BROWARD COUNTY, FL - For the 2026
Independence Day holiday, officials at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood
International Airport (FLL) are anticipating busier travel activity than normal as many
people opt to jet away to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America's
birth. From Wednesday, July 1, until Monday, July 6, more
than 512,000 passengers are forecast to travel through FLL, with
Thursday (July 2), Sunday (July 5), and Monday (July 6) expected to be
the three busiest days with a range of 89,000 to 94,000 travelers
each day. Overall, FLL expects an average of 85,400 daily travelers over the
six-day holiday period.
Fort Lauderdale is again among the top 10 U.S. holiday destinations for July Fourth travel this year, and travel by air is expected to increase slightly from last year, according to AAA's Independence holiday forecast.
Here are some key travel tips and reminders for holiday travel through FLL:
ARRIVE EARLY
Typically,
travelers are advised to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and
three hours if flying internationally. However, during peak holiday periods,
it's best to follow your airline's updated guidance, which may require more time for check-in/bag processing. Security processing may also take longer
due to increased passenger activity.
PARKING (ON-SITE)
With high demand for curbside valet service and self-parking options at
FLL this year, especially during the holidays, we recommend
getting dropped off by family, friends, or a ride-share service instead, as the on-site airport garages could fill up.
FLL offers travelers a variety of parking options in its
garages: Long Term Parking is $20 per day, and Short Term Parking, intended for
dropping off or picking up passengers, is available at $2 per 20-minute
interval with a maximum daily rate of $36. Download the free FLL Airport App for information on
parking, flights, restaurants, and shops before arriving at the airport.
If you plan to park at FLL, allocate extra time to get here and secure a spot
among the self-parking garage's 11,000-plus spaces. Tap into the garage's smart parking technology to find the closest open
spot.
Travelers can use SunPass Plus as a convenient way to pay for
parking using a SunPass transponder in the airport's three parking garages. The
traveler must use a SunPass Plus lane to enter and exit for the account to be
charged. SunPass Plus entry does not require a ticket.
Curbside Valet Parking service is offered at two
drop-off/pick-up locations. Both valet stations are on the upper-level
(Departures) roadway at the west ends of Terminals 1 and 4. The first location
serves guests traveling to/from Terminals 1 and 2, and the second site caters
to travelers in Terminals 3 and 4. Valet Parking is $30 per day.
OVERFLOW PARKING (OFF-SITE)
During the peak travel seasons, FLL's Overflow Parking Lot will begin accepting
entries only when on-site parking reaches maximum
capacity. Watch for parking updates on the airport's social media pages (X and Facebook). When it's activated, travelers using the Overflow Parking Lot should allow at least 45-60
minutes of extra time to park and board a shuttle to their departure
terminal.
The Overflow Parking Lot is in the western part of the airport at 2755 SW
42nd St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Go south on Perimeter Road to Griffin
Road and take Griffin Road west past I-95 to Anglers Avenue. Then turn right
(north) and then left (west) on Southwest 42nd Street and follow the
orange wayfinding signs. A flat rate of $10 per day applies, as does a
maximum stay of seven days. Payment via credit card is preferred. The free
shuttle service to and from the Overflow Lot will have designated stops along
the upper-level airport roadway between Terminals 1 and 2 and Terminals 3
and 4. View the attached parking map at the bottom of the page.
PICK-UP/DROP-OFF
The Cell Phone Waiting Area (intended for short stays of under 30 minutes) is located under the main
entrance roadway to the airport. As you approach FLL's entrance, stay in the
left lanes, follow the sign to All Parking, and bear left. Then, follow the
signs to the Cell Phone Waiting Area. This road will bring you around the Rental Car Center to the Cell Phone Waiting Area. If
the free Cell Phone Waiting Area is full, please proceed to Short Term Parking
in the garages, available for $2 per 20 minutes with a grace period of under 20
minutes at no charge. Please remember that the curbside areas are for immediate
pick-up and drop-off only. Unattended vehicles will be ticketed and towed.
REAL ID
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officially implemented REAL ID on May 7, 2025. If you're flying on a domestic flight and plan to use your driver's license, you may be subject to additional screening if your ID doesn't have a star.
RIDE-SHARING PICK-UP:
Please note that the pick-up location for ride-share passengers arriving in Terminal 1 is Zone Z (Stations 8-15). From the terminal's bag claim area, proceed curbside, turn left, and follow the wayfinding signage past the taxi booth kiosk. For passengers arriving in Terminals 3 and 4, exit the baggage claim area and use the pedestrian crosswalks to access the new Zones A-D pick-up locations on the lower level of the Palm Garage.
REMINDERS
FLL participates in several expedited security and Customs processing
programs, including TSA
Pre-Check, Global Entry, and CLEAR. Please
visit their respective websites to learn more about the programs, how they
work, and any associated costs. If you are a traveler with a disability or medical
condition, you can plan ahead with TSA Cares or
call their toll-free helpline at 1-855-787-2227 to enhance your airport
experience.
TRAVEL & GUNS
If you plan to travel with a licensed firearm, follow TSA protocols for packing and transporting your weapon safely as checked luggage. If you are caught with a gun at a TSA passenger screening checkpoint, this will disrupt your travel plans, and you could face a hefty penalty and an arrest.
About Broward's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
In 2025, FLL served over 32.2 million passengers, and its ongoing multibillion-dollar annual economic activity generated over 15,200 direct local jobs. FLL is located in Greater Fort Lauderdale in the heart of Florida's Gold Coast. The Aviation Department, FLL's operator, is a self-supporting agency of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners that does not rely on local tax dollars for operations and capital improvements. The department also operates North Perry Airport, a general aviation facility for private and charter aircraft operators. Call 954-359-6100 for more information. For updates on airport programs and services, follow us on X, like us on Facebook, or visit fll.net.
* FLL is a service of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners
July 2, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Arlene Satchell, Public Information Officer
Broward County Aviation Department
954-359-6116
asatchell@broward.org