ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14

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

This ordinance amends Chapter 14 of the Miami-Dade County Code relating to fire prevention and life safety. Key changes include updating definitions, modifying requirements for owner's statements on fire investigations, amending appeal procedures for fire code violations, updating operating permit requirements, and authorizing the Chief Fire Official to order utility disconnections for buildings with pending fire code violations under specific circumstances. It also makes technical amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code, updates the false fire alarm ordinance, provides for the sale of exempt fireworks, designates and posts structures sharing a street address, updates emergency action plan requirements, and mandates testing and maintenance of exit and emergency lighting. Additionally, it revises requirements for fire protection systems, emergency power systems, and water supplies for firefighting outside the urban development boundary. Civil penalties are imposed and modified. The ordinance was introduced on 6/2/2026 and an agenda date was set for 7/21/2026, with a deferral requested to September 1, 2026. Public comment included support for the legislation from fireworks vendors concerned about illegal 'packing the cakes' and a desire for stronger enforcement of fireworks sales regulations. Concerns were raised by a commissioner regarding the utility disconnect authority, emphasizing the need for clear definitions of 'imminent danger' and an emergency appeals process for businesses.