Resolution 2025-33919 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-33919
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO
IDENTIFY POTENTIALLY VIABLE LOCATIONS IN MID-BEACH AND NORTH
BEACH WHERE A WATER TAXI COULD DOCK TO PICK-UP AND DROP-
OFF PASSENGERS; AND FURTHER, DIRECTING THE CITY
ADMINISTRATION TO REPORT BACK TO THE CITY COMMISSION WITH ITS
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS WITHIN NINETY (90) DAYS, VIA
LETTER TO COMMISSION ("LTC"), WITH THE INFORMATION IN THE LTC
TO INCLUDE A PROPOSED COST AND TIMELINE FOR ANY DESIGN,
PERMITTING AND CONSTRUCTION, AS WELL AS IDENTIFICATION OF ANY
POTENTIAL CONCERNS, INCLUDING MANATEE PROTECTION ZONES OR
OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL OR REGULATORY ISSUES.
WHEREAS, the City of Miami Beach ("City") recognizes the importance of expanding
and diversifying modes of transportation within the City; and
WHEREAS, on June 25, 2025, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution No.
2025-33708 authorizing negotiations with Water Taxi of Fort Lauderdale, LLC; and
WHEREAS, the City has been awarded a $600,000 grant from the Florida Department
of Transportation ("FDOT") for operating expenses related to a cross-bay water taxi service,
with matching funds contingent on approval during the FY 2026 budget process; and
WHEREAS, on July 23, 2025, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution No.
2025-33835 directing the City Administration to identify and pursue all available grant and
matching-fund programs to finance the design, permitting, and construction of docks and piers
to serve a water taxi network; and
WHEREAS, the use of water taxis offers residents and visitors an alternative mode of
transportation that can reduce vehicular traffic congestion on our streets, promote waterFront
connectivity, and enhance mobility as a sustainable and efficient alternative mode of transit;
and
WHEREAS, Mid-Beach and North Beach present opportunities for improved
transportation connectivity through the potential establishment of water taxi docking locations;
and
WHEREAS, while the identification of docking sites in Mid-Beach and North Beach may
be challenging due to physical, regulatory, and other constraints, it is important to carefully
evaluate all possibilities and think creatively to identify potential options; and
WHEREAS, the identification of viable docking sites also requires consideration of
environmental conditions, including manatee protection zones and other ecological or
regulatory concerns, as well as permitting and construction timelines; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Commission desire that the City Administration study
and evaluate potential locations in Mid-Beach and North Beach and provide its findings and
recommendations to the City Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission direct the City Administration to identify potentially viable locations in Mid-Beach
and North Beach where a water taxi could dock to pick-up and drop-off passengers; and further,
directing the City Administration to report back to the City Commission with its findings and
recommendations within ninety (90) days, via Letter to Commission ("LTC"), with the information
in the LTC to include a proposed cost and timeline for any design, permitting and construction,
as well as identification of any potential concerns, including manatee protection zones or other
environmental or regulatory issues.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this �� day of � ��✓ , 2025.
ATTEST: �
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J�� � � -� � Steven Meiner, Mayor
Rafael Granado, ity Clerk
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(Sponsored by Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez) =���'��8��'��,,,
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APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
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Resolutions - C7 O
MIAMIBEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: City Attorney Ricardo J. Dopico
DATE: September 17, 2025
TITLE: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO
IDENTIFY POTENTIALLY VIABLE LOCATIONS IN MID-BEACH AND NORTH
BEACH WHERE A WATER TAXI COULD DOCK TO PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF
PASSENGERS; AND FURTHER, DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO
REPORT BACK TO THE CITY COMMISSION WITH ITS FINDINGS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS WITHIN NINETY (90) DAYS, VIA LETTER TO
COMMISSION ("LTC"), WITH THE INFORMATION IN THE LTC TO INCLUDE A
PROPOSED COST AND TIMELINE FOR ANY DESIGN, PERMITTING AND
CONSTRUCTION, AS WELL AS IDENTIFICATION OF ANY POTENTIAL
CONCERNS, INCLUDING MANATEF_ PROTECTIUN ZONES OR OTHER
ENVIRONMENTAL OR REGULATORY ISSUES.
RECOMMENDATION
BACKGROUNDIHISTORY
ANALYSIS
The attached Resolution was prepared at the request of the sponsor, Commissioner Kristen
Rosen Gonzalez.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
The sponsor of this item requests that the Administration be prepared to address the fiscal imnact
of this proposed measu���, if any, at the City Commission me�ting.
Daes this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIEj was published on:
See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.qov/citv-hall/city-clerk/meetinq-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONCLUSION
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Applicable Area
Citywide
Is this a "Residents Riqht to Know" item, Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
pursuant to Citv Code Section 2-17? Proiect?
Yes No
Was this Aqenda Item initiallv requested bY a lobbvist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481,
includes a principal enqaqed in lobbyinq? No
If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):
Department
City Attorney
Sponsor(s)
Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez
Co-sponsor(s)
Condensed Title
Potential Water Taxi Locations in Mid-Beach and North Beach. (Rosen Gonzalez) CA
Previous Action (For CitY Clerk Use Only)
362 of 1214