Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale: The Complete Local Guide for 2026
Fort Lauderdale draws approximately 10 million visitors annually to its 24 miles of beaches, 165 miles of navigable inland waterways, and one of the most active waterfront dining and entertainment scenes in Florida. Whether you are visiting for a weekend, planning a longer stay, or researching what daily life looks like before a potential move, […]
Fort Lauderdale vs Tampa: Which Florida City Is Right for You?
Fort Lauderdale is a waterfront-focused city with approximately 185,604 residents, per the most recent DataUSA figures, built around boating, luxury real estate, and beach access. Tampa is a larger city of 401,618 with a younger median age, a growing tech economy, and a more accessible housing market. This guide compares both cities across cost of […]
Is Fort Lauderdale Safe for Tourists? What the Data Actually Shows
Fort Lauderdale is safe for tourists in its primary visitor areas. Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale Beach, the Galt Mile corridor, and the Intracoastal waterfront neighborhoods where most tourists stay and spend time are among the safest parts of the city. The citywide crime picture is more complex. Fort Lauderdale’s overall crime rate of 36 per […]
How Much Does a Seawall Replacement Cost in Fort Lauderdale?
Seawall replacement in Fort Lauderdale costs $1,500 to $2,500 or more per linear foot. A standard 80 to 100 linear foot lot runs $120,000 to $250,000 total, covering demolition, new panels, tiebacks, cap, and permitting. Concrete runs higher than vinyl. Point lots and corner properties with more frontage cost significantly more. If you just received […]
Fort Lauderdale vs Miami: Which City Is Right for You?
Fort Lauderdale and Miami sit 30 miles apart on the southeast Florida coast but operate as distinctly different cities. Miami is a global financial and cultural hub with 470,000+ residents, international nightlife, and a cost of living that reflects its status. Fort Lauderdale is a waterfront city of approximately 190,168 residents built around boating access, […]
What Is a Dock Permit in Fort Lauderdale and How Do You Get One?
If you are buying a waterfront home in Fort Lauderdale with plans to build or modify a dock, getting a dock permit in Fort Lauderdale is not optional. Building without one can result in fines, forced removal, and serious complications when you sell. The process involves multiple agencies and more lead time than most buyers […]
How to Buy a Luxury Waterfront Home in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale has more than 165 miles of navigable waterways, making it one of the most active luxury waterfront markets in the country. Prices for waterfront properties start around $1.5 million and climb past $10 million for deepwater estates with private docks. If you are researching this market for the first time, the process may […]
Buying a House in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the First Time: A Complete Guide
Fort Lauderdale’s housing market has appreciated 63.45% over the past five years, ranking it in the top 20% of all U.S. communities for home appreciation. (Source: NeighborhoodScout, Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Market Data) For a first-time buyer, that means getting into the market sooner rather than later has historically made a significant financial difference. This […]
What Is a Finger Canal in Fort Lauderdale and Is It Right for Your Boat?
If you are researching waterfront property in Fort Lauderdale, you will come across the term finger canal in listing descriptions, neighborhood guides, and agent conversations. Most of the time, it goes undefined. A finger canal Fort Lauderdale property sits on a narrow residential channel that branches off a main waterway, and whether that configuration works […]
What Is a Deepwater Canal in Fort Lauderdale and Why It Matters for Buyers
When you start searching for waterfront property in Fort Lauderdale, you will see the phrase deepwater canal Fort Lauderdale appear in listings as a selling point, but it is rarely defined. That ambiguity costs buyers. A canal that looks deep at high tide can be a completely different situation at low tide, and if you are buying […]