ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14

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

Miami-Dade County is considering an ordinance (File Number 261040) that amends Chapter 14 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, Florida, relating to fire prevention and life safety. The ordinance proposes updates to definitions, owner statements for fire investigations, appeals procedures for fire code violations, operating permit requirements, and the recording of consent agreements and notices of violation. It also introduces requirements for owners/occupants to notify the Chief Fire Official upon correction of certain violations, authorizes the Chief Fire Official to order utility disconnections for buildings with pending fire code violations under specific circumstances, and makes technical amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code. Additionally, it 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, mandates testing and maintenance of exit and emergency lighting, requires reporting of fire protection system maintenance, and addresses emergency power systems and water supplies for firefighting outside the urban development boundary. The ordinance also modifies civil penalties. The matter was introduced on June 2, 2026, and an agenda date is set for July 21, 2026. A deferral was requested to the September 1, 2026, Board of County Commissioners meeting. During a Safety and Health Committee meeting on June 8, 2026, public comment was received from Mr. Ron Book, representing fireworks companies, who supported the ordinance and raised concerns about illegal fireworks. Commissioners discussed increased fines, technical support for small businesses, and the authority of the Fire Chief to disconnect utilities, emphasizing it as a last resort for egregious, uncorrected violations posing life-safety threats. The need to clearly define 'imminent danger' was highlighted. Commissioner Hardemon expressed concerns about illegal fireworks in residential areas. The ordinance aims to strengthen documentation for fireworks purchases under Florida Statute 791.04 and improve local enforcement.