Fort Lauderdale, FL Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- §16-81
- Age Threshold
- Under 16 years old
- Sun–Thu Curfew
- 11:00 PM – 5:00 AM
- Weekend/Holiday Curfew
- 12:01 AM – 6:00 AM
- Enforcement
- Fort Lauderdale PD
Summary
Fort Lauderdale enforces a juvenile curfew under Section 16-81 of the Code of Ordinances. Minors under 16 must be off public streets from 11 PM to 5 AM Sunday through Thursday, and from 12:01 AM to 6 AM on weekends and legal holidays.
After recording pertinent information about the minor, the law enforcement agency shall attempt to contact the parent of the minor and, if successful, shall request that the parent take custody of the minor and shall release the minor to the parent. If the law enforcement agency is not able to contact the minor’s parent within 2 hours after the minor is taken into custody, or if the parent refuses to take custody of the minor, the law enforcement agency may transport the minor to her or his residence or proceed as authorized under part IV of chapter 39. History. — s. 84, ch. 94-209; s. 1432, ch.
Full Breakdown
Section 16-81 of the Fort Lauderdale Code of Ordinances establishes curfew hours for minors under 16 years of age. Sunday through Thursday (excluding legal holidays), minors may not be in any public place between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM the following day. On Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, the curfew runs from 12:01 AM to 6:00 AM. Public place is defined broadly to include streets, highways, public parks, and common areas of buildings and transportation facilities. If a minor is taken into custody for a curfew violation, police transport the minor to the police station, attempt to contact the parent, and release the minor to the parent's custody.
Violations & Fines
Minors taken into custody are transported to the police station and released to a parent or guardian. Parents may face citation for allowing curfew violations. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department enforces curfew provisions, particularly during Spring Break enforcement periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Fort Lauderdale's juvenile curfew hours?
What happens if a minor violates the curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Lauderdale
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Juvenile Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Broward County handle juvenile curfew.