Fort Lauderdale's economy is heavily reliant on tourism. During the 1970s, the city was known as a spring break destination for college students; since the 1980s, police have cracked down on underage drinking and other illicit activity, and the tourist dollars have been largely redirected toward cruise ships and other nautical recreation. In the last few years however, Fort Lauderdale has welcomed back spring breakers with open arms, due in part to the large infusion of cash for the local economy they provide. Police for their part have kept problems to a minimum, and the scene is nowhere near the anarchy of the 1970s and 1980s crowds. Today the entertainment district runs West to East along Las Olas Boulevard, from the heart of downtown to the beach. The district is anchored in the West by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and runs through the city to arrive at the intersection of Las Olas and A1A. This intersection is the "ground zero" of Fort Lauderdale Beach, and is the site of the "Elbo Room" bar featured in the 1960's film Where the Boys Are, which led in large measure to the city's former reputation as a spring break mecca.

The downtown area, especially around Las Olas Boulevard, has seen dramatic growth in the past decade, and now hosts many new hotels and high-rise condominium developments. Other improvements include a wide array of new boutiques, galleries, and restaurants as well as upgrades to Lockhart Stadium (to attract marquee sporting events).

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is the city's main airport (although it is located in neighboring city Dania Beach) and is one of the fastest growing airports in the country. Fort Lauderdale is also home to one of the ten largest general aviation airports in the country, Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. It also hosts one of the largest seaports in the country, Port Everglades. Two railroads pass through Fort Lauderdale, and Amtrak provides services to other cities on the Atlantic coast. There is also a commuter rail service, the Tri-Rail, connecting Fort Lauderdale to Miami and West Palm Beach.

Several large companies are based in Fort Lauderdale, including AutoNation USA, Citrix Systems, and National Beverage Corp.