SafekipediaFort Lauderdale, Florida
Adapted from Wikipedia · Discoverer experience
Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful coastal city in the state of Florida. It is located just 30 miles north of Miami along the Atlantic Ocean. As the largest city in Broward County, Fort Lauderdale is full of people and excitement, with over 180,000 residents as counted in the 2020 census.
The city was built in 1838 and named after a series of forts built during the Second Seminole War. These forts were named for Major William Lauderdale, and it wasn’t until many years later that the city really began to grow.
Fort Lauderdale is famous for its many waterways, earning it the nickname “the Venice of America.” The city attracts many tourist because of its warm weather, sunny days, and beautiful beaches. It is also a major spot for boats, with many marinas and yachts, earning another title as the “yachting capital of the world.” Every year, millions of visitors enjoy the city, and many cruise ships stop at Port Everglades, making it one of the busiest cruise ports globally.
History
Main article: History of Fort Lauderdale, Florida
For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The land where Fort Lauderdale is today was home to Indigenous people for over 2,000 years. When Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, diseases from faraway lands caused many Native people to become very sick, which changed the area greatly.
In the 1800s, only a few families lived near the New River. In 1911, Fort Lauderdale became an official city. It grew quickly in the 1920s, but faced hard times during a big storm and a serious economic problem in the 1930s.
During World War II, Fort Lauderdale became an important training place for the U.S. military. After the war, many people moved to the area, and the city grew very fast. Later, growth moved to nearby places, and Fort Lauderdale's population didn’t rise as much.
The city has become a popular place for boats and visitors, and it is part of a big area with many people living around it.
Geography
Location
Fort Lauderdale is a city along the Atlantic Ocean in Florida. It is about 30 miles north of Miami. The city covers about 38.6 square miles, with a lot of that area being water from its many canals and waterways. Fort Lauderdale has about 7 miles of beautiful beaches and is next to several other small cities and towns.
Neighborhoods
Fort Lauderdale has many different neighborhoods. Over 60 of them are officially recognized by the city, and there are even more that are not officially recognized but still exist.
Climate
Fort Lauderdale has a tropical climate, which means it is usually warm and sunny. It has a wet season from May to October when it can rain a lot, often with thunderstorms. The dry season from November to April is usually warm and dry. Even in the dry season, rain can still happen. The city can sometimes get cool weather, but it is very rare to see frost or snow. Hurricanes can affect the area between June and November, and the city has experienced some strong storms in the past.
Demographics
Fort Lauderdale is the second-largest city in the Miami metropolitan area and the largest city in Broward County. Its population grew quickly from just 91 people in 1900 to over 139,000 by 1970. After that, growth slowed, and the population even dropped below 150,000 by 1990. But in the 2000s, the city started growing again. By 2010, there were about 165,000 people, and by 2020, the population reached 182,760.
In 2010, most people in Fort Lauderdale were of European or African ancestry. Some were also from Hispanic or Latino backgrounds, like Cuban or Puerto Rican families. A smaller number were of Asian or Arab ancestry. The city is also known for its friendly community that welcomes everyone, including many people from the LGBT community.
| Historical demographics | 2020 | 2010 | 2000 | 1990 | 1980 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 47.5% | 52.5% | 57.5% | 64.5% | 74.5% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 27.1% | 30.4% | 28.5% | 27.3% | 20.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 19.2% | 13.7% | 9.5% | 7.2% | 4.2% |
| Asian (non-Hispanic) | 2.0% | 1.5% | 1.0% | 0.8% | 0.8% |
| Native American (non-Hispanic) | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | |
| Some other race (non-Hispanic) | 0.7% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.1% | |
| Two or more races (non-Hispanic) | 3.3% | 1.4% | 3.2% | N/A | N/A |
| Population | 182,760 | 165,521 | 152,397 | 149,377 | 153,279 |
| Demographic characteristics | 2020 | 2010 | 2000 | 1990 | 1980 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Households | 103,140 | 93,159 | 80,862 | 66,440 | 67,623 |
| Persons per household | 1.77 | 1.78 | 1.88 | 2.25 | 2.27 |
| Sex Ratio | 109.7 | 111.8 | 110.0 | 101.7 | 92.5 |
| Ages 0–17 | 16.2% | 17.6% | 19.4% | 18.8% | 19.3% |
| Ages 18–64 | 64.6% | 67.1% | 65.3% | 63.4% | 61.6% |
| Ages 65 + | 19.2% | 15.3% | 15.3% | 17.8% | 19.1% |
| Median age | 43.9 | 42.2 | 39.3 | 37.1 | 36.3 |
| Population | 182,760 | 165,521 | 152,397 | 149,377 | 153,279 |
| Economic indicators | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–21 American Community Survey | Fort Lauderdale | Broward County | Florida |
| Median income | $38,304 | $36,222 | $34,367 |
| Median household income | $66,994 | $64,522 | $61,777 |
| Poverty Rate | 15.4% | 12.4% | 13.1% |
| High school diploma | 89.1% | 90.0% | 89.0% |
| Bachelor's degree | 39.3% | 34.3% | 31.5% |
| Advanced degree | 15.5% | 13.1% | 11.7% |
| Language spoken at home | 2015 | 2010 | 2000 | 1990 | 1980 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English only | 71.4% | 74.0% | 75.1% | 80.7% | 90.3% |
| Spanish or Spanish Creole | 15.9% | 13.0% | 9.4% | 6.8% | 3.6% |
| French or Haitian Creole | 6.9% | 7.4% | 9.6% | 7.6% | 1.6% |
| Other languages | 5.8% | 5.6% | 5.9% | 4.9% | 4.5% |
| Nativity | 2015 | 2010 | 2000 | 1990 | 1980 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % population native-born | 76.2% | 78.1% | 78.3% | 82.6% | 90.1% |
| ... born in the United States | 73.7% | 75.7% | 76.4% | 80.8% | 89.0% |
| ... born in Puerto Rico or Island Areas | 1.5% | 1.5% | 1.1% | 0.9% | 1.1% |
| ... born to American parents abroad | 1.0% | 0.9% | 0.8% | 0.9% | |
| % population foreign-born | 23.8% | 21.9% | 21.7% | 17.4% | 9.9% |
| ... born in Haiti | 4.6% | 4.1% | 5.8% | 4.3% | N/A |
| ... born in Jamaica | 2.3% | 2.0% | 1.7% | 1.1% | 0.7% |
| ... born in Cuba | 1.6% | 1.8% | 1.3% | 1.2% | 0.9% |
| ... born in other countries | 15.3% | 14.0% | 12.9% | 10.8% | 8.3% |
Economy
Fort Lauderdale's economy has changed over time. In the past, many college students visited the city for spring break, but now it attracts more wealthy tourists. Cruise ships and boating activities bring in a lot of money for the city. There is a big convention center where many visitors come for events.
The downtown area has grown with new hotels and tall buildings. Fort Lauderdale is also important for making and fixing yachts, with many jobs in this industry. The city is a popular place for boating, especially with its many canals and nearby islands. Each year, it hosts a big boat show that draws many visitors.
Top employers
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| AutoNation | 3,000 |
| Citrix | 1,700 |
| Kaplan | 1,291 |
| Rick Case Automotive Group | 905 |
| Sun-Sentinel | 897 |
Arts and culture
See also: List of museums in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale has many places to see and do, especially for people who visit in the winter and spring. Many visitors come from places far away, like the northern United States, Canada, and Europe, to enjoy the warm weather. The city is famous for its beautiful beaches and fun nightlife. In the past, it was a popular spot for college students during spring break, but now the city has rules to keep things calm.
The Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District is a fun area along Las Olas Boulevard. It has many theaters, museums, and places to eat. One special spot is the Elbo Room bar, which was featured in an old movie. The district also has the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and many other interesting places.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a nice place to visit with nature trails, camping, and picnicking. The Bonnet House is a historic home that was given as a wedding gift and has interesting exhibits. The Henry E. Kinney Tunnel is the only tunnel on a state road in Florida.
The Riverwalk area has many things to see, like the Museum of Discovery and Science and the Florida Grand Opera. Las Olas Boulevard is a busy street with shops and restaurants close to the beach and airports.
Fort Lauderdale also has a big flea market, a large drive-in movie theater, a historic African-American cemetery, and an annual boat show with many boats and yachts on display.
Film festival
The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival has been presented annually since 1986.
Sites of interest
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a beautiful park along the beach where you can hike, camp, and enjoy nature. The Bonnet House is a historic home that was given as a wedding gift and now has exhibits about its history.
Las Olas Boulevard is a popular street in downtown Fort Lauderdale, close to the beach and airports, with many shops and places to eat.
In addition to its museums, beaches, and nightlife, Fort Lauderdale has a large flea market, the world's largest drive-in movie theater, a historic cemetery, and an annual boat show.
Historic structures
The Bonnet House was built in 1895 and was given as a wedding gift. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Dr. Willard Van Orsdel King House was built in 1951 and is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Stranahan House is the oldest building in Fort Lauderdale and was originally a trading post.
Sports
Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale was home to several soccer teams over the years, including the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and the Miami Fusion. Today, it is used by the Florida Atlantic University Owls football team.
The Fort Lauderdale Fighting Squids play in the United States Australian Football League. Many famous baseball teams, like the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles, used to hold their spring training games in Fort Lauderdale.
The Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex, located at the International Swimming Hall of Fame, has hosted many important swimming events since 1965. It includes large pools for swimming and diving.
Chase Stadium, opened in 2020, is home to Inter Miami CF II and was temporarily used by Inter Miami CF until their new stadium in Miami is completed in 2026.
The War Memorial Auditorium has been a place for boxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts since 1950. The Florida Panthers plan to renovate it and add hockey facilities.
The Fort is a pickleball center that opened in 2024, featuring many courts and a large event space. It is also the headquarters for the Association of Pickleball Players.
Fort Lauderdale United is a professional women’s soccer team that will also start a men’s team in 2026.
Government
Fort Lauderdale uses a commission-manager style of government. This means that five elected leaders — the mayor and four district members — make the city's rules. The mayor serves a three-year term and can only serve three terms in a row. Dean Trantalis is the current mayor. A city manager, chosen by the elected leaders, handles the day-to-day running of the city. The Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Department takes care of fire safety and emergency medical help.
Education
See also: List of schools in Fort Lauderdale
Many people in Fort Lauderdale finish high school. In the year 2000, about 79% of adults had finished high school, which is a little less than the whole country. About 28% of adults had a college degree, which is a bit more than the country.
Broward County Public Schools runs 23 public schools in Fort Lauderdale. Some schools do very well, but a few need to improve.
The city is also home to ten colleges and universities, including:
- The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
- Broward College
- City College
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Florida Atlantic University
- Florida International University
- Keiser University
- Jersey College
- Nova Southeastern University
- University of Phoenix
Additionally, Kaplan University has its main office and a learning center in the city.
Media
See also: List of newspapers in Florida, List of radio stations in Florida, and List of television stations in Florida
Fort Lauderdale has several newspapers. You can read English-language papers like the South Florida-Sun Sentinel and The Miami Herald. There are also Spanish-language papers such as El Sentinel and El Nuevo Herald. Plus, there is an alternative newspaper called New Times Broward-Palm Beach.
Transportation
Fort Lauderdale has three main ways for people to get around: buses, trains, and airplanes.
Broward County Transit buses help people travel around the city and connect to other nearby areas. Tri-Rail is a train that links major cities and airports in South Florida. Brightline is another train that recently started going all the way from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando.
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport is the main airport and is growing very fast. It has many budget airlines, which makes flights cheaper than at nearby Miami International Airport. The airport also helps connect people traveling to the Caribbean and Latin America.
The city is also a big spot for cruises, with Port Everglades being one of the busiest cruise ports in the country. There are also ferries that go to the Bahamas.
Major highways like I-75, I-95, and I-595 make it easy to drive around the area.
Healthcare
Fort Lauderdale has two main hospitals: Broward General Medical Center and Imperial Point Medical Center. They are run by Broward Health, one of the biggest hospital groups in the United States. Broward General has 716 beds and is a special center for treating serious injuries. It also has a children’s hospital and a center for heart health. Many medical students train there at Nova Southeastern University.
Imperial Point Medical Center has 204 beds and offers special care for certain health needs. There is also Holy Cross Hospital, which has 571 beds and was once named one of the best hospitals in the country.
Further information: A Child is Missing Alert
Sister cities
Fort Lauderdale has many sister cities around the world. These cities work together to share ideas and help each other. Some of Fort Lauderdale's sister cities are:
- Agogo, Ghana
- Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Cap-Haïtien, Haiti
- Duisburg, Germany
- Gold Coast, Australia
- Haifa, Israel
- Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Margarita Island, Venezuela
- Mataró, Spain
- Medellín, Colombia
- Muğla, Turkey
- Panama City, Panama
- Quepos, Costa Rica
- Rimini, Italy
- La Romana, Dominican Republic
- São Sebastião, Brazil
- Thessaloniki, Greece
- Venice, Italy
Images
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