BIE - Fire Prevention/Radio Enhancement (9/5/2025)
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
TO: Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Eric Carpenter, City Manager
MEETING DATE: September 17, 2025
SUBJECT: BUSINESS IMPACT ESTIMATE FOR:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 50 OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, ENTITLED “FIRE PREVENTION AND
PROTECTION,” BY AMENDING SECTION 50 10, TO ESTABLISH
PERMITTING FEES TO RECOVER COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH
COMPLIANCE WITH THE MINIMUM RADIO STRENGTH FOR FIRE
DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS IN ALL NEW AND EXISTING
BUILDINGS, AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 633.202(18), FLORIDA STATUTES;
AND FURTHER AMENDING SECTION 1-15, ENTITLED “FEE SCHEDULE,”
BY AMENDING APPENDIX “A” THEREOF, TO PROVIDE FOR THE
PERMITTING FEES AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPLIANCE WITH
THE MINIMUM RADIO STRENGTH FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT
COMMUNICATIONS IN ALL NEW AND EXISTING BUILDINGS; AND
PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Is a Business Impact Estimate Required?
☐ Yes X No (If no, please check one of the boxes below)
If one or more boxes are checked below, this means the City of Miami Beach has
determined that a Business Impact Estimate for the above-referenced Ordinance is not
required by State law.
X The proposed Ordinance is required for compliance with Federal or State law or
regulation; ☐ The proposed Ordinance relates to the issuance or refinancing of debt; ☐ The proposed Ordinance relates to the adoption of budgets or budget
amendments, including revenue sources necessary to fund the budget; ☐ The proposed Ordinance is required to implement a contract or an agreement,
including, but not limited to, any Federal, State, local, or private grant or other
financial assistance accepted by the City; ☐ The proposed Ordinance is an emergency ordinance; ☐ The Ordinance relates to procurement; or X The proposed Ordinance is enacted to implement the following:
a. Part II of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, relating to growth policy, county and
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Business Impact Estimate
Page 2
municipal planning, and land development regulation, including zoning,
development orders, development agreements and development permits;
b. Sections 190.005 and 190.046, Florida Statutes, regarding community
development districts;
c. Section 553.73, Florida Statutes, relating to the Florida Building Code; or
d. Section 633.202, Florida Statutes, relating to the Florida Fire Prevention
Code.
If none of the above exceptions apply, this Business Impact Estimate is hereby provided
in accordance with Section 166.041(4), Florida Statutes.
1. A summary of the proposed Ordinance and its purpose is more fully set forth in the
Commission Memorandum accompanying the Ordinance, as well as in the recitals to
the Ordinance itself, which are attached hereto.
2. An estimate of the direct economic impact of the proposed Ordinance on private, for
profit businesses in the City of Miami Beach, if any: (a) An estimate of direct compliance
costs that businesses may reasonably incur; (b) Any new charge or fee imposed by the
proposed Ordinance or for which businesses will be financially responsible; and (c) An
estimate of the City's regulatory costs, including estimated revenues from any new
charges or fees to cover such costs. Not applicable.
3. Good faith estimate of the number of businesses likely to be impacted by the
proposed Ordinance: Not applicable.
4. Additional comments: None
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Ordinances - R5 N
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM:Eric Carpenter, City Manager
DATE:September 3, 2025 10:35 a.m. First Reading Public Hearing
TITLE:AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 50 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, ENTITLED “FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION,” BY
AMENDING SECTION 50-10, TO ESTABLISH PERMITTING FEES TO RECOVER
COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPLIANCE OF THE MINIMUM RADIO
STRENGTH FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS IN ALL NEW AND
EXISTING BUILDINGS, AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 633.202(18), FLORIDA
STATUTES; AND FURTHER AMENDING SECTION 1-15, ENTITLED “FEE
SCHEDULE,” BY AMENDING APPENDIX “A” THEREOF, TO PROVIDE FOR THE
PERMITTING FEES AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPLIANCE OF THE
MINIMUM RADIO STRENGTH FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS IN
ALL NEW AND EXISTING BUILDINGS ; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER,
SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
RECOMMENDATION
The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission approve the subject
Ordinance at First Reading and set the second reading public hearing for September 17, 2025.
If adopted this ordinance will provide for a new section of Chapter 50 to establish a permit and
fees to cover costs associated with addressing requirements set forth in State Statute
633.202(18) to comply with minimum radio communication strength in all new and existing
buildings.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
Pursuant to Florida Statute 633.202(18)(a), the State of Florida has established requirements that
directly impact the City of Miami Beach concerning public safety communications coverage in
buildings. The statute specifies minimum performance standards for radio signal strength to
ensure reliable communication for first responders. Under the statute, certain structures, including
high-rise buildings, must undergo a signal survey assessment. The results of this assessment are
reviewed by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in this case, the Miami Beach Fire
Department’s Fire Prevention Division to determine whether technology must be integrated into
existing building systems to enhance public safety communications.
Critical components of the statute, including definitions such as “high-rise building,” are provided
under F.S. 633.202(18) and the Florida Fire Prevention Code (Attachment A). As of January 1,
2025 compliance is required for all new and existing high-rise buildings. Where signal strength
does not meet statutory minimums, buildings are required to install two-way radio communication
enhancement systems, such as Bi-Directional Amplification (BDA) systems, to support reliable
emergency communications.
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ANALYSIS
Florida Statute 633.202 imposes responsibilities on the City to ensure compliance with public
safety communication standards. The Fire department is tasked with reviewing BDA system
plans, permitting installations, conducting on-site inspections during installation and
commissioning, and performing periodic re-inspections to ensure ongoing system functionality.
These activities represent a significant increase in workload for the Fire Prevention Division.
To support these operational and administrative requirements, the proposed ordinance
establishes a new permit category and fee structure specifically for BDA systems. The fee is
intended to cover staff time for plan review and inspections, administrative processing,
recordkeeping, and equipment and training needed to evaluate these systems (Attachment B).
Without the fee, these costs would be absorbed by the City, and are expected to rise as more
buildings pursue compliance.
The City has evaluated comparable jurisdictions including Miami-Dade County, the City of
Hialeah, and the City of Fort Lauderdale which have already implemented similar fees for BDA
systems. The proposed fee is consistent with regional standards and similar to those of
other municipalities. It is also structured to be assessed once every three years, minimizing the
financial impact on building owners while supporting public safety compliance.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
The proposed fee structure will offset the costs associated with staff time dedicated to plan
reviews and inspections, administrative processing and recordkeeping, as well as the equipment
and training required to evaluate BDA systems. If the proposed fees are not adopted, the City
would be responsible for these expenses, as more properties move toward compliance with state
statute.
Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? Yes
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on:
See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
N/A
CONCLUSION
The adoption of these amendments to the Fire Prevention Fee Schedule is recommended to
ensure effective processing of structure survey submissions and signal booster applications,
offset costs related to site visit/inspection requests, and align the City of Miami Beach Fire Fees
with fee structure approaches adopted by other nearby municipalities.
Applicable Area
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Citywide
Is this a “Residents Right to Know” item,
pursuant to City Code Section 2-17?
Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
Project?
Yes No
Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481,
includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No
If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):
Department
Fire
Sponsor(s)
Mayor Steven Meiner
Co-sponsor(s)
Condensed Title
10:35 a.m. 1st Rdg PH, Ch. 50, Fire Prevention/Radio Enhancement. (Meiner) FD
Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)
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ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH. FLORIDA. AMENDING
CHAPTER 50 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH,
ENTITLED “FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION,” BY
AMENDING SECTION50-10. TO ESTABLISH PERMITTING
FEES TO RECOVER COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPLIANCE
WITH THE MINIMUM RADIO STRENGTH FOR FIRE
DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS IN ALL NEW AND
EXISTING BUILDINGS. AS REQUIRED BY
SECTION 633.202(18), FLORIDA STATUTES; AND FURTHER
AMENDING SECTION 1-15. ENTITLED “FEE SCHEDULE,” BY
AMENDING APPENDIX “A” THEREOF, TO PROVIDE FOR THE
PERMITTING FEES AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH
COMPLIANCE WITH THE MINIMUM RADIO STRENGTH FOR
FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS IN ALL NEW AND
EXISTING BUILDINGS; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER,
SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Section 633.202(18)(a), Florida Statutes, establishes minimum performance
requirements for in-building public safety communications coverage, and imposes associated
compliance deadlines; and
WHEREAS, under the statute, certain structures that meet specified criteria must undergo
a radio signal strength survey, to be reviewed by the City’s Fire Department – to determine
whether technology must be integrated to sufficiently boost public safety radio frequencies,
thereby maximizing the ability of first responders to reliably communicate to and from a dispatched
location; and
WHEREAS, the statutory provisions, together with the Florida Fire Prevention Code, set
forth the requirements for buildings meeting the definition of a “high-rise building” to comply with
these standards; and
WHEREAS, Florida Statute633.202(18) mandates that all new and existing high-rise
buildings comply with minimum radio signal strength requirements for fire department
communications no later than January 1, 2025, and where deficiencies are found, requires
installation of two-way radio communication enhancement systems, such as bi-directional
amplifiers (BDAs); and
WHEREAS, to ensure compliance and safeguard public safety, the Miami Beach Fire
Department will be responsible for reviewing, permitting, and inspecting such systems, including
plan review for compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code, conducting on-site inspections
during installation and commissioning, and performing periodic re-inspections to ensure
continued system functionality; and
WHEREAS, these new responsibilities represent a significant increase in the workload of
the Fire Prevention Division, necessitating a formalized permit process to streamline plan review,
inspections, administrative processing, recordkeeping, and ongoing compliance monitoring; and
WHEREAS, establishing a new permit category and related fee structure for BDA systems
will enable the City to recover costs associated with staff time, administrative processing,
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necessary equipment, and specialized training, rather than absorbing such costs into the general
fund; and
WHEREAS, the Miami Beach Fire Department has evaluated comparable fee structures
in peer jurisdictions, including Miami-Dade County, the City of Hialeah, and the City of Fort
Lauderdale, all of which have adopted similar permit fees for BDA systems; and
WHEREAS, the proposed fee aligns with regional standards, ensures consistency with
neighboring municipalities, and supports the City’s ongoing commitment to public safety and fiscal
responsibility.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That Section 50-10(a) of the City Code is hereby amended as follows:
CHAPTER 50
FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION
+ + +
Sec. 50-10. Other permits and reviews.
(a)Fire permits. A fire permit is required for installation, modification, or deletion of any
component of a fire detection, OF protection system, or public safety communications
enhancement system, includinq bi-directional amplifier (BDA) systems required by
Section 633.202, Florida Statutes. A fire permit is issued by the fire marshal and processed
by the building department for components or systems designed for smoke detection, fire
alarm, fire protection or fire suppression, including BDA systems, or similar life-safety
systems. A fee for the plan review, acceptance test, survey test, verification test, and
inspection of work under a fire permit will be charged as specified in appendix A to include
services provided by fire department staff.
(b)Hydrant flow test. Upon a request from an applicant, a hydrant flow test will be performed by
fire department personnel and results provided to the applicant within a reasonable time after
receipt of request. A flow test may not be performed whenever the city, county, or state has
any water flowing restrictions imposed on the water supply of the City of Miami Beach. A fee
will be charged for each flow test as specified in appendix A.
(C)Occupant content sign. Owners, managers, or operators of any assembly occupancy in the
City of Miami Beach must obtain an occupant content sign issued by the fire marshal and
processed by the building department. A fee for plan review and inspection related to the
occupant content sign will be charged as specified in appendix A.
(d)Pyrotechnic displays permit. Any person or entity using, storing, or displaying pyrotechnic
devices indoor or outdoor of any facility within the City of Miami Beach must first obtain a
permit issued by the fire department. A fee for plan review and inspection will be charged as
specified in appendix A. Additional fee will be charged for staffing of fire department
personnel as determined by the fire chief. Any person or entity who does not obtain a permit,
provides false information in order to obtain the permit, or who violates any provision in said
permit will be charged a fine equal to the double fee as specified in subsection 50-3(d).
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(e)FIreworks permit. Any person or entity using, storing, or displaying fireworks for private or
public display within the City of Miami Beach must first obtain a permit issued by the fire
department. A fee for plan review and inspection will be charged as specified in appendix A.
Additional fee will be charged for staffing of fire department personnel as determined by the
fire chief. Any person or entity who does not obtain a permit, provides false information in
order to obtain the permit, or who violates any provision in said permit will be charged a fine
equal to the double fee as specified in subsection 50-3(d).
Other than for New Year's Day, January 1; Independence Day, July 4; and New Year's Eve,
December 31, no fireworks permit shall be issued for the display, use, or discharge of fireworks
in the following locations within the city's jurisdiction:
(1) Any portion of Biscayne Bay; or
(2) Any residential area
(f)Open burning permit. Any person or entity engaged in open burning activity must first obtain
a permit issued by the fire department. A fee for plan review and inspection will be charged
as specified in appendix A. Additional fee will be charged for staffing of fire department
personnel as determined by the fire chief. Any person or entity who does not obtain a permit,
provides false information in order to obtain the permit, or who violates any provision in said
permit will be charged a fine equal to the double fee as specified in subsection 50-3(d).
Bonfire permit. Any person or entity engaged in a bonfire activity must first obtain a permit
issued by the fire department. A fee for plan review and inspection will be charged as
specified in appendix A. Additional fee will be charged for staffing of fire department
personnel as determined by the fire chief. Any person or entity who does not obtain a permit,
provides false information in order to obtain the permit, or who violates any provision in said
permit will be charged a fine equal to the double fee as specified in subsection 50-3(d).
Special events. All special events permits issued by the City of Miami Beach must be
reviewed and approved by the fire department. A fee for the plan review and inspection of
each special event will be charged to the applicant as specified in appendix A.
Trade shows. All trade shows or public events taking place at the Miami Beach Convention
Center or other public facility must be reviewed and approved by the fire department. A fee
for plan review and inspection will be charged to the applicant as specified in appendix A.
Sidewalk cafe permits. All sidewalk cafes must be approved by the fire department before a
permit is issued by the city. A fee for plan review and inspection will be charged as specified
in appendix A.
(g)
(h)
(i)
(i)
(k) Special magistrate. Special magistrate cases such as mitigation of fines requiring research
and testimony of fire department personnel will be charged a fee to the applicant as specified
in appendix A.
(1)Documents. Requests for copies of fire department records, inspection reports, logs, or
similar documents maintained by the fire marshal's office will be charged a fee as specified
in appendix A.
(m) Adjusted rates. The rates in appendix A pertaining to this section will be administratively
adjusted annually to reflect increase(s) or decrease(s) in Consumer Price Index for all urban
consumers CPI-U.
+ + +
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SECTION 2.
Appendix A to the City Code, entitled “Fee Schedule,” is hereby amended and attached
as “Exhibit A”.
SECTION 3. REPEALER.
All ordinance or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith and hereby appealed.
SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY.
If any section, subsection, clause of provision of this Ordinance is held invalid, the
remainder shall not be affected by such invalidity.
SECTION 5. CODIFICATION.
It is the intention of the Mayor and City Commission of the City of Miami Beach, and it is
hereby ordained that the provisions of this Ordinance shall become and be made a part of the
Code of the City of Miami Beach, FL. The sections of this Ordinance may be renumbered or re-
lettered to accomplish such intention, and the word “ordinance”: may be changed to “section,”
“article,” of other appropriate word .
SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Ordinance shall take effect on the day of
day of
2025
, 2025PASSED AND ADOPTED this
ATTEST:
Steven Meiner, Mayor
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
(sponsored by Mayor Steven Meiner)
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
81Zg/zoar
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Exhibit “A”
Pursuant to section 1-15 of this Code, this appendix includes all fees and charges
established by the city commission that are referred to in the indicated sections of the
Code of Ordinances. Certain specified fees and charges, as identified herein, shall be
subject to annual adjustment by the city manager, pursuant to the provisions of section
1-15 and this Appendix "A". A schedule of all current city fees and charges as set forth
in Appendix "A" shall be maintained on the city's website.
Section of
this Code
50-10(a)
FEE SCHEDULE
+ + +
FY 2025 FeeDescription
Subpart A. General Ordinances
gWr 50. Fire Prevention and Protection
++
Fire permits
) standpipe systems based on area of work
• Upto 2,500 square feet
o 00 square feet
• 3,001 to 5,000 square feet
U001 to 10,000 square feet
• 10,001 to 15,000 square feet
W)1 to 30,000 square feet
• 30,001 to 75,000 square feet
• 75,001 to 100,000 square feet
• 100,001 to 1 50,000 square feet
• 150,001 to 500,000 square feet
• Over5W)1 square feet
Standpipe systems only (no sprinkler system) per 100
feet
Fire pump acceptance testing
r
Minor work on existing sprinkler system (1–5
components)
Minor work on existing sprinkler system (6–1 5
components)
Replace sprinkler heads (more than 15)
• Up to 2,500 square feet
• 2,501 to 3,000 square feet
• 3,001 to 5,000 square feet
784.00
852.00
984.00
1 ,342.00
1 ,470.00
1 ,995.00
3,564.00
5,231.00
7,451.00
22,155.00
26,106.00
333.00
395.00
1 ,099.W
91.00
278.00
233.00
266.00
331.00
Annual
Adjustment
(References
shown are
defined at the
end of this
Appendix A)
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50-10(a)
50-10(a)
50-10(a)
I • 5,001 to 1 0,000 square feet
UO,001 to 15,000 square feet
1 1 5,001 to 30,000 square feet
• 30,001 to 75,000 square feet
• 75,001 t s
W01 square feet and up
Fire alarm system based on area of work
o 500 square fe@
1 2,501 to 3,000 square feet
W)1 to 5,000 square feet
o ,000 square feet
U 0,001 to 15,000 square feet
o 30,000 square feet
1 30,001 to 75,000 square feet
• 75,001 to 100,000 square feet
to 1 50,000 squam
!150,001 to 500,000 square feI
o ,000,000 square feet
e replace fire alarm panel only
• Up to 2,500
• 2,501 to 3,000
• 3,001 to 5,000
• 5,001 to 10,000
• 10,001 to 15,000
• 15,001 to 30,000
• 30,o01 to 75,0Cm
• 75,001 to 100,000
• loo,o01 tm
• 150,001 to 500,000
• Over 500,000
Wr ion of=;=@;=;=mTo-i
• Under 5 devices, minimum
• Upto 25 devices
• Per additional 25 devi;no ei
fraction thereof, above fee plus
Minor work on existing fire alarm system (1–5
components)
Minor work on ml ms m
components)
Fire suppression syste)
system (cooking hood, paint booth, etc.), per unit or
system. Multiple systems in same area (i.e., kitchen)
will be charged at 50% of above fee for each additional
}yste rn
Fire suppression system. Room supps -
(computer hood, electrical rooms, etc.), per unit or
system
Minor work on existingfire suppression smn
components)
t I [A]
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396.00
462.00
656.00
1.441 .00
2,094.00
3,073.00
41 5.00
@9.00
558.00
749.00
817.00
1 ,013.00
1 ,536.00
2,029.00
3,235 M
9,511.00
11,599.00
108.00
108.00
128.00
148.00
148.00
185.00
266.00
539.00
629.00M
2,264.00
140.00
620.00
41 5.00
57.00
270.00
328.00
852.00
M
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