Broward County, FL Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Scope
- Countywide, all 31 municipalities
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under Fla. Stat. 125.69(1)
- Covers
- Sidewalks, streets, lots near sellers
- Also bans
- Drinking inside package stores
- Enforcement
- Code enforcement and law enforcement
Summary
Broward County bans drinking alcohol on sidewalks, streets, and parking lots next to any establishment that sells it, plus drinking inside package stores meant for off-premise sales, countywide by charter.
The provisions of this section shall apply countywide, except where in conflict with an applicable municipal ordinance, pursuant to Section 11.01 of the Broward County Charter. Unless otherwise provided, nothing in this section shall be construed to alleviate the obligation to comply with applicable County or municipal regulations.(b)Prohibitions.(1)It shall be unlawful for any person to consume any alcoholic beverage upon any area available for use by the public for motor vehicle parking purposes, or any public street, highway, or sidewalk, where such area is adjacent to any establishment within Broward County, Florida, where alcoholic beverages are sold or dispensed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Broward County Code Section 3-2 makes it unlawful to consume alcohol on any public parking area, street, highway, or sidewalk adjacent to an establishment selling alcoholic beverages, and unlawful to drink on the premises of any establishment licensed only for off-premise sales, such as a package store. The rule applies countywide under Section 11.01 of the Broward County Charter, covering incorporated cities as well as unincorporated areas, unless a municipality's own ordinance conflicts. County and municipal code enforcement officers and law enforcement may cite violators.
Violations & Fines
Violating Section 3-2 is a misdemeanor prosecutable under Florida Statutes Section 125.69(1), enforced by county or municipal code enforcement officers and any law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink alcohol on a sidewalk in Fort Lauderdale?
What's the penalty for violating this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida public conduct overview
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