Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, is a vibrant city in central Broward County, just 12 miles north of Miami and south of Fort Lauderdale. Incorporated on June 22, 1961, it began as a rural, retirement-focused enclave for Northeastern “snowbirds” before evolving into a densely populated, diverse community.
Spanning just 3.6 square miles, Lauderdale Lakes earned the nickname “Heart of Broward County” due to its central location and bustling atmosphere. The city operates under a Commission–Manager government, and today hosts nearly 36,000 residents. Its population is predominantly African American and Caribbean-American, with strong Jamaican and Haitian communities.
Originally rural farmland, the city has since transformed into a dynamic suburban hub intersected by key roads like State Road 7/U.S. 441 and Oakland Park Blvd. Lauderdale Lakes offers an array of parks, cultural events such as Caribbean festivals, diverse dining, and redevelopment initiatives including a planned Town Center at SR 7 and Oakland Park. Its tropical climate and close proximity to urban amenities make it a sought-after community in South Florida.
