To finance their Florida spring break, Candy (Vanessa Hudgens), Brit (Ashley Benson) and Cotty (Rachel Korine) rob a restaurant in their hometown. They convince their childhood friend Faith (Selena Gomez), a practicing Christian, to come along on their trip.

Soon after they arrive, the four girls are arrested in a motel where they've been taking part in a drug and alcohol-fuelled orgy. In court, they're unexpectedly bailed out by Alien (James Franco), an infamous drug and arms dealer who wants them to be his accomplices in robbing vacationing spring breakers. Faith, feeling intimidated by the flamboyant criminal, takes the next bus home but the reckless and carefree Candy, Brit and Cotty agree to help him.