Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a vibrant coastal city located just 30 miles north of Miami along the Atlantic Ocean. As the county seat and most populous city in Broward County, it had a population of 182,760 as of the 2020 census, making it the tenth-largest city in Florida. Known as the "Venice of America" for its extensive network of 165 miles of inland waterways, Fort Lauderdale is a major hub for tourism, boating, and commerce. With its sunny year-round climate, stunning beaches, and world-class amenities, it attracts millions of visitors annually. In 2018, Greater Fort Lauderdale welcomed over 13 million overnight guests, and Port Everglades remains one of the world’s busiest cruise ports, serving nearly four million passengers each year.

Fort Lauderdale’s history dates back thousands of years, originally inhabited by the Tequesta people before European colonization. After changing hands between Spain, Britain, and the U.S., the area remained largely undeveloped until the late 19th century. The city’s name comes from a series of forts built during the Second Seminole War in the 1830s, named after Major William Lauderdale. However, it wasn’t until the Florida East Coast Railroad’s expansion in the 1890s that organized development began. The city was officially incorporated in 1911 and became the county seat of newly formed Broward County in 1915.

The 1920s brought a real estate boom, but economic hardship followed due to the Great Miami Hurricane of 1926 and the Great Depression. Fort Lauderdale played a significant role during World War II as a training base for pilots and radar operators, which spurred further growth post-war. However, the city also has a complex history regarding civil rights. Until 1961, African Americans were not allowed on Fort Lauderdale’s beaches, prompting protests and wade-ins that led to desegregation by 1962.

Today, Fort Lauderdale boasts a thriving and diverse economy, with industries ranging from marine and aviation to finance, technology, and film production. It is widely regarded as the yachting capital of the world, with over 50,000 registered yachts and more than 100 marinas. Blending rich history with modern luxury, Fort Lauderdale continues to be a premier destination for residents and visitors alike.