We got global entry recently, which allows us to scoot through security in an average of 1-2 minutes and has dramatically reduced the amount of time we spend going through airports. We highly recommend it. So when we had a long layover in Fort Lauderdale, we felt much more secure leaving the airport to see some sights, knowing we could get back in very quickly.
The plan was this: Get in at 5am, rent a car, drive to the Everglades for a sunrise hike, take a boat ride, visit the Miccosukee Indian Village, and be back in time for our flight to Jamaica. It went flawlessly.