Fort Lauderdale Airport handles a huge volume of family travelers heading to beaches, cruise ships, and theme parks. The infrastructure is built for it, but car seat rules need attention.
Florida car seat laws
Florida requires children under 5 years old to ride in a federally approved car seat or booster. Children aged 5 use a booster or seat belt depending on size. Here is how this applies to different transport:
| Transport | Car seat required? | Provided? | |-----------|-------------------|----------| | Taxi | Exempt by Florida law | No | | Uber / Lyft | Yes, required | You must bring your own | | Pre-booked transfer | Yes, required | Available on request | | Rental car | Yes, required | Available to rent |
This is important: if you take an Uber or Lyft with a child under 5 and no car seat, you are technically in violation of the law and the driver can refuse the ride. Taxis are exempt, but that does not mean it is safe.
A pre-booked transfer is the only option where someone else provides the car seat for you. Specify your child's age and weight when booking.
Luggage and strollers
FLL has luggage carts available (USD 6 for a SmarteCarte). The terminal is flat and stroller-friendly throughout.
For families heading to cruises at Port Everglades with massive amounts of luggage, a minivan transfer is the practical choice. Standard taxis and UberX vehicles struggle with more than 2 large suitcases plus carry-ons.
| Vehicle type | Max passengers | Large suitcases | Stroller | |-------------|---------------|----------------|----------| | Standard taxi/UberX | 3–4 | 2–3 | Tight | | Uber XL / Minivan | 5–6 | 4–5 | Yes | | Transfer minivan | 5–7 | 5–6 | Yes |
Family-friendly transport tips
- If heading to a cruise, allow extra time. Port Everglades is only 5–10 minutes from FLL but embarkation queues are long.
- For theme park trips (Orlando is 3+ hours away), consider renting a car rather than a transfer.
- The Tri-Rail train is free for children under 5 but not practical with heavy luggage and strollers.
- The airport has family restrooms and nursing rooms in all terminals.