If you’re passionate about tennis but not thrilled about paying country club prices, you’re in luck. South Florida is home to some of the best public tennis courts South Florida has to offer — and many of them are completely free or extremely budget-friendly. Whether you live in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, there’s a great place to hit the courts without hitting your wallet.
In this 2025 guide, we break down the top free and low-cost public tennis courts across South Florida, highlighting venues with good surfaces, reliable lighting, and local charm.
🎾 Why Public Courts Are a Big Deal in South Florida
Tennis has grown in popularity over the past few years, especially among players looking for outdoor, low-cost activities. With mild winters and sunny mornings nearly year-round, South Florida is ideal for casual and competitive tennis — if you know where to go.
Public parks and community centers have stepped up their game, offering well-maintained hard courts, lighting for night play, and plenty of free access, even in densely populated areas.
✅ What Makes a Great Public Tennis Court?
We selected the following courts based on:
- Surface quality and maintenance
- Free or low-cost access
- Availability of lighting
- Ease of parking and walk-up play
- Positive local reviews and personal experience
🏆 Top Free & Budget-Friendly Tennis Courts in South Florida (2025)
📍 Jefferson Park Tennis Courts – Hollywood, FL
Jefferson Park is one of the hidden gems in South Florida’s tennis scene. Tucked just east of US-1, these courts are part of a quiet neighborhood park and offer something rare in Broward County: clean, lighted courts that are 100% free to use.
- 🎾 4 public hard courts
- 💡 Lights available for evening play
- 🅿️ Free parking nearby
- 🌳 Shaded walkways and a peaceful setting
Players range from beginners to 4.0-level regulars, and most evenings feature casual drop-in matches. Early mornings are the quietest, while weekday evenings draw in locals looking to play doubles after work.
💬 “This is one of the best-kept public courts in Broward. You don’t need a membership or reservation — just show up and play.”
📍 Flamingo Park Tennis Center – Miami Beach, FL
While not free, Flamingo Park offers excellent value for locals and visitors alike. Located in the heart of South Beach, this center is home to 17 clay courts and 2 hard courts, with options for hourly play or monthly passes.
- 🎾 $5–$8 per hour (residents), $15 (non-residents)
- 💡 Fully lighted for night play
- 🧼 Well-maintained clay courts
- 🏆 USTA-sanctioned events and coaching programs
It’s one of the few affordable options with pro-level surfaces, making it ideal for players looking to sharpen their game without breaking the bank.
📍 Salvador Park Tennis Center – Coral Gables, FL
A local favorite among Gables residents, Salvador Park Tennis Center is a budget-friendly alternative to high-end private clubs. It offers clean courts, affordable hourly rates, and a family-friendly environment.
- 🎾 8 hard courts
- 💰 $5/hour (residents), $8/hour (non-residents)
- 💡 Lighting available
- 🏠 Convenient location near downtown Coral Gables
Book early on weekends — this facility gets busy fast.
📍 Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park – Boca Raton, FL
This massive Palm Beach County park has a great set of public tennis courts that are free to use and rarely overcrowded.
- 🎾 6 public courts
- 🌞 Open during daylight hours (no lights)
- 🆓 Free to play
- 🚗 Ample parking and walking paths nearby
It’s especially popular with retirees and morning players who want to rally or play sets without the noise of a tennis center.
📍 C.B. Smith Park – Pembroke Pines, FL
While there’s a small fee to enter the park ($1.50 on weekends), once you’re in, the tennis courts are free and quietly maintained by Broward County.
- 🎾 4 hard courts
- 💡 Lighted for night play
- 🏞️ Scenic setting inside a multi-use park
- 💰 Free with park admission
It’s a great dual-purpose visit: play tennis, then walk or picnic in the expansive park grounds.
🗓️ Best Times to Play
- Early Morning (7–10 AM): Best for low crowds and cool weather
- Evenings (5–9 PM): Great for after-work doubles, especially under lights
- Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends
- Summer Months: Courts are hot but often empty — play early!
📌 Tips for Free Court Success
- 🕓 Arrive early — popular courts fill up fast, especially after 5 PM
- 🧴 Bring water and sunscreen — many courts have no shade
- 👥 Be social — friendly doubles groups are often open to new players
- 📱 Check Google Maps reviews for recent updates on court condition
- 🎾 Carry your own balls and gear — most parks offer no rentals or staff
🎯 Wrap-Up: Serve It Up Without Spending a Fortune
If you’re looking for quality tennis in South Florida without expensive memberships or private fees, you’re in luck. With parks like Jefferson Park, Flamingo Park, and Burt Aaronson, players of all levels can enjoy clean, accessible, and welcoming public courts across the tri-county area.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, beginner, or senior staying active, South Florida’s tennis scene has something for everyone — and you don’t have to break the bank to join in.