Fontainebleau shifts family-first
A controversial bill recently signed could push the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach toward more family-friendly, waterpark-style amenities — a major vibe shift for South Beach’s resort scene. (eu.palmbeachpost.com). Expect the local nightlife-to-family pivot to reshape which resorts attract adult-only relaxation vs. family stays. (eu.palmbeachpost.com)
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 399 on March 27, 2026, in a package of seven bills that week that included the measure cited as clearing the way for large waterslides at the Fontainebleau. (cbsnews.com) (cbsnews.com) HB 399 requires local governments to administratively approve variances and special exceptions that affect up to 20% of the land of a “large destination resort,” defines those resorts as hotels with more than 500 rooms and an average occupancy of at least 70% over the past three years, and sunsets the application-phase provision after five years. (therealdeal.com) (therealdeal.com) An affiliate of Jeffrey Soffer’s Fontainebleau Development has sought roughly 11 variances to add cabanas and a steel-and-aluminum waterslide tower on the resort’s pool deck at 4441 Collins Avenue as part of the renovation effort. (therealdeal.com) (therealdeal.com) The Fontainebleau plan was deferred by the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board in February after packed public hearings, and city leaders — including Mayor Steven Meiner — publicly opposed the state bills that would bypass that board. (wlrn.org) (wlrn.org) Miami Beach commissioners voted to have City Attorney Ricardo Dopico explore the merits of suing the state if the legislation became law, and the commission had formally urged Gov. DeSantis to veto the measure before he signed it. (newsbreak.com) (newsbreak.com) Lobbying records and reporting show the Fontainebleau’s interests assisted the drafting of the land‑use language by State Rep. David Borrero, and the project’s backers reportedly hired lobbyists to press changes through the Legislature. (bloomberg.com) (bloomberg.com) The resort describes itself as having “over 1,500” guest rooms and lists its address as 4441 Collins Avenue, a scale that places it squarely within HB 399’s “large destination resort” threshold. (fontainebleau.com) (fontainebleau.com)
