HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2025-34050RESOLUTION NO. 2025-34050
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION APPROVING THE
MIAMI BEACH HOMESTEAD RELIEF PROGRAMS, PROVIDING A ONE-TIME
$500 PAYMENT TO THE OWNER(S) OF EACH HOMESTEADED PARCEL
(LIMITED TO ONE PAYMENT PER PARCEL) AND APPROPRIATING $6.53
MILLION FOR THE ACQUISITION OF 7605 COLLINS AVENUE FROM THE
BUILDING DEPARTMENT; AND WAIVING THE REQUIREMENT OF
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-24764 THAT YEAR-END SURPLUSES, AFTER
FUNDING RESERVES, ARE TO BE TRANSFERRED TO THE CAPITAL
RESERVE FUND.
WHEREAS, at the Second Budget Hearing on September 30, 2025. the Mayor and City
Commission, upon the recommendation of Commissioner Alex Fernandez, directed staff to
develop a plan for distributing $11,000,000 of Fiscal Year 2025 projected surplus funds to
residents and to bring the item forward for discussion at the October 29,2025 City Commission
meeting; and
WHEREAS, the Commission recognized the public benefits associated with government
actions that protect and encourage permanent residents to remain to promote a city's stability and
welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Administration has developed a program for consideration by the City
Commission that would provide a one-time $500 payment to the owner(s) of each homesteaded
parcel (limited to one payment per parcel) (the "Miami Beach Homestead Relief Program"), with
a total proposed allocation of $7,047,500; and
WHEREAS, on February 20, 2002, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution
No. 2002-24764 that requires, in part, that year-end surpluses, after funding reserves, are to be
transferred to the Capital Reserve Fund; and
WHEREAS, the Commission would need to waive this financial policy in order to re-
allocate the year-end surplus to the Miami Beach Homestead and Tenant Relief Programs; and
WHEREAS, the Administration notes that between Fiscal Year 2023 and Fiscal Year
2025, fiscal year-end surpluses have contributed between 40% and 80% of the annual General
Fund allocations for capital projects, serving as a critical source of funding; and
WHEREAS, the Miami Beach Homestead Relief Program would be funded from legally
available, unrestricted non -ad -valorem revenue sources including, without limitation, business tax
receipts, fines and forfeitures, and interest earnings from non -ad -valorem sources, which non -ad
valorem sources have not been collected to fund specific services or improvements that benefit
property; and
WHEREAS, the Miami Beach Homestead Relief Program is intended to provide financial
relief to homesteaded property owners who are permanent residents of the City of Miami Beach;
and
WHEREAS, the Administration recommends that each of the 14,095 homesteaded
parcels (which excludes 11 parcels noted as vacant land and vacant extra features other than
parking) receive a one-time check in the amount of $500 with the program costing $7,047,500,
and that any check not deposited by September 30, 2027 would be voided and returned to the
City; and
WHEREAS, included within the City Commission's statement of public purpose for this
Homestead Relief Program is the objective of providing homesteaded property owners with a
one-time payment to manage increasing housing costs thus ensuring housing stability, while the
City continues its efforts to develop more permanent solutions for addressing rising property
values and financial burdens on homeowners; and
WHEREAS, all qualified homesteaded parcels listed in the tax roll provided by the Miami -
Dade Property Appraiser's Office as of October 6, 2025 would be eligible for the program; and
WHEREAS, previously, on June 25, 2025, the Mayor and City Commission had
unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2025-33799, sponsored by Commissioner Alex Fernandez,
establishing a policy during the 2026 budget process than any available year-end general fund
surplus be used toward the $6.53 million of necessary for the acquisition of the City -owned
property at 7605 Collins Avenue from the Building Department for general municipal purposes,
subject to compliance with any established City policies regarding reserves; and
WHEREAS, the intragovernmental transfer from the General Fund to a proprietary fund
necessary to accomplish this acquisition aligns with community input that prime oceanfront
property surrounded by parkland should serve a broader public purpose rather than function as
administrative office space.
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 approve the Miami Beach Homestead and Tenant Relief Programs, providing a one-
time $500 payment to the owner(s) of each homesteaded parcel (limited to one payment per
parcel), with a total proposed allocation of $7,047,500 and appropriate $6.53 million for the
acquisition of 7605 Collins Avenue from the Building Department; and waive the requirement of
Resolution No. 2002-24764 that year-end surpluses, after funding reserves, are to be transferred
to the Capital Reserve Fund.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this f day of December 2025.
ATTEST: ............;yc„
Or I
. IINCp Rp OP.AIED^';
'*.3. •p;'Steven Meiner, Mayor
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk DEC 2 3 2025
(Sponsored by Commissioner Alex J. Fernandez,
Mayor Steven Meiner, APPROVED AS TO
Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt, FORM & LANGUAGE
Commissioner Laura Dominguez, & FOR EXECUTION
Commissioner Joseph Magazine,
Commissioner Monica Matteo-Salinas, and Iz) zz j zoLA^
Commissioner David Suarez)
CRY Atim" Daw
Resolutions - R7 S
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Eric Carpenter, City Manager
DATE: December 17, 2026
TITLE: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION APPROVING THE
MIAMI BEACH HOMESTEAD AND TENANT RELIEF PROGRAMS, PROVIDING
A ONE-TIME $500 PAYMENT TO THE OWNER(S) OF EACH HOMESTEADED
PARCEL (LIMITED TO ONE PAYMENT PER PARCEL), AND PROVIDING A
ONE-TIME $500 PAYMENT TO ONE ELIGIBLE TENANT PER RENTAL UNIT,
WITH A TOTAL PROPOSED ALLOCATION FOR BOTH PROGRAMS
AMOUNTING TO $11,000,000; AND WAIVING THE REQUIREMENT OF
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-24764 THAT YEAR-END SURPLUSES, AFTER
FUNDING RESERVES, ARE TO BE TRANSFERRED TO THE CAPITAL
RESERVE FUND.
The City Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission approve the Miami
Beach Homestead and Tenant Relief programs which protect and encourage permanent
residents to remain to promote the City's stability and welfare. The Homestead Relief program
would provide a one-time $500 payment to the owner(s) of each of the 14,095 homesteaded
parcels (limited to one payment per parcel), totaling $7,047,500. The Miami Beach Tenant Relief
Program would provide a one-time $500 payment to one eligible tenant per rental unit, up to
$3,952,500. Together, the total proposed allocation for both programs is $11,000,000.
At the Second Budget Hearing on September 30, 2025, the Mayor and City Commission, upon
the recommendation of Commissioner Alex Fernandez, directed staff to develop a plan for
distributing $11,000,000 of Fiscal Year 2025 projected surplus funds to residents and to bring the
item forward for discussion at the October 29,2025 City Commission meeting,
ANALYSIS
Pursuant to Resolution No. 2002-24764, adopted by the Mayor and City Commission on February
20, 2002 year-end surpluses, after funding reserves, are to be transferred to the Capital Reserve
Fund. The Commission would need to waive this financial policy in order to re -direct the capital
funding to the resident relief programs. It is worth noting that between FY 2023 and FY 2025,
year-end surpluses have contributed between 40% and 80% of the annual General Fund
allocations for capital projects, serving as a critical source of funding.
At the Second Budget Hearing on September 30, 2025, the Mayor and City Commission focused
their discussion on providing relief to two primary groups: homesteaded property owners and
tenants. The Commission highlighted the public benefits associated with government actions that
protect and encourage permanent residents to remain to promote a city's stability and welfare.
2766 of 3458
Besides the recommended programs below, the Commission could decide to provide relief
funding to all Miami Beach property owners, of which there are 56,212 parcels, which would equal
a payment of approximately $195 per property.
The following are two separate programs that the Administration is recommending implementing
to distribute $11,000,000 to residents. The programs would be funded from legally available non -
ad -valorem revenues such as business tax receipts, fines and forfeitures, franchise taxes, utility
taxes, and interest earnings from non -ad -valorem sources, etc.
Miami Beach Homestead Relief Program
The Miami Beach Homestead Relief Program is intended to provide financial relief to
homesteaded property owners who are permanent residents of the City of Miami Beach.
In order to fund this program, the Administration recommends that each of the 14,095
homesteaded parcels (which excludes 11 parcels noted as vacant land and vacant extra features
other than parking) receive a one-time check in the amount of $500. All qualified homesteaded
parcels as of January 2, 2025, listed in the lax roll provided by the Miami -Dade Property
Appraiser's Office on October 6, 2025 would be eligible for the program. This would cost
$7,047,500.
The cost to implement this program is estimated at $20,000 for the purchase of check stock, toner,
postage and some temporary staff. This amount would be included in the November year-end
budget amendment to be considered on November 20, 2025. It is expected that the program
could be implemented with 90 days of the funding appropriation. Any check not deposited by
September 30, 2027 would be voided and returned to the City.
Miami Beach Tenant Relief Program
The Miami Beach Tenant Relief Program will be designed to provide financial relief to income -
qualified tenants who reside in the City of Miami Beach as of October 29, 2025. This program will
support tenants whose household income is at or below 140% of the Area Median Income (AMI),
as defined by federal guidelines, during the eligibility period from the present date through the
end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2026. The Miami Beach Tenant Relief Program will
provide a one-time $500 payment to one eligible tenant per rental unit.
In order to quality, applicants must:
• Bea current resident of Miami Beach;
• Provide valid government -issued identification that matches the address listed on their
current lease agreement; and
• Submit a copy of their 2024 or 2025 federal income tax return to verify income eligibility.
Appointments to present documentation and complete the application process will be required
and may be scheduled through our online appointment portal. For residents who are unfamiliar
or uncomfortable using computers, Office of Housing and Community Services staff will be
available to assist with scheduling appointments, either in person or by phone. Appointments will
be offered on weekdays, evenings, and weekends to ensure broad access and flexibility for
working residents.
To implement and operate the program over the next 10 months, the City will utilize existing in-
house staff as internal match support. However, to fully support operations, an additional $60,000
is needed to hire temporary staff. These temporary team members will assist with document
2767 of 3458
intake, eligibility verification, and resident support throughout the duration of the program. This
amount would be included in the November year-end budget amendment to be considered on
November 20, 2025.
The Commission could consider utilizing a 120% AMI threshold for the first 6 months of the
program (April 30, 2026) and then expand to 140% AMI through the end of the fiscal year if funds
remain available.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
The Financial Impact will be $11,000,000 plus $80,000 to implement the program. Funds would
be appropriated at the November 20, 2025 Special Commission meeting for the final Fiscal Year
2025 budget amendment.
Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
N applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on:
See BIE at: https:fhvw .miamibeachf.gov/city-hall/cityclerk/meetinu-notices!
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
TBD during the final Fiscal Year 2025 budget amendment.
CONCLUSION
The City Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission approve the Miami
Beach Homestead and Tenant Relief programs which protect and encourage permanent
residents to remain to promote the City's stability and welfare.
Applicable Area
Citywide
Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
pursuant to City Code Section 2-17? Project?
Yes
No
Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481,
includes a principal enaaged in lobbyina? No
If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):
Department
Finance
Sponsor(s)
Commissioner Alex Fernandez
2768 of 3458
Mayor Steven Meiner
Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Commissioner Joseph Magazine
Co-sponsor(s)
Condensed Title
Approve MB Homestead and Tenant Relief Programs. (AF/SM/TB/LD/JM) FN
Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)
2769 of 3458
Resolutions - R7 ((item.number))
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Eric Carpenter, City Manager
DATE: October 29, 2025
TITLE: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION APPROVING THE
MIAMI BEACH HOMESTEAD AND TENANT RELIEF PROGRAMS, PROVIDING
A ONE-TIME $500 PAYMENT TO THE OWNER(S) OF EACH HOMESTEADED
PARCEL (LIMITED TO ONE PAYMENT PER PARCEL), AND PROVIDING A
ONE-TIME $500 PAYMENT TO ONE ELIGIBLE TENANT PER RENTAL UNIT,
WITH A TOTAL PROPOSED ALLOCATION FOR BOTH PROGRAMS
AMOUNTING TO $11,000,000; AND WAIVING THE REQUIREMENT OF
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-24764 THAT YEAR-END SURPLUSES, AFTER
FUNDING RESERVES, ARE TO BE TRANSFERRED TO THE CAPITAL
RESERVE FUND.
RECOMMENDATION
The City Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission approve the Miami
Beach Homestead and Tenant Relief programs which protect and encourage permanent
residents to remain to promote the City's stability and welfare. The Homestead Relief program
would provide a one-time $500 payment to the owner(s) of each of the 14,095 homesteaded
parcels (limited to one payment per parcel), totaling $7,047,500. The Miami Beach Tenant Relief
Program would provide a one-time $500 payment to one eligible tenant per rental unit, up to
$3,952,500. Together, the total proposed allocation for both programs is $11,000.000.
At the Second Budget Hearing on September 30, 2025, the Mayor and City Commission, upon
the recommendation of Commissioner Alex Fernandez, directed staff to develop a plan for
distributing $11,000,000 of Fiscal Year 2025 projected surplus funds to residents and to bring the
item forward for discussion at the October 29,2025 City Commission meefing.
ANALYSIS
Pursuant to Resolution No. 2002-24764, adopted by the Mayor and City Commission on February
20, 2002 year-end surpluses, after funding reserves, are to be transferred to the Capital Reserve
Fund. The Commission would need to waive this financial policy in order to allocate the year-end
surplus to the resident relief programs. It is worth noting that between FY 2023 and FY 2025,
year-end surpluses have contributed between 40% and 80% of the annual General Fund
allocations for capital projects, serving as a critical source of funding.
At the Second Budget Hearing on September 30, 2025, the Mayor and City Commission focused
their discussion on providing relief to two primary groups: homesteaded property owners and
residential tenants. The Commission recognized the public benefits associated with government
actions that protect and encourage permanent residents to remain to promote a city's stability and
welfare.
2770 of 3458
Besides the recommended programs below, the Commission could decide to provide relief
funding to all Miami Beach property owners, of which there are 56,212 parcels, which would equal
a payment of approximately $195 per property.
The following are two separate programs that the Administration is recommending implementing
to distribute $11,000,000 to residents. The programs would be funded from legally available
unrestricted non -ad -valorem revenues including, but not limited to business tax receipts, fines
and forfeitures, and interest earnings from non -ad -valorem sources which non -a' valorem
sources have not been collected to fund specific services or improvements that benefit property.
Miami Beach Homestead Relief Program
The Miami Beach Homestead Relief Program is intended to provide financial relief to
homesteaded property owners who are permanent residents of the City of Miami Beach. Included
within the City Commission's statement of public purpose for this Homestead Relief Program is
the objective of providing homesteaded property owners with a one-time payment to manage
increasing housing costs thus ensuring housing stability, while the City continues its efforts to
develop more permanent solutions for addressing rising property values and financial burdens
In order to fund this program, the Administration recommends that each of the 14,095
homesteaded parcels (which excludes 11 parcels noted as vacant land and vacant extra features
other than perking) receive a one-time check in the amount of $500. All qualified homesteaded
parcels as of January 2, 2025, listed in the tax roll provided by the Miami -Dade Property
Appraiser's Office on October 6, 2025 would be eligible for the program. This would cost
$7,047,500.
The cost to implement this program is estimated at $20,000 for the purchase of check stock, toner,
postage and some temporary staff. This amount would be included in the November year-end
budget amendment to be considered on November 20, 2025. It is expected that the program
could be implemented with 90 days of the funding appropriation. Any check not deposited by
September 30, 2027 would be voided and returned to the City.
Miami Beach Tenant Relief Program
The Miami Beach Tenant Relief Program will be designed to provide financial relief to income -
qualified tenants who reside in the City of Miami Beach as of October 29, 2025. Included within
the City Commission's statement of public purpose for this Tenant Relief Program is the objective
of fostering housing stability and affordability for qualified low- and moderate -income individuals
and families by helping them reduce housing -related financial burdens and related housing costs
This program will support tenants whose household income is at or below 140% of the Area
Median Income (AMI), as defined by federal guidelines, during the eligibility period from the
present date through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2026. The Miami Beach Tenant
Relief Program will provide a one-time $500 payment to one eligible tenant per rental unit.
In order to qualify, applicants must
• Bea current resident of Miami Beach;
• Provide valid government -issued identification that matches the address listed on their
current lease agreement; and
• Submit a copy of their 2024 or 2025 federal income tax return to verify income eligibility.
Appointments to present documentation and complete the application process will be required
and may be scheduled through our online appointment portal. For residents who are unfamiliar
or uncomfortable using computers. Office of Housing and Community Services staff will be
2771 of 3458
available to assist with scheduling appointments, either in person or by phone. Appointments will
be offered on weekdays, evenings, and weekends to ensure broad access and flexibility for
working residents.
To implement and operate the program over the next 10 months, the City will utilize existing in-
house staff as internal match support. However, to fully support operations, an additional $60,000
is needed to hire temporary staff. These temporary team members will assist with document
intake, eligibility verification, and resident support throughout the duration of the program. This
amount would be included in the November year-end budget amendment to be considered on
November 20, 2025.
The Commission could consider utilizing a 120% AMI threshold for the first 6 months of the
program (April 30, 2026) and then expand to 140% AM[ through the end of the fiscal year if funds
remain available.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
The Financial Impact will be $11,000.000 plus $80,000 to implement the program. Funds would
be appropriated at the November 20, 2025 Special Commission meeting for the final Fiscal Year
2025 budget amendment.
Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on:
See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachff.00vlcity-hallicity-clerk/meetinu-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
TBD during the final Fiscal Year 2025 budget amendment.
CONCLUSION
The City Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission approve the Miami
Beach Homestead and Tenant Relief programs which protect and encourage permanent
residents to remain to promote the City's stability and welfare.
Applicable Area
Citywide
Is this a "Residents Riaht to Know" item. Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
Pursuant to City Code Section 2.177 Protect?
Yes
No
Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481.
includes a principal enaaaed in lobbying? No
If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):
2772 of 3458
Finance
G
Soonaortal
Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Mayor Steven Meiner
Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez
Commissioner Joseph Magazine
Co-soonsorta)
Condensed Title
Approve MB Homestead and Tenant Relief Programs. (AFISMfTBILD/KRGIJM) FN
Previous Action (For City Clark Use Only)
2773 of 3458