 for those who don’t live in Miami Beach.
This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 12:27 PM.