Miami-Dade County has officially decided to present the city of Miami Beach with a substantial financial bill after Miami Beach opted to withdraw a proposed measure from the ballot that would have implemented a tax to support homelessness services. This initiative was estimated to provide around $10 million annually to Miami-Dade’s homeless trust fund, a vital resource for countywide homelessness programs.
“Whatever issues historically occurred with these municipalities, respectfully, I think they need to get over it,” said Regalado.
“They need to kumbaya. They need to kumbaya. It’s not us. We’re literally open to anything. We’re just looking for a number,” said Gilbert.
In late October, while early voting was already underway, the City of Miami Beach made the decision to remove a ballot measure that would have approved a 1% tax on food and beverage sales. This tax was intended to fund services for the homeless as well as support victims of domestic violence.
In response, the Miami-Dade County Commission has escalated its stance, now demanding that Miami Beach contribute $10 million to help fund these critical services. The county argues that the financial burden should still be shared, even after the tax measure’s withdrawal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining resources for the county’s homeless population and domestic violence survivors.
In an interview with 7News, Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner expressed his view that Miami-Dade County’s demand for payment is nothing more than an act of retaliation. Mayor Meiner suggested that the county’s response is a direct consequence of the city’s decision to pull the proposed homeless tax measure from the ballot.
“I’m not going to sit and legislate for our residents with a gun to my head, and here it seems like they’re taking retribution for us, making what we believe is in the best interest of our residents,” said Meiner. Mayor Meiner further pointed out that Miami Beach already contributes significantly to Miami-Dade County, sending approximately $300 million annually in property tax revenue. He emphasized that this existing contribution underscores the city’s substantial financial support to the county.
“We’re less than 3% of the county, and we send 12% of the taxes, so you talk about Miami Beach, we hold our weight and then some,” he said.
Commissioners Eileen Higgins and Keon Hardemon, however, offered a different perspective on the issue. They voiced viewpoints that contrasted with Mayor Meiner’s stance, suggesting alternative considerations regarding Miami Beach’s financial obligations to the county.
“Miami Beach is not paying its fair share. The county graciously agreed to invest in North Beach to the tune of $181 million, and so it is right and just that we talk about this,” said Higgins.
“Miami Beach doesn’t want to do better,” said Hardemon.
Last year, Miami-Dade County approved the establishment of the North Beach District, a move supported by Miami Beach leaders who agreed, in return, to broaden the reach of the homeless tax within the city. However, Mayor Meiner clarified that he was not personally involved in making this agreement, distancing himself from the commitments made at that time.
“If they made a deal with somebody, it wasn’t me,” he said.
On Wednesday, Miami Beach Commissioner David Suarez addressed his colleagues on the county commission, expressing that he was not aware of the agreement regarding the expanded homeless tax. He assured them that he would take the necessary steps to address the situation and resolve the matter.
“I’m going to put this back on the November 2026 ballot,” he said. “I am going to make sure that the language is clear, transparent and that the voters have an opportunity to digest information that is accurate, and perhaps between now and November 2026, the homeless trust and I can negotiate a better deal where our most struggling businesses aren’t going to be taxed.”
During the meeting, commissioners discussed the possibility of reclaiming the funds they had invested in the redevelopment district in Miami Beach. However, they ultimately decided to pursue a different course of action, opting instead to demand a $10 million fine from the city, sourced from the surplus funds in the Lincoln Road District. Despite this decision, two commissioners expressed their objections to the proposed fine, arguing against the move.
“I do believe it’s a greater conversation to have, and we want to be transparent about it and the timing of putting an item on at the ninth hour,” said Commissioner Micky Steinberg. “I don’t think it is very transparent.”
It remains uncertain whether the Miami Beach commissioners will choose to reintroduce the tax measure on the 2026 ballot. Mayor Meiner expressed his disappointment with the county’s decision to impose the fine.
“Extremely disappointed, it’s not the way I play politics,” he said.
Miami Beach Commissioner David Suarez stated that he was also unaware of the agreement, but assured his county colleagues that he would take the necessary steps to rectify the situation when speaking at the meeting.
“I’m going to put this back on the November 2026 ballot. I’m going to make sure the language is clear, transparent and that the voters have an opportunity to digest information that’s accurate,” said Suarez. The mayor also mentioned that the county’s decision will be discussed at a special commission meeting scheduled for November 14.
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