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. Key changes include authorizing the Chief Fire Official to order utility disconnections in buildings with pending fire code violations under specific circumstances, updating requirements for emergency action plans, and specifying procedures for testing and maintenance of exit and emergency lighting. It also addresses reporting for fire protection system maintenance, protection of emergency power systems, and water supplies for firefighting outside the urban development boundary. The ordinance updates the false fire alarm ordinance, provides for the sale of exempt fireworks in accordance with Florida Statute 791.04, and allows for the designation and posting to identify structures sharing a street address. Civil penalties are imposed and modified. Public comment included support for the legislation from fireworks industry representatives 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 appeal process for businesses. The ordinance is a substitute to a previous file number and requires 4-6 weeks for processing.