ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14

Board of County Commissioners · 2026-07-21 · ordinance

Miami-Dade County is amending Chapter 14 of its Code of Ordinances related to Fire Prevention and Life Safety. The ordinance updates definitions, clarifies owner statement requirements for fire investigations, modifies appeal procedures for fire code violations, and revises operating permit requirements. It introduces provisions for recording consent agreements and notices of violation, requires notification to the Chief Fire Official upon correction of certain violations, and authorizes the Chief Fire Official to order utility disconnections in specific circumstances involving pending fire code violations. Technical amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code, updates to the false fire alarm ordinance, and provisions for the sale of exempt fireworks are included. The ordinance also addresses the designation and posting for structures sharing a street address, updates emergency action plan requirements, mandates testing and maintenance of exit and emergency lighting, requires reporting of fire protection system maintenance, and covers the protection and installation of emergency power systems and water supplies for firefighting outside the urban development boundary. Civil penalties are modified. Public comment included support for the ordinance from fireworks vendors concerned about illegal 'packing the cakes' and a desire for clearer regulations on fireworks sales and use. Concerns were raised by a commissioner regarding the utility disconnection authority, emphasizing the need for clear definitions of 'imminent danger' and an emergency appeal process for businesses.