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Fort Lauderdale, Florida

"Venice of America"

Famous for spring break, yachts, and canals, Fort Lauderdale transformed from party town to upscale coastal city with more canals than Venice.

Founded 1838 | Population 194,579 | Peak 194,579 (2024) | County Broward County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Fort Lauderdale, Florida

1838Fort Built in Seminole Wars: Major William Lauderdale built a fort during the Second Seminole War along the New River.

1911City Incorporated: Fort Lauderdale incorporated with just 143 residents, beginning its growth as a resort town.

1960Spring Break Capital: The movie 'Where the Boys Are' made Fort Lauderdale the nation's spring break destination, drawing hundreds of thousands annually.

1985Port Everglades Boom: Port Everglades grew into the world's largest cruise port by passenger volume.

2017Airport Shooting: A gunman killed 5 people at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in the baggage claim area.

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Latest News in Fort Lauderdale

Feb 20, 2026

Grandpa Opens Fire On Armed Criminals During Home Invasion – His Granddaughter Orchestrated The Whole Heist

Among those arrested was the homeowner’s granddaughter, the orchestrator of the crime.

Feb 20, 2026

Dad And Son Charged With 216 Counts Of Incest, Pay The Price

A father and son in West Virginia has been charged with over 216 counts of incest, sexual assault and sexual abuse that involved t…

Feb 20, 2026

Trump Admin Mocked Over This Small Detail In Venezuela ‘Situation Room’ Photo

In the wake of a bold and controversial U.S. military operation in Venezuela…

Complete Historical Timeline

1838 Government

Fort built during Seminole Wars

1911 Government

Incorporated with 143 residents

1926 Disaster

Hurricane devastates city

1960 Culture

Spring Break capital after film

1985 Business

Port Everglades becomes cruise hub

2005 Disaster

Hurricane Wilma damages coast

2017 Disaster

Airport shooting kills 5

2023 Government

Population approaches 195,000

Did You Know?

Fort Lauderdale has 165 miles of waterways — more canals than Venice, Italy.

Port Everglades is the third-busiest cruise port in the world, serving nearly 4 million passengers annually.

The city banned spring break rowdiness in the 1980s, successfully rebranding as an upscale destination.

Famous People from Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Chris Evert

Tennis Player · Born Dec 21, 1954 · Age 71

Sofia Carson

Actor, Composer · Born Apr 10, 1993 · Age 32

Justin Bartha

Screenwriter, Actor · Born Jul 21, 1978 · Age 47

Logan Sargeant

Racing Automobile Driver, Formula One Driver · Born Dec 31, 2000 · Age 25

Lita

Professional Wrestler · Born Apr 14, 1975 · Age 50

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