Why Sunrise
Sunrise is a city situated in central-western Broward County, Florida, within the Miami metropolitan area. Positioned on the edge of the Miami urban development boundary, it lies approximately 12 miles west of Fort Lauderdale and 30 miles northwest of Miami, bordering the Florida Everglades. Surrounding communities include Weston, Davie, Tamarac, Lauderhill, and Plantation, with regional transit supported by major routes such as the Sawgrass Expressway, Interstate 75, Interstate 595, Interstate 95, and the Florida Turnpike.
The area was initially established in 1960 by developer Norman Johnson, who purchased acreage in southwestern Broward County and founded Sunrise Golf Village. To draw prospective homebuyers, developers constructed an upside-down house featuring an inverted automobile in the carport, creating a national curiosity. The community officially adopted the name City of Sunrise via referendum in 1971. Over time, the municipality expanded through annexation to cover more than 18 square miles, evolving from a small residential enclave into a notable commercial hub.
Sunrise is widely recognized for its extensive commercial, retail, and venue developments. The city features Sawgrass Mills, a massive shopping and entertainment complex measuring nearly 2.3 million square feet that includes around 350 value and outlet retailers, restaurants, movie theaters, and family entertainment options. Situated nearby is the Amerant Bank Arena, the largest indoor arena in Florida. Serving as the home ice for the National Hockey League's Florida Panthers, the arena also hosts major concerts, shows, and entertainment events. Additionally, the city encompasses the 612-acre Sawgrass International Corporate Park, the largest corporate park in South Florida.
Visitors and community members have access to various municipal facilities, including more than 250 acres of parkland, three public swimming pools, and the 15-court Sunrise Tennis Club. Golfers can utilize the 67-acre Seven Bridges at Springtree Golf Club, which offers a clubhouse, pro shop, and dining space. Cultural features include the Sunrise Civic Center, which houses a 300-seat theater, an art gallery, an athletic club, and banquet amenities. Public community gatherings occur throughout the year, including an October Harvest Festival, a Cultural Festival held each November in City Park, the December Woodstock craft event, and an annual Earth Day Festival.
Geographically, the municipality encompasses roughly 18 square miles, with open water accounting for slightly over ten percent of the total area. Sunrise features a tropical monsoon climate, which is characterized by hot, humid summers and warm winter seasons.
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