It extends from the Sawgrass Expressway east to an intersection with SR A1A (Ocean Boulevard) in Fort Lauderdale.

It starts as a spur of Exit 3 of the Sawgrass Expressway, and then merges with the northern terminus of Flamingo Road (SR 823) as it heads east.

[3] After its intersection with University Drive, SR 816 continues for 2.3 miles (3.7 km), passing over Florida's Turnpike without an interchange at the border between Lauderhill and Lauderdale Lakes, and intersecting U.S. Route 441 (US 441; State Road 7) one mile (1.6 km) later.

For 2.6 miles (4.2 km), SR 816 passes through residential zones, with some businesses dotting the road, until its interchange with Interstate 95 (I-95).

The Coral Ridge Mall is located at the northeast corner of the intersection with Federal Highway.