The weak economy is forcing Florida spring break destinations to welcome back college students looking for a party.

In past years, cities like Fort Lauderdale and Panama City Beach have campaigned to bring in more family travelers than students over the spring vacation period, but now cities are changing their tune for more dollars.

The Pro Family Spring Break Coalition, a group oriented towards bringing families to Panama City Beach, had encouraged visitors via press release to “fight back against college spring break,” in 2007 reports the New York Times. This past year, the group dissipated.

The turnaround to encourage college spring break is a big reversal from those companies and residents who tried to erase the image of Florida being the perfect party zone for students.

Mike Bennett, a resident of Panama City Beach, said “as a business owner that thrives during spring break, in this economy especially, you want to welcome every person.”

Now, college students are planning to come back to Florida in droves. Cheap airfare, hotel specials and parties planned far in advance are encouraging young vacationers to take advantage of spring break destinations in Florida.

Celebrities like Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino have already been booked to appear at clubs in Panama City Beach during spring break 2011.