ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14

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

[case 261040] This is a legislative item for an ordinance amending Chapter 14 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, Florida, relating to fire prevention. The ordinance updates definitions, changes requirements for owner's statements on fire investigations, amends appeals procedures, updates operating permit requirements, provides for recording of consent agreements and notices of violation, requires notification upon correction of violations, authorizes the Chief Fire Official to order utility disconnection under specific circumstances, makes technical amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code, updates the false fire alarm ordinance, provides for sale of exempt fireworks, provides for designation and posting of structures sharing a street address, updates requirements for emergency action plans, provides for testing and maintenance of exit and emergency lighting, provides for reporting of maintenance activities for fire protection systems, provides for protection and installation of emergency power systems and water supplies for firefighting outside the Urban Development Boundary, amends Section 8CC-10, and imposes and modifies civil penalties. The item was introduced on 6/2/2026, deferred on 7/21/2026, and scheduled for second reading on 9/1/2026. The Safety and Health Committee forwarded it to the BCC with a favorable recommendation following a public hearing on 6/8/2026. Public comment included support from Mr. Ron Book on behalf of Neptune Fireworks, American Promotional, and TNT Fireworks, and concerns from Commissioner Bastien and Commissioner Hardemon. Commissioner Bastien recommended defining 'imminent danger', requiring written documentation of disconnect determinations, and establishing an emergency appeal process. Commissioner Hardemon expressed concerns about illegal fireworks in residential neighborhoods. The ordinance is a substitute to file number 260390.