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, changes requirements for owner statements on fire investigations, amends appeal procedures for fire code violations, and updates operating permit requirements. It also allows for the recording of consent agreements and notices of violation, requires owners/occupants to notify the Chief Fire Official upon correction of certain violations, and authorizes the Chief Fire Official to order utility disconnections for buildings with pending fire code violations under specific circumstances. Technical amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code, updates to the false fire alarm ordinance, provisions for the sale of exempt fireworks, designation and posting for structures sharing a street address, updated emergency action plan requirements, testing and maintenance of exit/emergency lighting, reporting of fire protection system maintenance, protection of emergency power systems, installation and maintenance of water supplies for firefighting outside the urban development boundary, and modifications to civil penalties are also included. The ordinance was introduced on 6/2/2026, had a second reading and was forwarded with a favorable recommendation by the Safety and Health Committee on 6/8/2026, and is pending BCC Assignment with an Agenda Date of 7/21/2026. Public comment included support for the legislation from fireworks vendors concerned about illegal practices, and discussions with commissioners regarding utility disconnect authority, definitions of imminent danger, and enforcement procedures for fireworks sales and fire code violations.