Beach Business Improvement District (BBID)

Eligible events: October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027

The Beach Business Improvement District (BBID) provides reimbursable grant funding to support events and activations that contribute to tourism, overnight visitation, and economic activity within the BBID district and its businesses.

Priority is given to events that attract visitors from outside the local area, generate hotel stays, and demonstrate positive economic impact to the beach district.

Application Deadline: March 13, 2026

Program Overview

The program supports both new and established events of varying sizes and disciplines. Events should enhance the visitor experience and support Fort Lauderdale Beach’s position as a premier destination.

Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis and is contingent upon documented performance and available funds.

Applicants are expected to plan in advance to track and document event outcomes. Documentation supports reimbursement and program evaluation.

Examples may include:

• Attendance counts or ticket/registration reports

• Visitor origin or ZIP code data

• Hotel room nights or lodging impact

• Visitor spending or local business impact

• Post-event reports or third-party analyses

Providing measurable, verifiable information strengthens an application.

Application Information

Organization & Event Details

Applicants will describe:

• Organization background and relevant experience

• Event concept and attendee experience

• Alignment with Fort Lauderdale Beach’s tourism positioning

Tourism & Economic Impact

Applicants should provide projected or historical estimates, as applicable:

• Total attendance

• Visitor origin (local, regional, national, international)

• Hotel room nights generated

• Anticipated economic benefit to beach businesses

Clear, data-supported estimates are encouraged.

Marketing & Promotion

Applicants will outline:

• Target audiences and markets

• Marketing channels and anticipated reach

• Integration of BBID and DiscoverFTLBeach messaging

• Proposed promotional deliverables

Evaluation Process

All eligible applications are reviewed by the BBID Advisory Committee and evaluated based on:

• Alignment with BBID tourism objectives

• Projected and demonstrated economic impact

• Ability to attract out-of-area visitors and overnight stays

• Marketing reach and promotional strategy

• Organizational capacity and financial readiness

• Ability to document and verify outcomes

Funding recommendations are based on these criteria and available budget.

Funding Conditions

• Funding is reimbursable and paid after documented performance

• Recurring events must apply annually

• Awards are subject to approval by the City Commission