Cookies Policy
How we use cookies and tracking technologies to improve your experience
Effective Date: September 21, 2025
Understanding Cookies
This Cookies Policy explains how South Florida Locals uses cookies, pixels, and similar tracking technologies on our website at southfloridalocals.com.
We use these technologies to operate our business directory, understand how you use our website, provide security, and deliver relevant advertising. This policy helps you understand what these technologies are, why we use them, and how you can control them.
1. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?
Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit websites. They help websites remember information about your visit, like your preferences and login status.
Similar Technologies
- Pixels/Web Beacons: Tiny images that track page visits and user behavior
- Local Storage: Data stored directly in your browser for enhanced functionality
- SDKs: Software development kits that enable app-like features
- Tags: Code snippets that collect data for analytics and advertising
Types of Cookies
- First-Party Cookies: Set by South Florida Locals directly
- Third-Party Cookies: Set by external services we use (Google, Meta, etc.)
- Session Cookies: Expire when you close your browser
- Persistent Cookies: Remain until they expire or you delete them
2. Why We Use Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies for several important purposes:
Essential Website Functions
- Authentication: Keep you logged into your account
- Security: Protect against fraud and unauthorized access
- Preferences: Remember your settings and choices
- Form Data: Preserve information you’ve entered
- Load Balancing: Distribute traffic efficiently across our servers
Analytics and Performance
- Usage Analytics: Understand how visitors use our website
- Performance Monitoring: Identify and fix technical issues
- Feature Optimization: Improve website functionality based on usage data
- Error Tracking: Diagnose and resolve problems
Advertising and Marketing
- Ad Delivery: Show relevant advertisements
- Campaign Measurement: Track advertising effectiveness
- Retargeting: Show ads to previous visitors
- Frequency Control: Limit how often you see the same ads
- Cross-Device Tracking: Provide consistent experiences across devices
Personalization
- Content Customization: Tailor content to your interests
- Location Services: Show relevant local businesses
- User Experience: Improve navigation and functionality
3. Specific Cookies We Use
Here are the main types of cookies and tracking technologies we use:
| Service | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
South Florida Locals Essential |
Authentication & Security | User login, session management, security protection, preferences | Session to 1 year |
|
Google Analytics (GA4) Analytics |
Website Analytics | Traffic measurement, user behavior analysis, performance tracking | 2 years |
|
Meta Pixel Advertising |
Facebook/Instagram Ads | Ad delivery, conversion tracking, audience building, remarketing | 90 days |
|
TikTok Pixel Advertising |
TikTok Advertising | Ad performance measurement, audience insights, retargeting | 1 year |
|
X.com (Twitter) Analytics |
Social Media Analytics | Social sharing tracking, referral analytics, engagement measurement | 30 days |
|
Stripe Essential |
Payment Processing | Secure checkout, fraud prevention, payment session integrity | Session to 1 year |
|
Mailchimp Functional |
Email Marketing | Newsletter signup tracking, email campaign analytics | 1 year |
|
CDN & Hosting Essential |
Performance & Security | Content delivery, DDoS protection, caching, load balancing | Various |
Third-Party Cookie Policies
Third-party services have their own cookie policies and may track your activity across multiple websites. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies for detailed information about their data practices.
4. Your Cookie Controls and Choices
You have several options to control how cookies are used on our website:
Cookie Banner
When you first visit our website, you’ll see a cookie consent banner. You can accept all cookies or customize your preferences for non-essential cookies.
Browser Settings
Configure your browser to block, delete, or notify you about cookies. Note that essential website functions may not work if you disable all cookies.
Platform Opt-Outs
Use platform-specific controls to manage advertising cookies on Google, Meta, TikTok, and other advertising networks.
Privacy Signals
We respect Do Not Track (DNT) and Global Privacy Control (GPC) signals where technically feasible, though cookie preferences provide the most reliable control.
How to Manage Cookies in Your Browser
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data
Advertising Opt-Out Resources
- Google Ads: Ad Settings in your Google Account
- Meta/Facebook: Ad Preferences in your Facebook settings
- TikTok: Privacy settings in your TikTok account
- Industry Opt-Out: Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) and Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) opt-out tools
Important Note
Disabling certain cookies may limit website functionality. Essential cookies are necessary for basic site operation and cannot be disabled without affecting core features like user accounts and security.
5. Cookie Retention and Expiration
Different types of cookies have different lifespans:
Session Cookies
These expire when you close your browser and are essential for maintaining your login session and security during your visit.
Persistent Cookies
These remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them:
- Analytics Cookies: Typically 1-2 years
- Advertising Cookies: Usually 30-90 days
- Preference Cookies: Often 1 year
- Security Cookies: Vary based on security requirements
Regular Review
We periodically review our cookie usage and retention periods to ensure they align with their intended purposes and comply with applicable laws.
6. Mobile Apps and Future Technologies
While we currently operate a web-based platform, this policy covers any future mobile applications or new technologies we may implement:
- Mobile SDKs: If we develop mobile apps, similar tracking technologies may be used
- Push Notifications: May involve tracking for delivery and engagement
- Location Services: With explicit permission for location-based features
- Emerging Technologies: New tracking methods will be covered by updates to this policy
7. International Considerations
While we primarily serve South Florida, our website may be accessed from other locations:
- GDPR (EU): We provide cookie consent mechanisms for EU visitors
- CCPA (California): California residents have additional privacy rights
- Other Jurisdictions: We strive to comply with applicable local privacy laws
- Data Transfers: Cookie data may be processed in the United States
8. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookies Policy to reflect:
- New Technologies: Implementation of additional tracking tools
- Legal Changes: Updates to privacy laws and regulations
- Business Changes: New features or service providers
- Best Practices: Industry standards and user expectations
Changes become effective when posted with an updated effective date. We’ll highlight material changes and may notify you through our website or other communications.
Stay Informed
We recommend reviewing this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies and how you can control them.
Questions About Cookies?
If you have questions about our use of cookies or need help managing your preferences, we’re here to assist you.
South Florida Locals
PO Box 17463
West Palm Beach, FL 33416
Phone
We typically respond to cookie-related inquiries within 2-3 business days.