Tamarac, Florida
Tamarac gets its unusual name from its developer’s original business. In the early 1960s, entrepreneur Ken Behring helped transform this part of Broward County into one of South Florida’s early planned retirement communities.
Behring had originally made his fortune with a chain of carwash centers called Car-A-Mat, and Tamarac is popularly described as “Car-A-Mat” spelled backward. The city was incorporated in 1963 and has since grown into a diverse community of families, retirees, and professionals.
About the Community
Tamarac is located in western Broward County, just northwest of Fort Lauderdale. Its location gives residents and visitors convenient access to major roads, shopping, dining, and the broader attractions of Greater Fort Lauderdale. While Tamarac is still well known for its active-adult neighborhoods, today it also appeals to younger households looking for parks, community amenities, and a suburban setting within easy reach of South Florida’s beaches and business centers.
Tamarac has long been recognized for its emphasis on livability and services for older adults. City facilities regularly host wellness, recreation, nutrition, and social programs, with activities that may include fitness classes, arts and crafts, educational talks, and seasonal events. Program offerings and schedules can change, so visitors and residents should check the city’s current calendar for up-to-date details.
Important Links (Suggest / Report)
The Tamarac Theatre of Performing Arts has long been a local venue for shows and community entertainment, although programming can vary by season. Residents also have access to medical centers in Tamarac and neighboring communities. The city has several well-equipped parks. Caporella Park features picnic areas, benches, a lake with a fishing pier and walkway, and a covered playground. Sunset Point Park includes a multipurpose trail with exercise stations, wetlands, a nature-study kiosk, a universal-access playground with shade cover, and a small amphitheater. Veterans Park includes a veterans memorial.
Vicinity of Tamarac
Additional Details
Tamarac Community Center offers a gymnasium, meeting rooms, a fitness room, a ballroom, an arts-and-crafts room with kiln access, and locker-room facilities. Recreation schedules, senior programming, and class availability may change over time, but the center remains an important gathering place for local activities. The Tamarac Sports Complex includes a hockey rink, tennis courts, basketball courts, a gazebo, a covered playground, picnic tables, and multipurpose fields used for football, soccer, baseball, and softball.
Nearby lodging options along the Sawgrass Expressway make it easy to stay close to Tamarac while also visiting Sawgrass Mills and Amerant Bank Arena in neighboring Sunrise. Tamarac and the surrounding area are also known for country clubs and golf courses. Local golf options have included Sabal Palm Golf Course and other private or semi-private clubs, though public access, course conditions, and operating status may change.
Tamarac continues to stand out as a diverse Broward County community with a comfortable residential feel and good access to the wider attractions of South Florida. Visitors can use the city as a convenient base for exploring Fort Lauderdale-area beaches, shopping destinations, nature sites, and entertainment venues. Community events, seasonal programs, and city-facility hours vary throughout the year, so it is best to confirm current details before making special plans.
