ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14

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

[case 261040] This document is a legislative matter, specifically an ordinance amending Chapter 14 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, Florida, relating to fire prevention. It is not a development project application. The ordinance was introduced on 6/2/2026, deferred on 7/21/2026, and was on the agenda for a second reading on 9/1/2026. The Safety and Health Committee forwarded it to the Board of County Commissioners with a favorable recommendation following a public hearing on 6/8/2026. The ordinance updates definitions, changes requirements for owner's statements on fire investigations, amends appeals procedures, updates operating permit requirements, provides for recording 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 the 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 prime sponsor is Roberto J. Gonzalez. The requester is the Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue Department. The document does not state a specific project site, address, parcel, acreage, or zoning change. Public comment included support from Mr. Ron Book on behalf of Neptune Fireworks, American Promotional, and TNT Fireworks, who highlighted the need to close gaps in Florida Statute 791 and address illegal 'packing the cakes.' Commissioner Bastien raised concerns about the utility disconnection authority, recommending a clear definition of 'imminent danger,' written documentation, and an emergency appeal process. Commissioner Hardemon expressed concerns about illegal fireworks in residential neighborhoods. The committee directed the administration to develop a formal definition or clarification of 'imminent danger.'