Fort Lauderdale Beachfront near Las Olas Blvd.

First inhabited by Tequesta Indians for about 2000 years, Seminole Indians appeared in the area in the 1820s; the city is named after a three forts built during the Second Seminole War. They took their name from Major William Lauderdale (1782–1838), commander of the detachment of soldiers who built the first fort. But development of the city, at first an agricultural community, did not begin until 50 years after the forts were abandoned at the end of the conflict.

About 100 years later, Fort Lauderdale began to evolve into a resort town, and in the 1950s this "Venice of America" was the mecca for beachfront thrills: about 15,000 students were coming to the area during Spring Break by 1953. Just a year later, that number grew to 20,000, and by 1985, Spring Break attracted 350,000 students. As a result, the beachfront was lined with bars, T-shirt shops, souvenir stores, and fast-food stands; downtown consisted of a few office towers and government buildings. But until July of 1961 only whites were allowed on Ft. Lauderdale beaches; in 1962 finally Broward County beaches were desegregated.

About 100 years later, Fort Lauderdale began to evolve into a resort town, and in the 1950s this "Venice of America" was the mecca for beachfront thrills: about 15,000 students were coming to the area during Spring Break by 1953. Just a year later, that number grew to 20,000. But until July of 1961, only whites were allowed on Ft. Lauderdale beaches; Broward County beaches were finally desegregated in 1962.

Spring Break continued to grow: by 1985, it attracted 350,000 students. As a result, the beachfront was lined with bars, T-shirt shops, souvenir stores, and fast-food stands; downtown consisted of a few office towers and government buildings. By then, officials decided the city needed a change. Economic strength and cultural vitality with more of an upscale and improved image was sought.

Following an enormous renovation program, the beach area was successfully revitalized, benefiting it’s two-mile (3.2 km) stretch of unobstructed beachfront which was re-designed for pedestrians rather than cars, while downtown is also experiencing significant growth.

Another major beneficiary is the East-West axis Las Olas Boulevard. Already well-known for its trendy shops, now the sidewalks aren't rolled up when the sun goes down. Dozens of new restaurants have sprung up, and on weekend evenings hundreds of strollers tour the boulevard, taking in the food, the jazz bands and the scene. On-street parking on weekends has slowed traffic, and the street has a village atmosphere.

Farther west, along the New River, there is evidence of Fort Lauderdale's cultural renaissance: a new arts and entertainment district and its crown jewel, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Today, Fort Lauderdale is home to more than 182,000 residents (2018 est.), the seat of the county government, the world's second-busiest cruise port, and a major yachting center, with more than 13 million annual visitors.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is one of three major airports serving the Miami metropolitan area (defined as Miami–West Palm Beach). With 333,465 aircraft movements, more than 35 million passengers used the airport in 2018, approx. 27 million of those on domestic flights. In terms of 2018 passenger volume the airport ranks as #18 in the US.