LTC 027-2021 Motions by the LGBTQ Advisory CommitteeMIAMI BEACH
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
LTC # LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of the City Commission
Raul J. Aguila, Interim City Manager
January 20, 2021 � \ Dc.t.\__..---
Motions by the LGBTQ Advisory Committee
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (L TC) is to inform the Mayor and the Commission of
motions made by the LGBTQ Advisory Committee at their meeting on January 12, 2021.
MOTION 1:
The LGBTQ Advisory Committee recommends supporting three independent proposals as reflectedbelow to promote the City of Miami Beach and our support of Marriage Equality and marketing our
city as a destination for marriage as well as the resources available to all residents.
Motion Made By: Sunny Weber Motion Seconded By: Herb SosaMotion Passed: 10-0
Members in favor: Craig Garmendia, Danny Diaz, Eddie Kring, Herb Sosa, Mark Wylie, Michael
Bath, Paul Thomas, Riki Wilchins, Robin Schwartz, Sunny Weber
ANALYSIS
In recognition of the City of Miami Beach's steadfast support of marriage equality; the Committee
would like to facilitate the process of filing a marriage application in the City of Miami Beach and making resources and information accessible to all.
I. Using the existing city website, develop links providing information and services required for
marriage which would assist anyone unfamiliar with the marriage process. Requests to include:
•One-page printable graphic of the steps required to get married in Miami Beach including locations, costs and, timeline (outlined below)
•Currently, step 1 of the process requires applicants to go in person to theoffice on Washington Avenue during business hours. Request to makethis information and application is accessible online. This would also
expedite the process for couples choosing Miami Beach as a wedding
destination so that the application can be completed before their arrival.
II. Designate Marriage Equality Month in Miami Beach. Suggestions include the month ofApril in which we host PRIDE. June, an internationally recognized month of Gay Pride
parades often designated Christopher Street Day.
•January and August are benchmark months in Florida's courts as the
027-2021
dates the ban was ruled unconstitutional (Aug 14, 2014) and the state
legally recognized same-sex marriage (Jan 6, 2015).
Ill. Capitalizing on our resources
• A structure to function as the backdrop for outdoor ceremonies and photo
ops. Suggested structure idea is 2 interlocked circles which symbolize
both the couple's rings and eternity. Foliage could be grown to bring the
structure to life, similar to the structure in Soundscape Park.
Current Marriage Process is as follows:
1. Go to the office on Washington Avenue and apply for a marriage license.
a. Cost $93.50 (3 day wait)
b. Cost $61 if the applicants are residents of the state of Florida and have
proof of attending marriage preparatory classes conducted by a certified
provider* (same day)
2. Participate in a city ceremony or a person certified to conduct the ceremony such
as a Justice of the Peace or Clergyman (price, location, and scheduling vary)
*If a couple chooses to attend marriage preparatory classes, it is 4 hours
generally 4 one-hour sessions scheduled with their chosen provider.
MOTION 2:
The LGBTQ Advisory Committee recommend that the Commission creates a protocol that any
issues related to the LGBTQ Community be referred to the Committee for discussion prior to making
any decisions that affect the LGBTQ Community. In addition, the Committee requests they be
notified of all LGBTQ related events in a timely manner.
Motion Made By: Robin Schwartz
Motion Seconded By: Herb Sosa
Motion Passed: 10-0
Members in favor: Craig Garmendia, Danny Diaz, Eddie Kring, Gayle Durham, Herb Sosa,
Michael Bath, Paul Thomas, Riki Wilchins, Robin Schwartz, Sunny Weber
RJA/MM/mg