Top five record stores in South Florida 

The analog sound of records is something that streaming simply cannot replicate. Records stores across South Florida dedicate their space to celebrating artists both new and old. These stores offer used albums and affordable finds to obscure records from around the world. In an age dominated by streaming, supporting local records stores has never been more important. 

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Golden hour shines through the window creating a cozy atmosphere in Connect Records 
(Camilo Taveras/ Caplin News) 

Connect Records 
710 NW Fifth Ave. Suite 1021 
Fort Lauderdale  
(954) 368-8630 
Tuesday – Friday: Noon to 7 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.

Connect Records is one of South Florida’s newest vinyl spots. It blends a retro futuristic aesthetic with a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to lounge around. Located in the Thrive Art District, this shop is a hidden gem for music lovers, with curated bins full of rare collector worthy finds. This kind of record store feels less like a shop and more like a unique hangout spot.

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Technique Records has been a Miami Shores staple since 2017, offering a diverse mix of items, from vinyls to action figures. (Caplin News/Camilo Taveras)

Technique Records  
880 NE 79th St. 
Miami
(786) 717-6622 
Monday – Thursday: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday – Sunday: Noon to 8 p.m.

Since opening in 2017, Technique Records has been a Miami Shores staple for anyone who is on the hunt for something unexpected. Often with a live DJ, Technique has earned a reputation for its mix of used and new vinyl, CDs and cassettes, especially fans with obscure sounds. Technique is the place where you come in for one album and leave with three. 

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Customers rummage through the more curated selections of vinyl at We Got the Beats (Caplin News/Camilo Taveras)  

We Got the Beats 
3400 Griffin Road 
Dania Beach 
(786) 510-9113 
Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

We Got the Beats is a longtime South Florida vinyl destination. Offering a massive selection of jazz, rock, reggae, hip-hop and more. What began as an online store in 1999 also has locations in Lauderhill and Oakland Park making it one of the most recognizable vinyl shops in this region. This location stands out for its smaller size and more curated feel.

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Mountains of obscure media is waiting to be found at We Got the Beats Too (Caplin News/Camilo Taveras)  

We Got the Beats Too 
4588 N. University Drive 
Lauderhill 
(954) 393-6520 
Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This is the second location of We Got the Beats. This one is bigger and heavily stocked with vinyl, CDs, cassettes and movies. It’s also known for its genre range and collector-friendly pricing. If you stay too long here, you might get lost in the influx of music and media. 

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Customers looking through the different organized sections at Sweat Records (Caplin News/Camilo Taveras)

Sweat Records 
5505 NE Second Ave. 
Miami 
(786) 693-9309 
Sunday – Tuesday: Noon to 5 p.m.
Wednesday – Saturday: Noon to 7 p.m.

Sweat Records is a Miami staple and has been known for keeping vinyl culture alive in Miami since 2005. Located in Little Haiti, this independent store is celebrated for its selection of music, listening stations, merch and how it doubles as a performance venue for lesser-known artists to perform for free. It is a cornerstone in Miami’s music scene.

Camilo Taveras is a Miami native and a senior at FIU majoring in Digital Media and Communications. After graduation he plans to pursue a career in entertainment production, concert photography, and music.