The Parks, Recreation, & Beaches Advisory Board studies and advises the City Commission on all matters pertaining to the use, maintenance, acquisition, rules, and regulations of the parks and recreation facilities of the City.

Parks and Recreation - Rules and Regulations

INTENT

It is Parks and Recreation Department's intent to provide the public with a safe environment that maximizes the public’s use and recreational activities. The following rules and regulations apply to all City parks and recreation facilities, including any City property that is zoned “P” for parks, recreation and open space.

1.0 HOURS OF OPERATION

1.1 Parks and recreation facilities will be open during the days and hours posted on the buildings or entrance areas.

1.2 No person shall remain in any park or facility after the park or facility is closed, except in areas authorized by the City or specifically designated by the City to remain open after the park or facility is closed to the public. Any section or part of any park or facility may be closed to the public or limited to certain uses at any time, and at the sole discretion of the City, to preserve the health, safety and welfare of the general public.

2.0 PARK PROPERTY

2.1 Buildings and Other Property. All park property, facilities, and equipment shall be used for the purpose for which it was designated by the City Commission.

2.2 Uses. Parks shall be used for recreation activities and relaxation, ornaments, lights and air for the general public. Parks shall not be used for business or other purposes, except by written approval of the City or pursuant to a special permit approved by the City.

2.3 Trees, Shrubbery, Lawns, etc. No person shall cut, carve or injure the bark of a tree, or break off the limbs or branches, or mutilate in any way or pick the flowers or seeds of any tree or plant existing on City property. Nor shall any person damage, digging, or otherwise disturb or destroy the grass areas or in any other way harm or impair the natural beauty or usefulness of any green area in any park property or park facility. Removal of any plant, flower, tree, shrub, or similar foliage from City property, parks, or park facilities, without the prior written approval of the City, is strictly prohibited, except where such activity or use is permitted by the City.

2.4 Wild Animals, Birds, Fish, etc. No person shall molest, harm, frighten, kill, trap, hunt, chase, capture, shoot or throw any object which may harm any mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian, except as permitted by law. Fishing is permitted in designated areas permitted by local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

2.5 Golf activities. No person shall engage in any golf or related activities, except in designated posted areas in Osswald Park.

3.0 FIREWORKS

3.1 No person shall discharge any fireworks in any City Park, except by prior written consent of the City or pursuant to a special permit approved by the City. Fireworks shall mean any combustible or explosive composition or substance or combination of substances or any article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, including sparklers.

4.0 NUISANCES

4.1 Pets. Domestic pets, including dogs, are permitted in parks on a six-foot maximum leash or other tether, and shall at all times remain under the control of an adult owner or handler. It is strictly prohibited, however, to bring any dog or domestic pet on or into any athletic field, court, playground or water splash pad, swimming area, beach, or any body of water unless permitted by law or authorized by this section. Pet owners or handlers are responsible for cleaning and disposing of any waste created by their pet(s) and any aggressive pet may be removed at the City’s sole discretion. No pet shall threaten or cause personal injury to any person or create a public nuisance or any form of excessive noise that disturbs the peace and quiet enjoyment of others, such as continuous barking or any similar conduct. All dogs must have current vaccinations and a license, pursuant to Sections 6-31 and 6-32 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as amended. Exceptions:

(a) Service Animals:

(1) The term “Service Animal” shall mean an animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability (as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. Section 12102), as amended, including without limitation, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items. Additionally, “service animal” shall mean an animal used for medical reasons, including without limitation, cancer, diabetes, and seizure detection, and any animal used for emotional support pursuant to a doctor's prescription.

(2) The service animal must be under the control of its handler and must have a harness, leash, or other tether, unless either the handler is unable, because of a disability, to use a harness, leash, or other tether, or the use of a harness, leash, or other tether would interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of work or tasks, in which case the service animal must be otherwise under the handler’s control by means of voice control, signals, or other effective means.

(3) To determine the difference between a service animal and a pet, City may inquire whether the animal is a service animal because of a disability and what work or tasks the animal has been trained to perform.

(b) Dogs on the Beach, are subject to the following requirements:

(1) Dogs are only permitted beginning at lifeguard tower 16 to a point 100-yards north of Sunrise Blvd. This section is posted as a Canine Beach. Maximum of three dogs per owner or handler.

(c) Dogs in designated dog park areas, are subject to the following requirements:

(1) Designated dog park areas shall be posted by the City as permitting dogs unleashed within the confines of such areas. Maximum of three dogs per owner or handler.

4.2 Trash Disposal. Park patrons are at all times responsible for proper disposal of their trash. Any trash generated outside any park and recreation facility may not be disposed inside a park.

4.3 Soliciting and Vending. No person shall expose or offer for sale any article, service, or thing nor shall any person station or place any stand, cart, or vehicle for the transportation, sale or display of any such article or merchandise within the limits or adjacent to the roadways of any park, without securing a permit, license, or written approval from the City, except for licensed concessionaires acting by and under the written authority of the City. Any flyer or written advertising, posted sign or announcement placed in or on any park property must have the prior written approval of the City. It shall be unlawful for any solicitor, peddler, itinerant merchant, or transient vendor of merchandise or services to solicit orders from the public for the sale of foods, wares, merchandise or services or attempt to dispose of any goods, wares, merchandise, or services by barter or sale in any private dwelling, apartment or other place of residence without having obtained a permit, license, or written approval from the city.

4.4 Interference with Authorized Activities. No person or group shall interfere with any recreational activity or event authorized by the City. Beach patrons shall not interfere with the clear and safe passage of any first responders or emergency vehicles, or any City-authorized maintenance vehicles on the sand or within the seaweed line of the public beach.

4.5 Loud Noise. Except with special exception approved by the City Commission, no person or group shall play or operate any sound amplification device including radios, television sets, turn tables, tape decks, public address systems, amplified musical instruments, portable generators, or any other device that generates loud noise or disturbs other patrons at a City park, park facility, or public beach.

4.6 Sleeping. Sleeping or reclining in a horizontal position is specifically prohibited at all City beaches, City parks, or City recreation facilities, pedestrian or vehicular traffic rights-of-way (such as roads, sidewalks, medians, bike paths, and jogging paths), City-owned landscaped areas (such as flower gardens, hedges, and planters), or any City-owned land.

4.7 Intoxicants. The consumption, possession, or sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited within City parks, except by written approval of the City Commission or by special permit approved by the City.

4.8 Disorderly Intoxication. No person shall be intoxicated or remain in a state of intoxication from alcohol, cause a public disturbance, endanger the life or safety of another person, or cause harm to any property while inside a City park, park facility, or upon a public beach.

4.9 Personal Property. Personal property shall not be stored in any City park, park facility, or on any public beach during operating hours or overnight, except in a facility or area specifically authorized by the City for such storage. No person shall erect a temporary accessory structure, or property of any type on any City park, park facility, or any public beach during operating hours or overnight, including but not limited to, tents, hammocks, ropes, slacklines, clotheslines, flags or banners to trees, showers, or any similar structures, except with the prior written consent of the City or where patrons are engaged in the temporary use of a beach umbrella, tent, or canopy or the temporary use of any personal object during approved park activities or in area where overnight camping is permitted by the City, and provided all personal property is removed from the City park, park facility, or public beach immediately following the end of each event or activity.

4.10 Disorderly Conduct. Offenses that breach the public peace and order are considered disorderly conduct and strictly prohibited in any City park, recreation facility, or public beach. Disorderly, conduct shall consist of any act or behavior specifically prohibited under the Code of Ordinances of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, including but not limited to the following: corrupting public morals, engaging in lewd and lascivious behavior, offenses regarding public decency, disturbing the peace and quiet enjoyment of others, loitering or prowling, engaging in verbal or physical altercation, the possession or sale of illegal substance, or engaging in any act that breaches the public peace may, at the sole discretion of the City, be subject to a revocation of the privilege of using any Parks & Recreation facilities or participating in any activities or programs at any City park or recreation facility.

4.11 Abusive Conduct. Any person behaving inappropriately or disrespectfully towards City staff or others may be subject to a revocation of the privilege of using the Parks & Recreation facilities or participating in activities or programs at any park or recreation facility.

4.12 Balloon Releases. No person shall intentionally release or organize the release of balloons or sky lanterns into the atmosphere at any park or recreation facilities, or otherwise risk any potential impacts to the wildlife and the environment.

5.0 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC

 5.1 Existing Laws. All patrons of City parks and facilities shall comply with City, County, and State vehicle and traffic control laws and regulations.

5.2 Parking. All motor vehicles shall be parked only in established and posted parking areas or in such other areas at such times and in such a manner as the Parks and Recreation Department officials may designate. Parking on the roadways and driveways is prohibited. No person shall park or station any vehicle in any zone designated and marked "No Parking" or otherwise marked for restricted use except briefly for emergency purposes. Parking on turf is prohibited except in designated areas.

5.3 Directions of Traffic. No person shall fail or refuse to comply with any order, signal or direction given or posted by any police officer or park ranger for the direction of traffic.

5.4 Bicycles and Electric Bicycles. All cyclists shall comply with state and municipal laws and regulations pertaining to bicycles.

5.5 Skates. Skates, skateboards, roller skates, incline skates and similar equipment may be restricted to certain times and locations by Parks and Recreation officials for safety reasons.

5.6 Boats. All boat operators shall comply with all existing state laws, municipal ordinances, and Coast Guard regulations. All boats are to be launched and docked in designated areas only.

5.7 Motorized and Electric Vehicles. No motorized or electric vehicles are permitted to be operated off any road or upon any designated bike path within the interior of parks, including non-licensed motorized vehicles.

5.8 Vehicle Maintenance. Motor vehicle maintenance is prohibited in parks, except repairs or maintenance of an emergency nature.

6.0 PICNICKING

6.1 Designated Areas and Uses. All visitors shall comply with the directions of park officials pertaining to proper locations for picnicking in order to safeguard park property and to ensure the maximum use for the comfort and convenience of all.

6.2 Use of picnic tables for other than picnic purposes is prohibited. Proper use of tables for picnicking is on a first come, first serve basis. Holding tables for patrons who have not arrived is prohibited.

6.3 Pavilions. Pavilions are available for exclusive use by permit only. Individuals and groups using pavilions shall comply with written pavilion regulations.

6.4 Fires

(a) Ground Fires - Ground fires are prohibited in all park areas, unless authorized by the Department Director and the City’s Fire Marshal.

(b) Safety - Visitors are responsible for insuring that their grill is properly monitored and extinguished at the end of their outing.

7.0 BEACH REGULATIONS

 7.1 Swimming at public beach areas is prohibited under the following conditions:

(a) If the beach is closed due to lightning or other dangerous conditions. (b) If swimmers are wearing long pants or shoes.
(c) Beyond 50 yards from shore.
(d) If children are not properly supervised by adults (proper supervision is one adult minimum per ten children).

7.2 Skin and scuba diving shall be permitted from the Fort Lauderdale Beach under the following regulations:

(a) All divers must be accompanied by at least one other diver.
(b) Each diver is equipped with a buoyancy compensator.
(c) Divers must have an approved diver's down flag displayed in accordance with Statutes of the State of Florida.
(d) Scuba divers must remain a minimum of 100 yards offshore, except when entering or leaving the water. All scuba divers must remain on the surface of the water until they reach 100 yards offshore. At that time they are no longer under the supervision of the beach patrol and are permitted to go under the surface.
(e) Snorkelers using mask, snorkel, and fins within 50 yards are permitted and are considered bathers. If snorkelers desire to go beyond 50 yards, then all other requirements of Rule 7.2 applicable to scuba divers must be met.
(f) The use or possession of spear guns or similar weapons is prohibited on the beach. Such weapons must be transported a minimum distance of 100 yards offshore. During such transportation, weapons must be handled safely in an unarmed condition.
(g) Scuba instruction by private enterprise is prohibited.

7.3 Use of boats and watercraft are subject to the following regulations:

(a) Designated Boat Launching Area – located

(i) 600 South Atlantic Boulevard on the beach and
(ii) 1000 North Atlantic Boulevard at the end of Sunrise Boulevard and the beach.

(b) Watercraft permitted to launch in Designated Boat Launching Area:

(i) Manually powered watercraft (e.g. kayak, stand-up paddleboard, inflatables, outrigger canoes, etc., but not including surfboard activity area).
(ii) Sail powered watercraft (e.g. Sunfish, catamaran sailboats, kite surfing, windsurfing, etc.).
(iii) Watercraft are permitted to launch or return pursuant to the conditions of City Code § 8- 173.
(iv) The Designated Boat Launching Areas and channels are for launching and returning watercraft only. Watercraft may not anchor or interfere with the use of the channel area within the Designated Boat Launching Area.

(c) Designated Activity Area – located between Lifeguard Tower 16 and Lifeguard Tower 20 (N.E. 18th Street)

(d) Watercraft activities permitted in Designated Activity Area:

(i) Manually powered watercraft (e.g. surfing, surfboards, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, inflatables, outrigger canoes, etc.)
(ii) Wave powered watercraft (surfboards, paddleboards, etc.)
(iii) Sail powered watercraft (kite surfing, windsurfing, etc.).

(e) No watercraft may be kept on the beach overnight, except those properly registered with the City to stay in designated areas.

7.4 The following beach regulations are intended to reduce safety hazards which may cause injury to beach patrons:

(a) Playing ball, Frisbee, flying kites, or any other game that may endanger patrons on the beach or in the water, is limited to designated times and areas as posted or as determined by City officials.
(b) Fishing or netting of fish is permitted on the sandy part of the public beach located between N.E. 18th Street and N.E. 23rd Street only during the hours of 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and national holidays, and must be conducted in a safe manner. All debris, bait, fish line and hooks, and other fishing equipment or tackle must be removed from the beach after fishing has been conducted. Fishing or netting of fish is prohibited from or under any bridge in the city, or from any pier, dock, wharf, or other waterfront facility at Port Everglades.
(c) Dogs and pets are prohibited on the sandy portion of the beach, except for service animals and the area that is designated as Canine Beach.
(d) Surfing is allowed in designated surfing area only.
(e) Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the beach, except during such times and within certain locations of the beach permitted or licensed by the city.
(f) Glass bottles and glass containers are prohibited on the beach.
(g) Digging holes or erecting tents and fencing is prohibited. Canopies of any type may be prohibited as well during special events at the discretion of Police or Ocean Rescue.
(h) Unauthorized use of lifeguard towers is prohibited.
(i) Anyone requested to do so must move out of the way of Police, Beach Patrol, Park Ranger, or other Government Service vehicles.
(j) No person shall interfere with Police, Lifeguards or Park Rangers or Park Personnel in the performance of their lawful duties.
(k) Directives given by the lifeguards must be adhered to.
(l) Use of any grill or generator is not permitted without a city approval or a permit.
(m) No all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), golf carts, go carts, moped, or motorized vehicles are permitted on the sand. Only authorized city personnel are permitted use of the aforementioned.

7.5 The following regulations are intended to eliminate nuisance activity on the beach and provide patrons with a pleasant environment in which to recreate:

(a) Loud Noise. No person or group shall play or operate any sound amplification device including radios, television sets, turn tables, tape decks, public address systems, amplified musical instruments or any other loud noise generation device which disturbs other persons.
(b) All commercial photography and filming is prohibited unless prior written permission has been obtained from the City Manager's Office.
(c) Soliciting, begging or panhandling is prohibited. This includes tips or payment for any service, performance or instruction.
(d) Removing trash and debris from waste receptacles requires a written permit from the Parks and Recreation Department. Such a permit shall be issued under specific criteria determined by that Department.
(e) Use of picnic tables for other than picnic purposes is prohibited. Proper use of tables for picnicking is on a first come, first serve basis. Holding tables for patrons who have not arrived is prohibited.
(f) Drying clothes by hanging them on trees, bushes, tables or in or around rest rooms is prohibited.
(g) Beach sea oat and dune plantings are protected, and no person shall cut, damage, or remove such plants from the beach.
(h) No person shall discharge any fireworks on any portion of the City Beach unless done as part of a special event authorized by the City. Fireworks shall mean any combustible or explosive composition or substance or combination of substance or any article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, including sparklers.

8.0 USER FEES

 8.1 All persons shall pay the fee or change established by the City Commission for the use of any City park, park facility, or public beach area, including parking fees, except when said fee or charge is waived by written consent of the City Manager or designee.

9.0 GENERAL LAWS - ADDITIONAL OPERATING PROCEDURES

 9.1 Federal, State, County and Municipal Laws. All federal, state, county and municipal laws are hereby adopted and are to be enforced within all City of Fort Lauderdale parks, beaches and recreational facilities.

9.2 Compliance with Additional Posted Rules. Specific facilities which require additional operational procedures for orderly use shall be posted with rules in a conspicuous place. Patrons utilizing all facilities shall comply with posted regulations.

10.0 PERMITS 

10.1 Reservation of any parks and recreation facility or area for exclusive use requires written approval of the Parks and Recreation Department in the form of a permit. Contact (954) 828-PARK, for additional information.

11.0 ENFORCEMENT

11.1 Intent. It is the intent of the Parks and Recreation Department that these regulations be enforced in a fair and equitable manner.

11.2 Hindering Enforcement. No person shall impersonate in any way a park official nor hinder park officials or personnel in the performance of their lawful duties.

11.3 Trespass. Any person or group found in violation of the above rules and regulations shall be ordered to leave all City of Fort Lauderdale parks, beaches and recreation facilities for a minimum 24-hour period. Any person who fails to leave all facilities, parks or beach at the time requested may be arrested and prosecuted for trespassing or prosecuted, as permitted by law.

11.4 Any person determined by the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department to be a violator of the Parks and Recreation Rules and Regulations may be ordered by the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department to remain out of City parks and beach areas for a period of time, not to exceed six (6) months. Upon being ordered to remain out of a City park or beach area, violators shall be entitled to an administrative hearing before the City Manager or designee, in order to appeal the Parks and Recreation Director's decision. The person appealing the Director's decision may present evidence to the City Manager or designee. The request for such hearing must be in writing and directed to the City Manager. This request must be made within three (3) days of the order being appealed.

12.0 REGULATION EXCEPTIONS

12.1 All government activities carried out in the ordinary course of park and beach operations shall be exempt from the provisions of the Parks and Recreation Department Rules and Regulations. Acts or conducts prohibited by the rules shall be permitted when approved by the Director of Parks and Recreation and occurring in conjunction with City sponsored, co-sponsored, or City approved special events.

13.0 POOL REGULATIONS

13.1 No food or beverages in pool or on pool wet deck
13.2 No glassware or animal is permitted in the fenced in pool area (or 50 feet from unfenced pool)
13.3 All persons must shower before entering pool.
13.4 Do not swallow or ingest the pool water at anytime, it is recirculated. 13.5 Pools will be closed during severe weather, when lighting is seen or when thunder is heard, or when heavy rain or wind impairs the lifeguard’s ability to see the bottom of the pool.
13.6 Do not use the pool if you are experiencing symptoms of diarrhea or other illness.
13.7 Do not use the pool if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
13.8 Children under 12-years of age must be accompanied by an adult or guardian at all times.
13.9 Do not change clothes or diapers in the pool area, except inside a designated toilet area, restroom, or locker room.
13.10 No person is permitted to hold his/her breath underwater while inside a pool for a prolonged period of time.
13.11 Proper swimming attire is required – no street clothes, gym shorts, cut-off shorts, or underwear is to be worn in the pools. Nude bathing or any indecent exposure is strictly prohibited anywhere within the pool area.