Fort Lauderdale is a city in Florida and is known to the "Venice of America" due to its canal system. The city was named after the forts that were once constructed for the Second Seminole War. However, after the forts were abandoned (when the conflict ended), 50 years passed before the city was constructed. The city is now a popular tourist destination and major yachting center; it is also home to several restaurants and nightclubs.

Fort Lauderdale is popular due to its beaches but it is also popular due to historical museums, sports facilities, music and performing arts centers, parks, and other recreation areas. Developments in the city helped create a metropolitan district comprised of commercial buildings, high-end offices, and condominiums but the beaches remained pristine and popular. The city is considered as the country's top gay resort area. In fact, a large portion of the city's population and tourists is comprised of gays and lesbians.

Owing to its tropical climate, Fort Lauderdale became popular as spring break destination but earned a negative name as Fort Liquordale. Due to this, starting from the 1980s, college students are actively discouraged from the city.