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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2025-33964RESOLUTION NO. 2025-33964 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE CITY'S 2026 STATE AGENDA AS SET FORTH IN THE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A" TO THIS RESOLUTION. WHEREAS, each year the Mayor and City Commission adopt the City of Miami Beach's State Legislative Agenda to identify key funding and legislative priorities to be pursued by the City's representatives in Tallahassee during the upcoming Legislative Session; and WHEREAS, it is crucial that the City's legislative consultants receive clear and timely direction on these priorities to effectively collaborate with the City Commission in securing funding for City projects, advocating for legislative initiatives that serve the City's best interests, and informing state agencies about issues impacting the City; and WHEREAS, the proposed 2026 State Legislative Agenda, attached hereto as Exhibit "A," is presented to the Mayor and City Commission for formal approval; and WHEREAS, the 2026 State Agenda is a dynamic document that will continue to advance throughout the legislative process, reflecting the City's shifting priorities related to projects, authorizations, and policy matters; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Commission may, by resolution, identify and adopt additional priorities to be incorporated into the 2026 State Agenda and communicated to the City's state legislative consultants. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City Commission hereby approves the City's 2026 State Agenda as set forth in the attached Exhibit "A" PASSED AND ADOPTED this fT day of DKembet2025. ATTEST: E. Granado, City Cler..... DEC :y ;chi Steven Meiner, Mayor 2 2 2025 APPROVED AS TO FORM & LANGUAGE & FOR EXECUTION Ceymomey Data MIAMI BEACH 2026 STATE LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE This package outlines Miami Beach's legislative program for the 2026 legislative session. Although the priorities indicate where the City's advocacy efforts should be directed in Tallahassee, the list is not finite, as the Mayor and City Commission may need to respond to any future emerging issues or developments that will require action. QUALITY OF LIFE PRIORITIES Extended Stay/Short-term Rentals - Vacation Rentals The City supports legislation that allows local governments to regulate vacation and extended stay/short-term rental properties. The City strongly opposes any legislation that preempts the regulation of short-term rental laws to the state, including, but not limited to, the inspection and licensing of vacation rentals. Resolutions 2022-32001; 2021-3161 Casino Gambling The City opposes any Bills pertaining to casino gambling. It firmly reaffirms its longstanding policy against casino gambling and expresses its opposition to any expansion of casino gambling operations in Florida by the Legislature. This opposition includes any attempts to override the existing prohibitions on gambling and casino operations outlined in the City's land development regulations and Comprehensive Plan. The City also opposes authorizing the relocation of existing gambling or casino licenses and opening new facilities at different locations using existing licenses. The City does not support any compacts with tribal authorities that aim to gain approval for casinos on non -tribal lands. Resolution 2024-32889 Safety along City Waterways The City urges the Florida Legislature and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to support the City Administration's initiative to protect all persons utilizing the City's waterways by collaboratively working to provide for the installation of appropriate speed, safety signage, anchoring limitation areas, and a regulated public mooring field along certain waterways within the City. The City urges the Legislature to expand anchoring limitation areas that restrict the overnight mooring near residential areas of Miami Beach that would complement and allow for the operation of a regulated mooring field. Resolution 2021-31945 Anchoring Limitation Areas The City urges the Florida Legislature to directly establish an Anchoring Limitation Area (ALA) for the residential islands within Biscayne Bay, including, Venetian Islands, Sunset Islands, Star Island, Palm Island, and Hibiscus Island prior to the commencement of the Mooring Field Project operations. The City also urges the Florida Legislature to restrict anchoring within 400 yards of any part of the shore of the City of Miami Beach for the entire municipal corporate limits and including the City's internal waterways and canals. Resolution 2023-32646; Ordinance 2025-4753 Noise Pollution The City supports legislation that would allow local governments to establish mechanisms to reduce vehicle noise pollution. The City requests amending F.S. 316.293 related to noise abatement equipment modifications to allow law enforcement agencies to issue citations with fine and penalties based on noise cameras. Resolutions 2022-32208; 2022-32439 MIAAA I BEACH 2026 STATE LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE Sovereign Immunity The City opposes legislation that would waive the sovereign immunity of local governments for claims resulting in damages from the actions of local governments. Resolution 2022-32035; 2022-31966 Derelict Vessels The City supports working with our legislators to formalize a long-term solution and investigating options that enable law enforcement agencies to remove derelict vessels or those classified as public nuisances. Additionally, the City is seeking funding from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) to facilitate the removal of derelict boats in Biscayne Bay. Boating Safety The City supports legislation that would require all Florida boaters to carry proof of boater -safety training. The legislation should prescribe penalties for boaters under the influence. Resolution 2024-32891 PUBLIC SAFETY PRIORITIES Secondary Baker Act Options The City urges the Florida Legislature to promulgate legislation requiring a more comprehensive assessment and evaluation period for persons who have repeatedly met the established criteria and been taken for involuntary examination pursuant to Florida's Baker Act, in order to provide hospitals and other receiving facilities the opportunity to conduct a more detailed and thorough examination to assess whether such persons require further treatment or commitment at an appropriate mental health facility. Resolution 2023-32584 Uniform Traffic Citations The City supports exploring solutions to modify the information that's currently reported on uniform traffic citation forms. This would enable law enforcement to better track and gather data on crashes, specifically those involving pedestrians and micro -mobility transportation. This initiative aims to improve safety and accountability across shared -use facilities in Miami Beach. Effective State Drone Regulation The City urges the Florida Legislature to implement more effective state drone regulations and to ease state preemption of local government regulations concerning drones within municipal boundaries. Resolution 2025.33491 TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES Bus Express Rapid Transit Network The City supports the efforts of Miami -Dade County, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and the Miami -Dade Transportation Planning Organization to create a Bus Express Rapid Transit network, a key component of the Miami -Dade County Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit Plan, which would connect Miami and Miami Beach via three express bus routes along the I- 395/MacArthur Causeway and the 1-195/Julia Tuttle Causeway. MIAMI BEACH 2026 STATE LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE 1.95 Express Lane Access Ramp The City supports the long-term efforts of FOOT to design and build new access ramps from the existing 1-95 Express lanes to 1-195/Julia Tuttle Causeway. This improvement will not only establish direct connectivity between two limited access facilities on the federal interstate system but will also alleviate traffic congestion on 1-395/MacArthur Causeway. Shared -Used Viaduct for Pedestrians and Cyclists The City supports the efforts of FOOT to create a safe and protected shared -use viaduct for pedestrians and cyclists along 1-195/Julia Tuttle Causeway and 1-395/MacArthur Causeway. Including a bi-directional shared -use viaduct connecting the baywalks in Miami and Miami Beach. Resolution 2022-32364. Waterborne Transportation Service The City urges the FOOT to provide financial assistance for the operation of cross -bay commuter waterborne transportation (i.e. water taxi/ferry) service connecting Miami Beach and downtown Miami to reduce traffic congestion along 1-395/MacArthur Causeway. Collins Ave Multimodal Corridor Planning Study The City supports the recommended alternative in the FOOT Collins Avenue Multimodal Corridor Planning Study from 41 Street to 63 Street and urges FOOT to fully fund the design and construction phases of the project in the FDOT 5-Year Work Program. Resolution 2023.32579 Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements The City supports legislation that provides opportunities for funding sources for pedestrian safety improvements. In particular, the City urges the FDOT to allow the painting of green bike lanes on state roads to enhance bicycle safety, improve bike lane visibility, and raise driver awareness. Currently, FOOT allows green paint to be applied only at bicycle -vehicle conflict points along bike lanes and not throughout the entire bike lane. Safety along City Waterways The City urges the Florida Legislature and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to support the City Administration's initiative to protect all persons utilizing the City's waterways by collaboratively working to provide for the installation of appropriate speed and safety signage along certain waterways within the City. Residents -Only Entry Lane The City requests that the Florida Legislature provide the FOOT with the regulatory authority to establish an MOT that prioritizes Miami Beach residents via a residents -only lane during any State of Emergency or High Impact Period, along the 1-395/MacArthur Causeway and the 1-195/Julia Tuttle Causeway. Resolution 2023-32709 Block the Box Camera Systems The City seeks state -level legislation that would allow counties and municipalities to implement "Block the Box" camera systems. These systems aim to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic flow by discouraging drivers from obstructing intersections and crosswalks when traffic signals turn red. MIAMI BEACH 2026 STATE LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands The City joins Miami -Dade County in urging the State of Florida and the federal government for a coordinated and united commitment and funding to restore and protect Biscayne Bay. Mitigation of Coral Reef Diseases The City urges the Florida Department of Environmental Protection ("FDEP") to develop a Management Plan for mitigating coral reef diseases and further urging the FDEP and the South Florida Water Management District ("SFWMD") to implement additional strategies to greatly reduce nutrient loading from all human sources and pathways as a matter of urgency. Resolution 2019-30888 Sargassum Seaweed Removal The City joins Miami -Dade County and urges the Governor and Legislature to continue to appropriate funds for seaweed removal on beaches located in Miami -Dade County, to determine any possible solutions as well as alternative removal methods to minimize its impact on the beaches of Miami -Dade County and the City. The City seeks to ensure that marine habitat and wildlife continue to be protected. Expanded Polystyrene or Single -Use Plastic Bags Regulations The City urges the Florida Legislature to repeal Sections 403.708, 403.7033, and 500.90 of the Florida Statutes, and reject any other statutes that inhibit a Local Governments ability to regulate expanded polystyrene single -use plastics, or single -use plastic bags. The City opposes any legislation that seeks to preempt local government regulations of single -use plastic bags and polystyrene. Resolution 2019-30888 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction The City strongly opposes any legislation which would prevent the state from adopting or participating in greenhouse gas emissions reduction programs without explicit legislative authorization. Resolution 2021-31622 Energy Infrastructure The City strongly opposes any legislation which seeks to preempt local government regulation of energy infrastructure. Resolution 2021-31623 Tree Pruning Notices The City strongly supports any legislation which seeks to repeal section 163.045, Florida Statutes, which currently preempts local governments from requiring a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for tree pruning, trimming, or removal on residential property. Resolution 2021-31662 Fertilizer The City urges the Florida Legislature to grandfather or preserve any local ordinances that were enacted before the passing of any statue that inhibits local governments ability to protect Biscayne Bay by regulating fertilizer management. Federal Funding Opportunities The City urges the State of Florida to apply for and accept federal funds being offered for energy efficiency, electric vehicle infrastructure, resilience, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. MIAMI BEACH 2026 STATE LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE Establishment of No -Wake Zones Around Island Communities and Water Recreation Areas The City seeks to formally advocate for legislative authority, regulatory support, and funding as needed to implement and enforce No -wake zones as part of its broader commitment to environmental stewardship and quality of life for residents and visitors. Resolution 2025.33872 RESILIENCY PRIORITIES Property Insurance The cost of wind and flood insurance continues to increase, impacting Miami Beach residents and businesses. The City supports all efforts to increase the accessibility of insurance and keep prices affordable. The City opposes all efforts by Citizens Property Insurance to "force out' policyholders requiring them to seek coverage from private insurance. The City opposes all requirements to purchase additional flood insurance. Living Shorelines Julia Tuttle Causeway Alton Road South location was identified as an optimal location for a living shoreline. A living or hybrid shoreline would help protect the roadway from high tides, sea level rise and storm surge, as well as improve the health of Biscayne Bay through enhancing the marine habitat and providing water quality benefits. Financing for Energy Conservation and Efficiency The City urges the Florida legislature to provide funding to local governments financing to create programs for residents and businesses that provide financing for energy conservation and efficiency (e.g., energy -efficient heating, cooling, or ventilation systems), renewable energy (e.g., solar panels), wind resistance (e.g., impact resistant windows), and other hardening improvements. Sea Level Rise/Coastal Flooding The City of Miami Beach is extremely vulnerable to rising sea level and climate change and supports continued Resilient Florida funding. Increased storm events and higher tides result in tidal and storm -induced flooding. It is essential that the state recognize the urgency and severity brought on by these conditions. The City urges the Florida legislature to provide funding for infrastructure improvements to reduce the City's risks of flooding. Resolution 202231997 Preserve and Enhance Dunes, Beaches/Beach Renourishment The City supports legislation that provides additional funding to preserve, restore, and enhance the state's beaches and dune system that provides significant recreational, environmental benefits, and helps protect the City from storm surge flooding. Resilient Adaptation of Public Assets and Private Property The City supports legislation that provides additional funding and incentives to reduce the impact of flooding by adapting existing buildings, including private homes, residences, and commercial properties, through strategies including floodproofing, green infrastructure, and structural elevation. MIAMI BEACH 2026 STATE LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE Local Authority and Unfunded Mandates The City opposes legislation that would impact home rule powers of local governments or in any way reduce local control and authority, as well as any efforts to pass additional costs from the state down to the City. The City supports all efforts made to identify and reduce the number of unfunded mandates imposed on local government. Resolution 2021-31608 Local Government Preemption The City strongly opposes any State legislation that would preempt local rulemaking and weaken local governments' home rule powers and any other bill that would impair the city's ability to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. Resolution 2021-31654 Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation The City opposes any amendment to the Live Local Act or any other bill that would further preempt or otherwise limit the City's authority to engage in comprehensive planning and/or land development regulation. The City seeks to promote development that is consistent with the scale and character of our community, including our historic districts, and limit impacts to hurricane evacuation routes. Historic Preservation The City opposes any legislation that would preempt the City's authority to enforce provisions of our historic preservation designations and ordinances. Repeal or Amendment of Senate Bill 180 (2025) The City supports any legislation that would repeal Senate Bill 180 (2025) or amend SB 180 in such a manner as to restore the City's home rule authority to adopt land -use legislation that promotes the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life of the Cib/s residents, businesses, and visitors. Resolution 202533705 Authority to Declare Preemptive Emergencies During High -Impact Events The City requests exploring solutions at the State Legislature which would allow the City to declare a pre-emptive emergency during a high -impact event, subject to The City providing a rationale for the declaration (prior year large attendance or expected large attendance) Re-establish Municipal Courts in Miami Beach The City requests an amendment to the state constitution by re-establishing municipal courts, which were abolished on January 3, 1977, by the Florida Constitution, Article V, § 20(d)(4). HUMAN RIGHTS PRIORITIES Support of Human Rights Legislation The City strongly supports any legislation that would prohibit discrimination in Florida based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, employment, and public accommodations. The MIAMI BEACH 2026 STATE LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE City strongly opposes any legislation that seeks to invalidate local ordinances that protect LGBTQ+ employees and legalize the controversial and harmful practice of conversion therapies. Resolution 2020-31170; 2021-31639; 2022-32033; 2022-32049 Gender Identity and Employment Practices The City strongly opposes legislation that would place restrictions on private and public employers, employees, and contractors from using personal pronouns and ban any nonprofit organization from requiring training on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Resolution 2023-32854 Marriage Between Persons of the Same Sex The City supports legislation that seeks to repeal the State Constitution's outdated definition of a legal union of marriage and would remove the prohibition on same -sex marriages. Resolution 2024-32893 Senior Programming and Housing The City strongly supports any legislation that creates additional funding for subsidized housing and programming for seniors 65 and older. Affordable Housing The City strongly supports legislation seeking to increase affordable and workforce housing development, renovation, and preservation in Miami Beach. Affordable housing inventory focused on service and essential workers supporting the hotel, restaurant, and entertainment industries will increase household stability, support small businesses, and reduce traffic congestion. Eligibility for Homestead Exemption The City supports legislation that would create a verification of eligibility for the Homestead Exemption for certain disabled veterans. Resolution 2023-32855 Protecting Condominium Unit Owners from Predatory Real Estate Tactics The City urges the Florida Legislature to adopt legislation that safeguards condominium unit owners from predatory tactics by real estate developers. Strengthening legal protections will ensure that homeowners are not subject to harassment, unfair trade practices, or forced displacement. Resolution 2025.33537 Local Control Over Vacation Rental Regulation to Address Housing Shortages The City urges the Florida Legislature to amend Section 509.032(7)(b), Florida Statutes, to authorize local governments to exercise greater control over the regulation of vacation rentals (short-term rentals or STRs). The current state preemption limits the City's ability to address the growing workforce and affordable housing shortages by restricting local regulation of STIR duration and frequency. Granting municipalities the authority to tailor STR policies to local housing conditions would help preserve long-term rental availability, stabilize rental prices, and support the broader community's housing needs. Resolution 2025-33877 MIAMI BEACH 2026 STATE LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE GENERAL PRIORITIES Growth Management The City strongly opposes any legislation that would make changes to the Bert J. Harris, Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act. Resolution 2020-31174 Rehabilitation Facilities for Homeless Persons The City strongly supports legislation that creates funding for rehabilitation facilities to assist homeless persons' physical, medical, and/or mental healthcare needs on both a short-term and long-term basis. Public Records Request The City supports legislation that prohibits anonymous public record requests to ensure the responsible use of public information and enhance the records request process. Handicapped Placard Abuse The City supports legislation to establish stronger regulations and penalties to deter the abuse of handicapped parking placards, to preserve accessible parking spaces. Acceptance of Cash Payments by Businesses The City supports legislation which requires certain businesses to accept cash as a valid form of payment Resolution 2024.32892 Arts and Culture The City supports the restoration of $492,676.56 in state grant funding to art and cultural institutions through the Cultural and Museum Grant Program. Increase Funding for Assistant State Attorneys and Public Defenders in Miami -Dade County The City urges the Florida Legislature to increase funding for Assistant State Attorneys employed at the Miami -Dade County State Attorneys Office and Assistant Public Defenders employed at the Miami -Dade County Public Defender's Office to compensate for the high cost of living in Miami - Dade County relative to the rest of the state of Florida. Resolution 2025-33473 Expansion of Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Funding and Program Access The City urges the Florida Legislature to expand funding for the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) education program to fully cover the cost of a full -day PreK program for all students. Additionally, the City advocates for the inclusion of program options for three -year -old students, extending early childhood education opportunities to more families. Resolution 2025-33536 Authorization for Local Government Self -Certification Programs The City urges the Florida Legislature to amend relevant state statutory provisions to recognize the authority of counties and municipalities to authorize local governments to implement self - certification programs for qualified professionals, such as licensed architects and engineers, to certify compliance with applicable building, zoning, and permitting regulations. Resolution 2025- 33624 MIAMI BEACH 2026 STATE LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE LEGISLATION TO BE MONITORED Legislation regarding the following issues will be monitored: • Alternative and Renewable Energy including Wind and Solar Energy • Protect condominium owners • State Housing initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program • Enterprise Zones • Medical/Recreational Marijuana • Telecommunications/Wireless Communications • Tourism -related Issues • LGBTQ Issues, including gender identity • Body Cameras • Senior Programs • Waterways and Water Regulations/Mooring Issues including Mooring Zones • Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRA) Legislation • Beach Re-nourishment/Erosion Protection • Resiliency and Environmental Sustainability • Flood Protection • Public Private Partnerships • Red light cameras • License Plate Readers • Single Use Plastics/Plastic Bags • Workforce & Affordable Housing Programs • Affordable Workspace • Florida Workers' Compensation Reform Additional funding opportunities are sought for the following projects/programs: • Seawalls and Dunes • Adaptive Park and Recreation Center • Schools and Police school security • Education Programs • Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Projects • Economic Development • State Housing Initiatives Program (SHIP) Funding • Workforce and Affordable Housing • Historic Preservation • Planning for Resiliency/Mitigation • Security Cameras • Transportation Resolutions - C7 A MIAMI BEACH COMMISSION MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission FROM: Eric Carpenter, City Manager DATE: December 17, 2025 TITLE: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE CITY'S 2026 STATE AGENDA AS SET FORTH IN THE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A" TO THIS RESOLUTION. The Administration recommends that the Mayor and Commission adopt the Resolution. The Mayor and City Commission annually approve a State Legislative Priorities document to guide the City's representatives in Tallahassee. Throughout the year, however, the Mayor and Commissioners may introduce new priorities and Resolutions for Commission approval. Once approved, these updates are incorporated into the legislative package and shared with the state team. ANALYSIS The attached package outlines the City of Miami Beach's legislative program for the 2026 session. While the listed priorities serve as a guide for the City's advocacy efforts in Tallahassee, they are not exhaustive. The Mayor and City Commission may identify and respond to emerging issues or developments throughout the year that require legislative action. Additionally, collaboration with the Miami -Dade Delegation, particularly the elected officials representing Miami Beach, is essential. The City administration will work closely with our lobbyists to coordinate briefings and organize visits to Tallahassee to advocate for policy changes, secure funding for key projects, and engage with state agencies on critical matters. FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT This item has no fiscal impact. 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:/Iwww.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hallicityclerk/meeting-notices) FINANCIAL INFORMATION 822 of 3458 CONCLUSION The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commissioner approve the 2026 State Legislative Package. 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 M. Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2.481, includes a principal ennaaed in Iobbyina? No If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s): Department City Manager Sponsor(s) Co-sponsor(sl Condensed Title Approve City's 2026 State Legislative Agenda. CM Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only) 823 of 3458