HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2026-34200RESOLUTION NO. 2026-34200
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING AN INCREASE IN THE
COMPENSATION FOR THE SPECIAL MAGISTRATE AND THE CHIEF
SPECIAL MAGISTRATE; PROVIDING FOR AN INCREASE OF
TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS ($25.00) PER HOUR; PROVIDING FOR
IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Miami Beach utilizes Special Magistrates and a Chief
Special Magistrate to preside over code compliance, enforcement proceedings, and other
quasi-judicial matters as authorized by law; and
WHEREAS, the Special Magistrate and Chief Special Magistrate perform essential
functions to ensure the fair, efficient, and timely administration of code compliance
matters within the City; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Commission find it appropriate to adjust the
compensation for these positions in recognition of their professional responsibilities,
workload, and market conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City Administration has reviewed current compensation levels and
recommends an increase of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per hour for both the Special
Magistrate and the Chief Special Magistrate resulting in a total hourly compensation rate
of $300.00 for the Chief Special Magistrate and $200.00 for the Special Magistrate; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, the Mayor and City
Commission hereby approve an increase in compensation for the Special Magistrate in
the amount of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per hour above the current approved rate.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this A day of NlrC4 12026.
ATTEST:
MAR 2 0 2026 Steven Meiner, Mayor
Rafael E. oranado, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO
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MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Eric Carpenter, City Manager
DATE: March 18, 2026
TITLE: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING AN INCREASE IN THE COMPENSATION
FOR THE SPECIAL MAGISTRATE AND THE CHIEF SPECIAL MAGISTRATE;
PROVIDING FOR AN INCREASE OF TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS ($25.00) PER
HOUR; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
RECOMMENDATION
The Administration recommends approving the Resolution.
The City of Miami Beach appoints a Chief Special Magistrate to preside over code compliance
hearings and other quasi-judicial matters pursuant to Florida law and City Code. The Chief
Special Magistrate then appoints one or more Special Magistrates to assist with caseload as
necessary. These positions are critical to ensuring the efficient adjudication of code enforcement
cases and maintaining compliance with municipal regulations.
The Chief Special Magistrate and Special Magistrates conduct hearings, issue orders, impose
fines, and ensure due process protections for respondents appearing before the City.
ANALYSIS
The Administration has conducted a comprehensive review of the current compensation structure
for both the Chief Special Magistrate and the Special Magistrate positions. Based on this
assessment, it has been determined that an adjustment is warranted due to several key factors:
• The high level of professional expertise, legal proficiency, and independent judgment
required to effectively carry out the responsibilities of these quasi-judicial roles.
• The increasing volume, complexity, and subject -matter diversity of the cases presented,
which require substantial preparation time, advanced legal analysis, and consistent
application of statutory and municipal standards;
• Market considerations, including compensation levels offered by comparable jurisdictions,
which reflect a competitive environment for attracting and retaining qualified legal
professionals willing to serve in these capacities;
• The compensation for these positions has remained unchanged since 2020; and
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• The City's ongoing commitment to ensuring stability, continuity, and experience within its
quasi-judicial processes, which are essential to maintaining public trust and supporting
effective code enforcement and administrative adjudication.
If approved, the Administration will prepare and submit an ordinance for first reading in April to
amend Ordinance No. 2020-4365 and update the City Code in Chapter 30, Article II — Special
Master. The proposed amendment will adjust the compensation for Special Masters by increasing
the rate for Special Magistrates from $175 to $200 per hour and the rate for the Chief Special
Magistrate from $275 to $300 per hour.
This increase also reinforces the City's prioritization of effective quasi-judicial oversight helping
safeguard procedural integrity, reduce case backlogs, and support the overall efficiency of City
operations.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Based on the FY 2026 first-quarter projections, the City Clerk's Office is anticipated to have
sufficient savings to absorb this additional cost. The total number of hours for these positions in
FY 2025 was 493.45 which would result in a cost increase of $12,336.25.
Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? No
(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/
CONCLUSION
The Administration recommends approving the Resolution.
Applicable Area
Citywide
Is this a "Residents Riaht to Know" item,
pursuant to City Code Section 2.17?
No
Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
Project?
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):
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Department
City Manager
Sponsor(s)
Co-sponsor(s)
Condensed Title
Increase Special Magistrate Compensation by $25.00 Per Hour. CM
Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)
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