The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is hoping to shed its reputation as a rowdy Spring Break destination. A stern message Friday warns spring breakers -- obey the law or go to jail.
As the spring break season draws near, police want to remind visitors of its "zero tolerance" policy for offenders.
"The Fort Lauderdale Police Department encourages all visitors and local residents to educate themselves and become familiar with some of the municipal ordinances that help keep the city of Fort Lauderdale safe and enjoyable," police said in a news release.
Among the laws police are reminding visitors not to break:
- Possessing or serving alcoholic beverages to a person under 21
- Refusing to leave an establishment after being warned
- Possessing or displaying phony identification
- Possessing an open container of alcohol in a public place
- Causing a drunken disturbance
- Fighting
- Public indecency
- Bringing tents, tables or similar structures onto the beach
- ABSOLUTELY NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON THE BEACH
Violators could be issued a written notice to appear before a judge or even wind up behind bars.
Police said beachgoers will hear the following public announcement while they try to soak up the sun:
"Welcome to Fort Lauderdale Beach. As a reminder, neither alcohol nor glass containers are allowed on the sand and sidewalks. Please dispose of all trash properly in the nearby receptacles to assist us in keeping your beach clean."