Miami-Beach-Phases-Out-Gasoline-Powered-Leaf-Blowers
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City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
OFFICE OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS, Tel: 305.673.7575 PRESS RELEASE
Melissa Berthier, Email: melissaberthier@miamibeachfl.gov
Matt Kenny, Email: mattkenny@miamibeachfl.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 20, 2022
Miami Beach Phases Out Gasoline-Powered Leaf Blowers
— The new ordinance includes an 18-month transition period —
Miami Beach, FL – The Miami Beach City Commission voted unanimously on Thursday to
phase out gasoline-powered leaf blowers as part of the city’s commitment to achieve carbon
neutrality by 2050.
Commissioner Mark Samuelian, who sponsored the ordinance, said there are a number of
alternative options for residents who wish to keep their properties tidy and manage grass and
landscaping cuttings.
“Portable or plug-in electric leaf blowers are just as effective as gas-powered units, and they
avoid the pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,” Samuelian explained.
Similar to the city’s regulation on polystyrene and plastic straws/stirrers, the new ordinance will
follow a phased implementation approach. This includes a nine-month educational period from
Feb. 1 – Oct. 31 followed by a nine-month warning period from Nov. 1 to Jul. 1, 2023. Full
enforcement will commence on Aug. 1, 2023.
“This ordinance will also help mitigate other environmental impacts such as air pollution and
water quality,” Samuelian noted. The measure was co-sponsored by Commissioners Alex
Fernandez, Steven Meiner and David Richardson.
Cities that have limited or phased out the use of gasoline-powered blowers include Naples and
Key West, Florida; Greenwich, Connecticut; Westchester, New York; Burlington, Vermont;
Cambridge, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C. California is phasing out the sale of small
gas-powered engines, many of which are used in lawn and garden equipment like leaf blowers.
An estimated two ounces of gasoline are spilled every time a gas-powered leaf blower is filled.
The California Air Resources Board reported that running a gas-powered leaf blower for one
hour emits the same amount of pollution as driving a light-duty passenger vehicle for
approximately 1,100 miles. Gas-powered leaf blowers have also been the source of numerous
noise complaints in Miami Beach and other cities around the country.
The Miami Beach Public Works Department has phased out the majority of gasoline-powered
leaf blowers and will fully transition by spring of 2022. Third-party landscaping contactors for
the city have already been directed to suspend the use of gasoline-powered blowers. To assist
the community in transitioning away from gas-powered leaf blowers, the city is working with
We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic
community.
local hardware stores to establish community discounts on qualifying new equipment as well as
a possible rebate program. Visit www.mbrisingabove.com/leafblowers for more information.
Initial violations of the new ordinance in a 12-month period carry a $250 fine. The second
violation in a 12-month period carries a $500 fine while the third violation and each additional
violation in a 12-month period carries a $1,000 fine.
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