Frequently Asked Questions

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No. The City Attorney's Office represents the issues of the public as a whole and therefore cannot represent the interest of any individual resident, employee or Council member. The City Attorney provides legal advice to the City Council, City Manager, all City departments and boards on a variety of legal proceedings.

No. The City Attorney cannot refer or recommend an attorney to any member of the public. If you are seeking legal representation, please search the Florida Bar website for an attorney by the area of law needed.

No. The City Attorney is prohibited from giving legal advice to any one member or group in the community.

No. The City Attorneys are licensed by the Florida Supreme Court and must adhere to the rules established by the Court to govern all Florida attorneys. The Florida rules do not allow an attorney to communication with someone that is being represented by another attorney.

8-cubic-yards of bulk trash can be picked up.

View the Waste Pro pick-up map (PDF).

Property owners are responsible for maintaining any public right-of-way abutting their property.

No, you are not allowed to park on your front lawn.

Residents may park no more than two vehicles on the public right-of-way, parallel to traffic. Whether or not the resident uses the right-of-way for parking, they must maintain it.

The City addresses the violation notice to the property owner; however, tenants should confer with their landlord on specific contractual obligations.

Rental advertisements for a period of less than 3 months are prohibited. Rentals for a period of 3 months or less, or renting/leasing more than 4 times in a twelve month period is prohibited.

Bulk trash is placed on the curbside.

Contact the Code Compliance Department 305-895-9832.

Contact the Code Compliance Department 305-895-9832.

Access the Code of Ordinances website.

Speak with your Code Officer. View the Code Compliance Officers to contact a Code Officer.

Your services will not be immediately affected. The City has notified all private waste collectors operating within North Miami, of its intent to have all Solid Waste Collection Services be provided by Waste Pro of Florida, Inc. In accordance with Florida law, the City may displace your service provider within three years time, commencing May 2012. If your contract runs out before the three year period, you may contact the City or Waste Pro, for services; or you may continue to use your current service provider for the time remaining.

Contact

If you have questions regarding your services with Waste Pro, contact customer service at 305-651-7011.

Instead of operating 4 days per week, services will be provided 6 days per week, Monday through Saturday. Recycling collection services were conducted on a biweekly basis, and now they will be conducted on a weekly basis. If you have questions regarding your services with Waste Pro, contact customer service at 305-651-7011.  

Residential rates will decrease from approximately $51.50 per month to $26 per month. Commercial rates and /or multi-family rates may increase or decrease depending on the size of the container used and the frequency of pickup. For a majority of these accounts, there will be a decrease in the monthly rates.

In accordance with Florida law, the City may displace your service provider within three years time commencing May 2012, and commit to a franchise agreement with a sole service provider. If you have questions regarding your services with Waste Pro, contact customer service at 305-651-7011.

Your bill should be paid to either Waste Pro or the City depending on which entity sends out the bill. If you have questions regarding your services with Waste Pro, contact customer service at 305-651-7011.

It did in the hopes of achieving greater economies scale and therefore lower rates for services.

A request for obtaining or maintaining a garbage container arises out of code and safety concerns, and not the result of changing the service provider. If you have questions regarding your services with Waste Pro, contact customer service at 305-651-7011.

If you were previously being serviced by the City, then your services will be provided by Waste Pro. If you were previously being serviced by a private waste collector, you may continue such services until May 2015, at which time the sole service provider shall be the company selected by the City. If you have questions regarding your services with Waste Pro, contact customer service at 305-651-7011.

You may contact the City Code Enforcement Compliance Division at 305-895-9832.

The letter was addressed to existing private waste collectors under franchise with the City of North Miami, and is required pursuant to Section 403.70605, Florida Statutes, to implement an exclusive franchise for the provision of solid waste services throughout the City.

Career Online High School (COHS) is an online private high school diploma and career certification program available through some of Florida's public libraries. This program offers free enrollment to a limited number of qualified adult students.

Adult residents who are at least 19-years-old and wish to earn their high school diploma. As an indicator of readiness it is recommended that the applicant have attended the 9th grade. Minors should pursue their high school education through existing high school programs.

Program applicants must have a public library card in good standing or be willing to apply for a library card. Program applicants who have already received a standard high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma are not eligible for this program. Program applicants who have already received a certificate of completion are eligible.

Through COHS, students may earn a certificate in the following areas:

• Certified Protection Officer
• Child Care and Education
• Commercial Driving
• Food and Hospitality
• General Career Preparation
• Home Care Professional - Coming Soon
• Homeland Security
• Hospitality and Leisure
• Office Management
• Retail Customer Service

To arm COHS Students with the tools needed to find a job, COHS will teach students to create essential documents, such as resumes and cover letters. All students must complete this.

Yes, all course work is web based.

You may use a desktop laptop or tablet. Computers are available for use at the North Miami Public Library during regular business hours.

Yes. At this time, all coursework is available in English only.

No. All material will be provided by COHS.

Students will be given up to 18 months to complete the program, which will consist of 18 credits. Students accepted into the program may transfer up to 14 credits from their former accredited high school. Depending on how many credits the student is able to transfer, the program can be completed in as few as six months. The average time to complete is 12 months.

The prevalence of online "diploma mills" and counterfeit degrees has unfortunately created some skepticism around the legitimacy of diplomas from online institutions. Career Online High School is not a diploma mill. Career Online High School is accredited by:

• The AdvancED Accreditation Commission
• The national commission that confers the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI)
• North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI)
• The Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) accreditation seals

While Career Online High School itself is a new institution and may not immediately be familiar by name, it is easy to demonstrate that the school is recognized across the nation as a quality school system, delivering an Advanced accredited online high school diploma. It is important to understand that a high school diploma alone (from any type of accredited high school), is not enough to guarantee a student admission into a college or university, as each postsecondary institution has its own minimum standards including admissions exams, standardized test scores and other criteria.

The NoMi Library is committed to helping people meet their education and job preparation needs. The library encourages you to visit your nearest branch and speak to the staff to help you find a local agency or resource that will best fit your needs.

First, complete the online self-assessment. After successfully submitting the web-based self-assessment, applicants will be contacted by the North Miami Public Library within 5 business days to discuss the prerequisite course. Upon successful completion of the course, applicants will be contacted by the library within 5 days to schedule an interview and discuss the applicant's program admission.

During the in-person interview, the applicant will be told if they qualify to receive a COHS scholarship.

Community members seeking to donate funds to the NoMi COHS may email Georgette Spratling.

If there are no additional scholarships available for the year, and students who are accepted into the program and would like to pay tuition out of pocket, the fees and payment options are as follows:

Option 1

• Payment In-Full at Time of Enrollment Total Price: $1,295
• Benefit: Administration fee of $91 is waived when total tuition cost of $1,295 is paid upon enrollment.

Option 2

• Automatic Payment Withdrawals Total Price: $1,386
• Upon enrollment, first payment of $77 is due. After 1st month of enrollment, 17 additional monthly payments of $77 are automatically charged to the student's credit or debit card.

A 3 month extension can be granted at the discretion of the Academic Coach. If a student receives an extension an out of pocket fee of $250 will be assessed.

At the discretion of the Academic Coach, a student can be granted up to 6 months leave of absence at no charge.

The Library has public access computers available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Photo identification and a signed computer user agreement form are required on the first visit. Children under 16 years old must have a parent sign the computer user agreement form on the first visit.

WiFi is now available in the library. Although laptops are not currently available for borrowing, individuals can access the Internet using their laptop or other electronic devices, by accepting the Wi-Fi terms of agreement.

The library gratefully accepts donations of clean, dry books and magazines during business hours Monday through Thursday. We appreciate items that are packed in boxes as storage can be a problem.

The library has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for teens, seniors and everyone in between. Interested individuals should come to the Library to speak with the staff and to complete the application.

Friends of the North Miami Public Library

The Library also benefits from the support of the Friends of the North Miami Public Library, a civic minded group of people who know that quality library service is important to their community. As a group, Friends strive to support, improve and promote the Library. Friends promote the Library be enlisting public support for various Library activities, by informing the public of library services, by raising money to purchase books and equipment for the Library, and by advocating for political and financial support. Anyone interested in supporting the library is encouraged to join.

All North Miami residents are welcome to apply for a free library card:

• All applicants must bring a photo ID and proof of current residence.
• Children under the age of 16 will need parental authorization.

Reciprocal Borrowers

If you live in areas of Miami-Dade County served by the Hialeah Public Library, the Miami Dade Public Library System, or the North Miami Beach Public Library you can get a free card. With the exception of Interlibrary Loan, reciprocal borrowers whose accounts are in good standing have full borrowing privileges. We encourage everyone to take advantage of the services and resources available at all of the participating libraries.

Non-Residents must pay a fee ($50 per year or $15 for 3 months).

There is no charge for a Library Card for North Miami residents or for people who own business or property in North Miami. Residents of Hialeah, North Miami Beach and the Miami-Dade Public Library System Special Taxing District enjoy Reciprocal borrowing privileges. All others will be charged a non-resident fee of $50 annually. A three-month card is available for $15.

For up-to-date information regarding the Library and City of North Miami offices, please visit NorthMiamiFL.gov/NoMiLibrary.

The North Miami Public Library is located at 835 NE 132 Street across from the North Miami High School.

This problem is usually caused by planned or unplanned work to the water distribution system causing sediment (calcium carbonate) in the pipes to shift (quite often this produces a dark red or brown color). When such a disturbance occurs, the water may appear unpleasing but it is not harmful to health, and can be cleared by running the first incoming cold water tap (usually in the kitchen) until it clears. If the discoloration does not clear, contact the Winson Water Plant at 305-953-2854.

This is a common problem but is usually not an issue caused by the water itself but one caused by bacteria growth in household plumbing fixtures, in most cases the “p-trap” is the culprit. To determine whether the odor is in fact coming from the cold water tap (which is rare), perform the following sniff test:

• Fill a clean glass cup with cold tap water from the faucet at the area in question.
• Exit the area of foul odor with the glass of water.
• Now take a sniff of the water in the glass. If the water in the glass has no objectionable odor, then the problem is likely caused by another source and not the cold water tap.

Contact

If the water in the glass has an objectionable odor, please contact the Winson Water Plant at 305-953-2854.

The City of North Miami’s drinking water is tested around the clock, including hourly, monthly, quarterly, and annually, depending on the parameter in question. Certain contaminants are tested for more frequently than others, as set forth by the Safe Drinking Water Act. For example, we currently analyze 15 parameters of water quality every hour and test over 100 sample sites throughout the city monthly.

Consumer Confidence Report

Every community water supplier must provide an annual report, called a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to its customers. The report provides information on your drinking water quality, including the water's source, contaminants found in the water, and how consumers can get involved in protecting and conserving drinking water.

The United States has one of the safest public water supplies in the world and the City of North Miami routinely meets all county, state, and federal guidelines. While the City of North Miami has the utmost confidence in the water it produces and distributes, it is not responsible for household plumbing and therefore only tests the water at the service connection. However, if you are concerned about contaminants in your home’s water system, contact the Florida Department of Health laboratory website to obtain a list of certified laboratories. Depending on how many contaminants you wish to test for, a water test can cost from $15 to hundreds of dollars. The Safe Drinking Water Hotline can give you information on testing methods.

Contact

If you want the water tested at the service connection, contact Winson Water Plant at 305-953-2854.

Most natural water supplies contain some naturally occurring fluoride. Nevertheless, many communities, including the City of North Miami, add fluoride to their drinking water to promote dental health and to remain in compliance with all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Health guidelines.

Current Guidelines on Fluoride

The most current guideline from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L), the amount where fluoride is shown to be beneficial to the public. The EPA sets levels of protection based on the best available science to prevent potential health problems and the current maximum contaminant level (MCL) set by the EPA for fluoride is 4 mg/L. The MCL is the maximum amount allowed in a public water system.

For more information on fluoride in drinking water, we encourage you to visit the EPA website for information about fluoride. Additional information can be found on the websites for Miami-Dade County, the Florida Department of Health, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The City of North Miami is committed to helping residents conserve water. Using water wisely helps conserve our wetlands and helps reduce water bills. To get started, here are some water conservation tips:

Indoors

• Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket. Each flush wastes water.
• Check toilets and faucets for leaks and fix any problems.
• Run your dishwasher only when it's full.
• Wash only full loads of laundry or use the proper water level setting for your load size.
• Don't leave the water running when brushing your teeth or shaving. With the tap running  at full force, shaving takes 20 gallons of water, teeth-brushing takes 10.
• Take shorter showers or use less water in your bath. A full bathtub requires about 36  gallons of water. A five-minute shower using a water-conserving showerhead will use just  15 to 25 gallons.
• Consider installing water-efficient toilets, faucets and showerheads as a water-saving  investment. Look into the shower head exchange program.

Outside

• Improve your soil by working organic materials, such as peat moss or compost, into the soil  to help retain water. Consider aerating your yard to help it retain water.
• To reduce evaporation, water your lawn and gardens in the early morning or evening.
• Never water the sidewalk, driveway or street. Make sure the sprinkler aim is limited to the  lawn or garden.
• Apply mulch around plants and trees to retain moisture and inhibit weed growth.
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.

Contact

For more information on water use and conservation, visit the websites of the Florida Water Management District and Miami-Dade County.

Replacing your showerhead with a new high efficiency fixture can significantly reduce your water use. Any City of North Miami resident can bring an old showerhead to the following locations and receive a brand new high efficiency fixture available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm:

• North Miami City Hall-Utility Billing Office:
  776 NE 125 Street
  First floor
  North Miami, FL 33161
• North Miami City Hall-Public Works Administration Office:
  776 NE 125 Street
  Third floor
  North Miami, FL 33161
• Utility Operations Center Office:
  1815 NE 150 Street
  North Miami, FL 33161

A lobbyist is any person, firm, or corporation employed or retained, whether paid or not, by a principal who seeks to encourage the passage, defeat, or modification(s) of:

• Any ordinance, resolution, action or decision of any councilmember
• Any action, decision, recommendation of any city board or committee
• Any action, decision or recommendation of any personnel defined in any manner above, during the time period of the entire decision-making process on such action, decision or recommendation which foreseeably will be heard or reviewed by the city council, or a city board or committee

(Code of Ordinances - Division 3 - Section 2-400.)

A lobbyist must register with the City Clerk's Office within five business days of being retained as a lobbyist or before engaging in lobbying activities, whichever comes first.

Registration forms are available in the City Clerk's Office and can be downloaded online.

• Lobbying Expenditure Statement (PDF)
• Lobbyist Ordinance (PDF)
• Lobbyist Registration Affidavit Form (PDF)
• Notice of Withdrawal of Lobbyist Registration Form (PDF)

Submit completed forms in person, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm at:
City Clerk's Office
776 NE 125 Street
North Miami, FL 33161

Every person required to register as a Lobbyist will be asked to provide:

• Name
• Business address
• Business address of each person or entity which has employed the registrant to lobby
• The councilmember or personnel sought to be lobbied
• The specific issue on which the lobbyist has been retained to lobby

All lobbyists registered shall submit to the City Clerk a signed statement under oath listing all lobbying expenditures for the preceding calendar year. A statement shall be filed even if there have been no expenditures during the reporting period. Annual statements shall be required until the Lobbyist files a notice of withdrawal of lobbying activities with the City Clerk.

An annual Lobbyist Registration Fee in the amount of $250 for each Lobbyist shall be paid to the City Clerk at the time the Lobbyist files a registration form. Make checks payable to the City of North Miami.

• City employees who are acting in their own capacity
• Individuals or organizations who communicate with the City for the purpose of self representation or for the representation of others without compensation or reimbursement

All registration forms and annual disclosure statements shall be public record, which is subject to inspection and examination as provided for in section 119.07 of the Florida Statutes.

View a listing of vacant positions. 

View the Government Jobs website and apply from that site after finding a job that you are interested in. If this is the first time you are using the City of North Miami’s online application system, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. To do so, go to create an account and complete the form. You will then be able to log into your account. After your account has been established, proceed to Job Opportunities and click on the recruitment of interest and then click Apply.

Usually we do not give make-up tests. If it is a test with multiple tests dates and other dates are still available you may be rescheduled. You may be request to be rescheduled.

We do a background check prior to hiring. A decision to hire is made on an individual basis based on the position to be filled, the charge and date of incidents.

You should receive an email to inform you if you are eligible or ineligible for the position.

It could take up to 6 to 8 weeks. Applications must be screened, test must be given and scored and interviews must be completed prior to hiring. Filling police positions may take more than 4 months.

Yes, based on the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the City will provide reasonable accommodation.

In accordance with Florida Statute 295, the City of North Miami will award United States military veterans who meet the criteria stipulated in the aforementioned statute preference in employment. All applicants seeking veteran's preference are required to present a legible Form DD-214 in order to qualify. Applicants claiming disabled veteran's preference must also submit a letter from the Department of Defense or the Veteran's Administration that is less than one year old at the time of application, which indicates that the applicant possesses a current, service-connected disability, and states the rating of same. Documents from the Veteran's Administration that reflect a permanent service-connected disability will be considered despite issue dates prior to one year. In addition to the Form DD-214, applicants who have been awarded combat campaign/expeditionary medals that are not reflected on the Form DD-214 must submit supplemental documents from the Department of Defense that demonstrate possession of a combat campaign / expeditionary medal by the closing date. All relevant documents must be submitted for the closing date in order to have preference awarded. For additional information concerning veterans' preference, please contact:

The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs
By phone at: (727) 319-7462
By email: postd@fdva.state.fl.us
Website: http://www.floridavets.org

A tropical weather system characterized by constant circulation of maximum sustained winds of 74 miles per hour (mph) or higher that is usually accompanied by rain, thunder, lightning, and possibly tornadoes. Sustained winds are continuously blowing at a certain speed (as opposed to wind gusts, which can be higher. Hurricanes are classified into five categories, which range from category 1 (winds of 74 mph) to category 5 (winds of 155 mph and over.).

Hurricane conditions (winds of over 74 miles per hour) are possible within the designated area for which the watch is issued within 48 hours. Residents are advised to put their hurricane plan into action and secure your home and hurricane supplies during this time. Gas up motor vehicles and get cash. Stay tuned to local media for advisories on the latest forecast. Local media includes television news media (local ABC, CBS, NBC, or Fox affiliates), news talk radio (such as WIOD 610 am).

Hurricane conditions (winds over 74 miles per hour) are expected to impact somewhere in the designated area. The warning is issued 36 hours before the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

A General Obligation bond, also known as a GO bond, is a debt mechanism that is financially backed by the assessment of ad valorem taxes. Ad Valorem taxes are commonly referred to as property taxes. A GO bond must be approved by the voters before proceeding with implementation.

Visit the GO Bond Calculator page, where you'll find the GO Bond Debt Service Millage Calculation. This feature allows you to view and calculate assessed property values and annual tax payments. The website offers two types of bond calculators. The first calculator provides your average cost per year, based on your taxable home value. After completion of the Sole Mia project, we anticipate a reduced cost per household. The second calculator includes reduced post-Sole Mia project savings estimates.

The financial information listed on the website is based on estimates and assumptions. Actual costs, interest calculations, and millage assessments will not be final until the actual issuance of the debt and the tax millage are officially assessed.

The purpose of the City of North Miami's proposed GO Bond is to finance the cost of various capital improvement projects including:

• Affordable housing projects
• Community policing
• Flooding prevention projects
• New public facilities
• Park improvements
• Road projects
• Sustainability projects
• Technology projects

Residents will vote on the implementation of each element of the proposed bond during a special election on Tuesday, May 1st.

The proposed bond principal amount shall not exceed $120,000,000. The total estimated interest amount over the 30 year span will be approximately $132,217,000.

Affordable Housing

A proposed $10 million is allotted for acquisition and construction of affordable single-family and multi-family housing.

Infrastructure & Sustainability

For infrastructure and sustainability, $31 million is proposed for improvements to:

• Drainage
• Green space
• Landscaping
• Lighting
• Resiliency projects
• Sidewalks
• Street resurfacing
• Transit

Technology

A total of $2 million is proposed for technological enhancements geared toward:

• Broadcasting
• Community policing and safety
• Emergency operations
• Police equipment
• Security cameras
• Servers
• Wi-Fi

Public Facilities

City Administration proposes $77 million focused on public and recreational facilities, including:

• Community centers
• Governmental complex
• New sports complex
• Parking garage construction
• Other park improvements

The City would need to seek guidance from the bond legal counsel, and collaborate with underwriting banks, and City staff to prepare the necessary legal and financial documents to sell the bonds on the municipal bond market. Additionally, the projects would need to be designed and prepared to be built.

Based on feedback from North Miami residents and City Administrators, the Proposed GO Bond has four areas of focus: Public Facilities, Infrastructure and Sustainability, Technology Improvements and Affordable Housing. Visit the Proposed GO Bond Focus Areas page to view the complete listing of possible available projects. Each project must go before the City Council for approval.

The City held a series of public input sessions last November and December, and public information sessions in January and February. All public input and information sharing sessions were hosted by City Administration to garner direct feedback from residents about desired neighborhood improvements and to update the public on how their input shaped the bond proposal. Projects were selected based on staff recommendations, public input received during several town hall meetings, and City Council approval.

Bond proceeds cannot be used to pay day-to-day operating cost. The proceeds can only be used on the approved projects indicated in the bond referendum questions.

The bond will not exceed 30 years beyond the date of issuance.

The bond proceeds are anticipated to be issued in 4 tranches (or draws) over 8 years.

If North Miami residents vote to pass the proposed bond, City Administration will establish a Bond Oversight Committee made up of North Miami residents, staff and elected officials. The oversight committee will monitor and review implementation of the bond, to further the City's efforts toward transparency. The committee will be made up of North Miami residents and professionals that have requisite relevant experience, such as:

• Architecture
• Construction
• Engineering
• Municipal finance

We expect to have the first wave of projects commence within 12 months.

Why not levy a bond with those funds? This voter referendum will give the City the required statutory approval to use the ad valorem taxes being generated by the Sole Mia project on bond projects.

If approved, all North Miami property owners will receive an additional ad valorem assessment sufficient to pay the debt.

Un bono de obligación general también conocido como bono GO es un mecanismo de crédito respaldado financieramente mediante el establecimiento de un impuesto ad valorem. Los impuestos ad valorem se conocen comúnmente como impuestos inmobiliarios. El bono GO debe ser aprobado por los votantes antes de proceder a su implementación.

Visite la página GO Bond Calculator, bajo la pestaña "Documentos financieros", en la cual podrá encontrar el cálculo de la tasa impositiva expresada en milésimas de dólar por dólar correspondiente al servicio del crédito del bono GO. Esta función permite visualizar y calcular el valor del avalúo del inmueble y los pagos anuales de impuestos. El sitio web ofrece dos tipos de calculadoras de bonos: el primero, proporciona su costo promedio anual, basado en el valor gravable de su inmueble. Después de la finalización del proyecto Sole Mia, anticipamos una reducción de costos por hogar. El segundo incluye estimaciones de ahorros posteriores al proyecto Sole Mia. La información financiera que figura en el sitio web esta basada en estimaciones y suposiciones. Los costos reales, los cálculos de intereses y las tasas del impuesto inmobiliario no serán definitivos hasta tanto no se emita la deuda y se imponga oficialmente el impuesto inmobiliario.

La finalidad del bono GO de la ciudad de North Miami que se ha propuesto, es la de financiar el costo de diversos proyectos de mejoras de capital, incluidas mejoras a los parques, proyectos viales, nuevas instalaciones públicas, proyectos de viviendas asequibles, vigilancia comunitaria y proyectos de tecnología junto con proyectos de prevención de inundaciones y sostenibilidad. Los residentes votarán sobre la implementación de cada elemento del bono propuesto durante las unas elecciones especiales el martes 1 de mayo.

El monto principal del bono propuesto no deberá exceder el límite de $120,000,000. El monto total de interés estimado durante el período de 30 años será aproximadamente de $132,217,000. Se propone una asignación de $10 millones para la adquisición y construcción de viviendas unifamiliares y multifamiliares asequibles. En lo que respecta a infraestructura y sostenibilidad, se proponen $31 millones para mejoras de las aceras, repavimentación de calles, paisajismo, iluminación, espacio verde, y proyectos de tránsito, alcantarillado y resiliencia. Se propone un total de $2 millones para mejoras tecnológicas dirigidas a la policía comunitaria, seguridad, equipo policial, servidores, Wi-Fi, cámaras de seguridad, radiodifusión y operaciones de emergencia. La administración de la ciudad propone la dedicación de $77 millones a instalaciones públicas y recreativas, incluidos un complejo gubernamental, construcción de garajes de estacionamiento, centros comunitarios, un nuevo complejo deportivo y otras mejoras del parque.

La ciudad debe solicitar la orientación del asesor legal de bonos y colaborar con los bancos suscriptores, y el personal de la ciudad para preparar los documentos legales y financieros necesarios para vender los bonos en el mercado de bonos municipales. Además, los proyectos deben proyectarse y prepararse para su desarrollo.

Con base en los comentarios de los residentes de North Miami y los administradores de la ciudad, el bono GO propuesto se centra en cuatro esferas: instalaciones públicas, infraestructura y sustentabilidad, mejoras tecnológicas y viviendas asequibles. La lista completa de posibles proyectos está disponible en línea en www.NoMiGObond.com. Todo proyecto debe presentarse ante el concejo municipal para su aprobación.

La ciudad celebró una serie de sesiones de opinión pública en noviembre y diciembre pasado, y sesiones de información pública en enero y febrero. La administración de la ciudad organizó todas las sesiones de opinión pública y de intercambio de información con el fin de obtener comentarios directos de los residentes sobre las mejoras deseadas en el vecindario y para brindar información actualizada al público sobre cómo sus opiniones le dieron forma a la propuesta del bono. Los proyectos fueron seleccionados en base a las recomendaciones del personal, la opinión pública recibida durante varias reuniones de la asamblea comunitaria y la aprobación del consejo municipal.

Los ingresos de los bonos no se pueden utilizar para pagar los costos operativos cotidianos. Los ingresos solo se pueden utilizar en los proyectos aprobados indicados en las preguntas del referéndum de bonos.

El bono no puede exceder de 30 años a partir de la fecha de emisión.

Se anticipa que las ganancias generadas por el bono se emitirán en 4 tramos (o desembolsos) a lo largo de 8 años.

Si los residentes de North Miami votan para aprobar el bono propuesto, la administración de la ciudad establecerá un comité de supervisión de bonos compuesto por residentes, personal y funcionarios electos de North Miami. El comité de supervisión controlará y revisará la implementación del bono apoyando aún más los esfuerzos de la ciudad por lograr transparencia. El comité estará compuesto por residentes y profesionales de North Miami que tengan la experiencia pertinente requerida en finanzas municipales, ingeniería, construcción, arquitectura, etc.

Esperamos que la primera ola de proyectos inicie dentro de 12 meses.

Este referéndum de votantes le dará a la ciudad la aprobación legal necesaria para usar los impuestos ad valorem generados por el proyecto Sole Mia en proyectos de bonos.

Si se aprueba, todos los propietarios de North Miami recibirán una tasación ad valorem adicional suficiente para pagar la deuda.

Yon “Prè obligatwa Jeneral (ann anglè “General Obligation” oswa GO) se yon mwayen pou apiye dèt nan zafè finansye sou evalyasyon enpo “ad valorem.” Enpo saa “ad valorem” se sa ke trè souvan yo refere a enpo lokatif oswa taks sou pwopriyete. Votè yo dwe apwouve yon GO Bond prè anvan yo kòmanse aplike li.

Vizite GO Bond Calculator kote w ap kapab fè kalkil la, gras a yon zouti ki rele “GO Bond Debt Service Millage Calculation” nan seksyon “Dokiman Finansye” an ("Financial Documents”). Opsyon sa a pèmèt ou wè epi kalkile ki valè yon pwopriyete genyen daprè evalyasyon yo te fè, ak kantite lajan enpo pou yo peye sou pwopriyete sa a chak ane. Sit entènèt lan ofri de kalite kalkilatris pou obligasyon an. Premye kalkilatris la jwenn konbyen li koute an mwayèn pa ane, baze sou valè kay la ak kantite enpo yo peye sou kay la. Apre ke pwojè a fini SoLe Mia, nou atann aske montan an vin desann pou chak kay. Dezyèm kalkilatris la montre kantite lajan yo panse moun pral ekonomize gras a kantite lajan pwojè Sole Mia pral pèmèt yo ekonomize. Enfòmasyon finansye yo afiche sou sit entènèt la baze sou estimasyon ak sipozisyon. Kou reyèl yo, kalkil enterè ak evalyasyon konsomasyon yo pap final toutotan yo poko evalye ofisyèlman pasaj dèt la ak montan enpo yo lan.

Objektif GO Bond Vil North Miami pwopoze an se pou finanse diferan pwojè reparasyon kapital, sa ki gen ladan reparasyon pak, pwojè wout, nouvo etablisman piblik, pwojè lojman abòdab, pwojè pou kenbe lòd nan kominote a ak pwojè teknoloji, ansanm ak prevansyon inondasyon ak pwojè dirabilite. Rezidan yo pral vote sou aplikasyon chak eleman ki nan obligasyon prè an nan yon eleksyon espesyal ki ap fèt nan dat madi 1ye me.

Kantite lajan ki pwopoze pou Prè Obligatwa pa ta dwe depase $120,000,000. Montan total la, ak enterè, sou yon delè de 30 ane, pral apeprè $132,217,000. Yo pwopoze 10 milyon dola pou akizisyon ak konstriksyon lojman abòdab pou yon sèl oswa pou plizyè fanmi. Pou enfrastrikti ak dirabilite, yo pwopoze 31 milyon dola pou repare twotwa, ranje lari a, epi pou jaden, ekleraj, espas vèt, transpò piblik, pwojè drenaj ak rezistans. Yo pwopoze yon total 2 milyon dola pou amelyorasyon teknolojik ki konsantre sou kenbe lòd nan kominote an, sekirite, ekipman lapolis, sèvè, Wi-Fi, kamera sekirite, difizyon ak operasyon ijans. Administrasyon Vil la pwopoze 77 milyon dola pou konsantre sou etablisman piblik ak lwazi, ki gen ladan yon konplèks gouvènman an, konstriksyon garaj, sant kominotè, yon nouvo konplèks jimnastik ak lòt reparasyon nan pak yo.

Vil la ta dwe jwenn direktiv nan men konsèy legal obligasyon an, epi kolabore avèk bank souskripsyon yo, ansanm ak anplwaye Vil la, pou prepare dokiman legal ak finansye ki nesesè pou vann obligasyon yo sou mache obligasyon minisipal la. Anplis de sa, yo ta dwe konsevwa ak prepare pwojè yo pou yo kapab bati.

Baze sou repons rezidan North Miami ak Administratè Vil yo bay, obligasyon GO yo pwopoze an gen kat domèn konsantrasyon: Etablisman Piblik, Enfrastrikti ak Dirabilite, Amelyorasyon nan zafe Teknoloji ak Lojman Abòdab. Yon lis konplè pwojè posib yo disponib sou Entènèt sou www.NoMiGObond.com. Yo dwe prezante chak pwojè devan Konsèy Vil la pou yo apwouve li.

Vil la te òganize yon seri sesyon pou opinyon piblik an novanm ak desanm pase, ansnam avèk sesyon enfòmasyon piblik nan mwa Janvye ak Fevriye. Tout sesyon opinyon piblik ak pataj enfòmasyon yo, se Administrasyon Vil la ki te òganize yo, pou garanti repons dirèk nan men rezidan yo konsènan reparasyon ki pou fèt nan katye yo epi esplike piblik la kijan opinyon yo te gide obligasyon yo pwopoze an. Pwojè yo te chwazi yo, te baze sou rekòmandasyon anplwaye yo, opinyon piblik la te bay pandan plizyè reyinyon nan meri an, ak apwobasyon konsèy vil la.

Lajan pou Prè Obligatwa Jeneral la pa kapab sèvi pou peye frè operasyon detoulèjou. Yo kapab senpleman sèvi ak lajan an pou pwojè yo apwouve e ki endike nan kesyon referandòm obligasyon yo.

Obligasyon an pa pral depase 30 ane apati dat yo apwove’l la.

Yo atann aske yo apwouve montan obligasyon an an 4 tranch (oswa tiraj) sou 8 lane.

Si rezidan North Miami vote pou obligasyon yo pwopoze a pase, Administrasyon Vil la pral etabli yon Komite Sipèvizyon Prè Obligatwa Jeneral (Bond Oversight Committee) k ap gen ladan rezidan North Miami, anplwaye Vil la, ak otorite eli yo. Komite sipèvizyon an pral kontwole ak revize egzekisyon obligasyon an, pou kore efò Vil la ap fè pou kenbe transparans. Komite an pral gen ladan rezidan North Miami ak pwofesyonèl ki gen kalite eksperyans ki nesesè nan domèn finansman minisipal, enjenye, konstriksyon, achitekti, elatriye.

Nou espere premye seri pwojè yo va kòmanse nan anviwon 12 mwa.

Referandòm elektè an pral bay Vil la otorizasyon legal yo egzije pou itilize enpo “ad valorem” ki soti nan pwojè Sole Mia pou pwojè obligasyon yo.

Si yo apwouve li, tout mèt kay nan North Miami ap resevwa yon evalyasyon enpo “ad valorem” adisyonèl ki ase pou peye dèt la.

Hurricane conditions (winds of over 74 miles per hour) are possible within the designated area for which the watch is issued within 48 hours. Residents are advised to put their hurricane plan into action and secure your home and hurricane supplies during this time. Gas up motor vehicles and get cash. Stay tuned to local media for advisories on the latest forecast. Local media includes television news media (local ABC, CBS, NBC, or Fox affiliates), news talk radio (such as WIOD 610 am).

A tropical weather system characterized by constant circulation of maximum sustained winds of 74 miles per hour (mph) or higher that is usually accompanied by rain, thunder, lightning, and possibly tornadoes. Sustained winds are continuously blowing at a certain speed (as opposed to wind gusts, which can be higher. Hurricanes are classified into five categories, which range from category 1 (winds of 74 mph) to category 5 (winds of 155 mph and over.).

Carefully review your Notice of Violation and take corrective actions. Contact the Code Compliance Officer who issued the notice of violation with questions about achieving compliance. The name and contact information of the officer issuing the violation will be listed on the notice you received, as will a North Miami’s Directory of Code Compliance Officers.

If you are making good faith efforts to bring your violations into compliance, but need more time to achieve full compliance, please call or email the Code Compliance Officer listed on your notice of violation to describe your efforts, update the inspector on progress to date, and request more time.

Please contact the Code Compliance Officer for your area or the Lead Code Officer by calling our office 305-895-9832.

A power of attorney is a legal document delegating authority from one person to another. In the document, the maker of the power of attorney (the “principal”) grants the right to act on the maker’s behalf as that person’s agent. What authority is granted depends on the specific language of the power of attorney. A person giving a power of attorney may make it very broad or may limit it to certain specific acts.

A power of attorney may be used to give another the right to sell a car, home or other property. A power of attorney might be used to allow another to access bank accounts, sign a contract, make health care decisions, handle financial transactions or sign legal documents for the principal. A power of attorney may give others the right to do almost any legal act that the maker of the power of attorney could do, including the ability to create trusts and make gifts

A power of attorney is an important and powerful legal document, as it is authority for someone to act in someone else’s legal capacity. It should be drawn by a lawyer to meet the person’s specific circumstances. Pre-printed forms may fail to provide the protection desired.

A power of attorney must be signed by the principal and by two witnesses to the principal’s signature, and a notary must acknowledge the principal’s signature for the power of attorney to be properly executed and valid under Florida law. There are exceptions for military powers of attorney and for powers of attorney created under the laws of another state.

The “principal” is the maker of the power of attorney – the person who is delegating authority to another. This is the person who is allowing someone else to act on his or her behalf.

The “agent” is the recipient of the power of attorney – the party who is given the power to act on behalf of the principal. The agent is sometimes referred to as an “attorney-in-fact.” The term “attorney-in-fact” does not mean the person is a lawyer.

As used in this pamphlet, a “third party” is a person or institution with whom the agent has dealings on behalf of the principal. Examples include a bank, a doctor, the buyer of property that the agent is selling for the principal, a broker, or anyone else with whom the agent must deal on behalf of the principal.

When a homeowner defaults, and it's confirmed that the property is vacant, they must complete the registration process.

The registration fee is $300 per vacant residential building.

Abandoned real property can be registered by going to Hera Registry.

If at any time during the twelve‐month registration period the residential building becomes occupied, the owner must update their Application with Hera Registry and follow the applicable measures with Hera Registry to ensure deregistration.

The North Miami Alarm Ordinance defines a false alarm as: “The activation of an alarm system through mechanical or electronic failure, malfunction, improper installation, or the negligence of the alarm user, his/her employees or agents, and signals activated to summon law enforcement personnel unless law enforcement response was canceled by the alarm company before law enforcement personnel arrive at the alarm location.”

Everyone operating an alarm system inside the City limits is required to register their alarm systems.

Please complete the online registration form at www.crywolfservices.com/northmiamifl.

You may also contact the North Miami False Alarm Program at 877-665-2987, Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

You may also pay the registration fee online at this website using your account number and password. Payment may also be made out to the North Miami False Alarm Reduction Program and mailed to: 

North Miami False Alarm Reduction Program
PO Box 864764
Orlando, FL 32886-4764

The cost for an alarm permit is $25.00.

• Garbage Collection Service -  Twice weekly
• Recycling Service - Once weekly
• Bulk Trash Collection Service – Collection of up to 8 cubic yards once weekly

All City of North Miami households and businesses are provided a City approved trash container. North Miami houses also receive a recycling container. At residences, only City-approved containers are allowed for disposal of trash and recycling. For North Miami businesses interested in recycling service, contact Waste Pro at 305-651-7011.

Place your trash or recycling container at the curb 24-hours before your scheduled day of pick-up. Remove your trash or recycling container from the curb once it has been serviced. Containers left curbside more than 24-hours after scheduled service are subject to citation by the Code Compliance Department. 

Never rely on previous collection times to place containers at the curb. Routes are not always serviced by the same driver or in the same order. 

Sec. 9-15. - Location of dumpsters, garbage containers, and garbage cans.

Place containers within four feet of the curb with the handle facing your home. Place your container at least four feet away from other containers, bulk piles, mailboxes, low hanging wires or trees.

To avoid damage to the sanitation trucks or personal property, please follow these simple guidelines:

• Bag all household garbage and place in the dark green container.
• Make sure lids a properly closed before service.
• Do not place any items on the top of the containers for service.
• Bag all small loose items and leaves and place inside the container to be serviced.
• Do not place any hazardous materials inside trash containers. Containers with hazardous waste will not be serviced and are subject to a citation from the Code Compliance Department.

Yes. You can place up to 8 cubic yards of large items at the curb 24-hours before your regularly scheduled bulk trash collection day. Bulk trash piles exceeding the 8 cubic yard size limit can be collected at a cost of $15.00 for each cubic yard over the allotted pile size.

To report a damaged, lost or stolen container, call the City of North Miami Sanitation Division at 305-895-9832 to request replacement or repair.

Christmas Day, December 25th is the only holiday that Waste Pro does not provide sanitation services. Sanitation services will resume on your next scheduled day. For more information, please call us at 305-895-9832 or email us at sanitation@northmiamifl.gov.

• Garbage Collection Service - Twice weekly 
• Recycling Service - Once weekly 
• Bulk Trash Collection Service – Collection of up to 8 cubic yards once weekly

All City of North Miami single-family and small multi-family residences are provided with City-approved carts:

• Dark green for household garbage
• Olive green for recycling

Only these approved containers may be used. Additional carts or replacements incur monthly fees outlined in the guide.

• Place carts on the curbside no earlier than 24 hours before your scheduled pick-up day.
• Remove carts within 24 hours after service to avoid citations.
• Position containers within 4 feet of the curb, with handles facing your home, and at least 4 feet away from other objects.

Sec. 9-15 - Location of dumpsters, garbage containers, and garbage cans.

• Bag all household garbage before placing it in the dark green cart.
• For recycling, empty bottles and remove caps before placing items in the olive-green cart.
• Ensure lids close fully and arrows on recycling carts point toward the street.
• Do not place hazardous materials, loose branches, or bulky items in these carts.

• Accepted: Paper, glass, aluminum/steel/tin cans, plastics (rigid only).
• Prohibited: Extension cords, hangers, plastic bags, Styrofoam, pizza boxes, food-soiled paper, toys, and electronics.

For more information, visit NorthMiamiFL.gov/Sanitation.

• Up to 8 cubic yards per collection.
• Allowed: Appliances, furniture, mattresses, yard waste trimmed by the property owner.
• Prohibited: Construction debris (lumber, drywall), hazardous waste, tires, contractor-generated tree trimmings.

For more information, visit Bulk Collection Items.

Multiply length × width × height (in feet) then divides by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards.

For more information, please visit Sanitation Division.

Visit www.northmiamifl.gov/Sanitation or call 305-895-9832 (Neighborhood Services) to report missed pick-ups, request cart replacements, or report service issues.

Enroll in NoMi Alert (the City’s Emergency Alert and Community Notification Program) via the city website to receive updates on service changes, severe weather, and other community news.

• Do not place carts or bulk items curbside once a tropical storm watch or hurricane warning is issued.
• Secure or store carts away from high winds.
• Use sealed garbage bags for household waste until normal service resumes.

For more information visit Hurricane Preparedness - Sanitation Tips.

Waste Pro does not collect on Christmas Day (December 25). All other holidays follow the regular schedule; missed collections are made on the next scheduled day.

Effective October 2024:

• Single-Family Monthly Sanitation Rate: $32.11
• Monthly Administrative Fee: $15.71
• Total: $47.82

Call 305-895-9832 to request a replacement or repair. Fees apply per container size as listed in the guide.

• Neighborhood Services Department: 305-895-9832
• Waste Pro Customer Service: 305-651-7011

The City of North Miami always strives to maintain access to businesses and residences. However, there are occasions when it is necessary to close a driveway to perform project-related work temporarily. Whenever required, the project team makes every effort to coordinate with the property owner in advance to minimize impacts.

City contractors must repair or restore private property destroyed during construction. If there is a corporate representative on site, ask for the superintendent. Inform them of your claim, and they will provide you with insurance provider contact information. If you cannot find the contracting team member, email the Public Works Office. If so, the project manager will connect you with the right contractor representative. If this is private construction, the City cannot mediate. You'll need to contact the relevant contractor representative to process your claim properly.

Residents can request that a particular street or streets within a neighborhood be inspected for improvements. You can email the Public Works Department to address your concerns.

The Capital Improvement Project is funded by debt, general operating funds, utility funds, grants, and other modest resources.

External agencies involved in active construction projects within the City of North Miami include the state, the county, and utility companies that provide services to our community and maintain some of our roadways. 

Our Partner Agencies Include: 

Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Projects

Florida Department of Transportation District Six (FDOT)

Miami-Dade County Transportation and Public Works

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

South Florida Water Management District

TECO Peoples Gas

Florida Power and Light

Zoom in on the interactive map to see projects in each area and their funding sources and planned costs.

You can email Whitney Padote, our Capital Project Manager with any questions or concerns you may have about the construction projects.

Water service lines are underground pipes that connect private properties to the City’s water main and deliver water to customers. The City of North Miami owns the portion of the water service line from the water main to the property line, and the property owners own the portion of the water service line from their property line to their tap.

A lead service line is a water service line that is completely or partially made of lead components, such as the pipes that connect to your house, lead solder (commonly used to connect copper piping) and brass fixtures on water meters, faucets, valves and fittings. A lead service line may be owned by the water system, owned by the property owner or both.

In 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised the Lead & Copper Rule, which is a series of regulations to protect public health by reducing the potential for lead exposure through drinking water. The revisions added new protective measures to reduce lead exposure from the nation’s public water systems and from plumbing in private homes and businesses. Part of these protective measures requires community water suppliers to conduct an inventory of their water service lines by October 16, 2024.

Lead is not found in the drinking water that leaves the city’s water treatment facilities, but it can, although rarely, leach into water from lead service lines and connections, or from household pluming materials, that contain lead. The EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act of 1986 prohibited the use of pipe, solder, and flux that were not “lead-free” and directed states to enforce this provision through state or local plumbing codes. Florida implemented this provision in the Florida Administrative Code on January 18, 1989, with a two-year implementation period. As a result, homes built in Florida in or after 1991 are far less likely to have lead pipes or lead solder, but there is a possibility that lead service lines or connections remain in some portions of the water system.

There are a few options:

• Contact a licensed plumber to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main (called a service line) is made of lead.
• Perform a Materials Verification Test on your water service line where it connects to the water meter. The city has prepared an instructional guide to help you do this. You can also use the EPA’s Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead online tool for a step-by-step guide to help identify lead pipes.
• Purchase a lead test kit at a hardware or home improvement store. Look for an EPA recognized kit.

Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The City water utility is responsible for providing high-quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. Customers who wish to have their water sampled can hire a private laboratory. For a list of laboratories approved for drinking water analysis, go to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) website and search under "NELAP Certified Laboratory Search." Depending on how many contaminants you wish to test for, a water test can cost from $15 to hundreds of dollars. The Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) can give you information on testing methods.

You should stop using the water immediately and find an alternate source of water until the issue is resolved. Contact a licensed plumber to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main is made from lead. EPA recommends you also contact your local water system and health department.

Learn about lead in drinking water and how to limit your exposure by visiting resources listed on NorthMiamiFL.gov/LCR. Some steps you can take at home include:

• Run your water to flush out lead. If water hasn’t been used in several hours, run water for thirty seconds to two minutes or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking. This flushes most of the lead-containing water from the pipes.
• Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Do not cook with or drink water from the hot water tap; lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Do not use water from the hot water tap to make baby formula.
• Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
• Look for alternative sources or treatment of water. You may want to consider purchasing a water filter or bottled water. Read the package to be sure the filter is approved to reduce lead or contact National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International at 800-NSF-MARK or www.nsf.org for information on performance standards for water filters. To help maximize water quality, be sure to maintain and replace a filter device in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Test your water for lead. If you think you may have elevated lead levels in your home drinking water, have it tested. For a list of laboratories approved for drinking water analysis, go to the FDEP website and search under "NELAP Certified Laboratory Search." Depending on how many contaminants you wish to test for, a water test can cost from $15 to hundreds of dollars. Call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 for more information.
• Get your child’s blood tested. If you are concerned about exposure to lead, contact your local health department or health care provider to find out how you can get your child tested.
• Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead-free,” may contribute to lead in your drinking water. The law currently establishes the definition for “lead-free” as the weighted average of 0.25% lead calculated across the wetted surfaces of a pipe, pipe fitting, plumbing fitting, and fixture and 0.2% lead for solder and flux. Visit the NSF International website at www.nsf.org to learn more about lead-containing plumbing fixtures.
• Learn about construction in your neighborhood. Be aware of any construction or maintenance work that could disturb your lead service line. Construction may cause more lead to be released from a lead service line.
• Clean your aerator. Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.
• Use your filter properly. If you use a filter, make sure you use a filter certified to remove lead. Read the directions to learn how to properly install and use your cartridge and when to replace it. EPA has developed a consumer tool to identify point-of-use drinking water filters certified to reduce lead at: EPA Tool for Identifying Point of Use (POU) Drinking Water Filters.

There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups, especially pregnant people, infants (both formula-fed and breastfed), and young children. Contact your health care provider for more information about your risks.

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems.

The City’s Water Utility strives to provide its customers with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water every day. Water is treated at the Norman Winson Water Treatment Plant at Sunkist Grove so that the highest quality drinking water is distributed to its customers. Quality Assurance testing is performed every hour by state-licensed water treatment operators to ensure that the water leaving the Norman Winson Water Treatment Plant meets and/or exceeds all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as the City’s quality standards. The ity also regularly monitors their drinking water supply for contaminants and publishes the latest water quality information in a Community Confidence Report (CCR), which can be found at NorthMiamiFL.gov/LCR.

Lead is a common metal found in the environment. Drinking water is one possible source of lead exposure. The main sources of lead exposure are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust or soil, and some plumbing materials. In addition, lead can be found in certain types of pottery, pewter, brass fixtures, food, and cosmetics. Other sources include exposure in the workplace from certain hobbies (lead can be carried on clothing or shoes). Lead is found in some toys, some playground equipment, and some children’s metal jewelry.

Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead-free”, may contribute lead to drinking water. The law currently establishes the definition for “lead-free” as the weighted average of 0.25% lead calculated across the wetted surfaces of a pipe, pipe fitting, plumbing fitting, and fixture and 0.2% lead for solder and flux.

The water pulled from the Biscayne Aquifer and provided by the City’s Water Utility does not contain lead. Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes [or service lines], faucets, and fixtures. When water is in contact for several hours with pipes or plumbing that contains lead, the lead may enter the drinking water. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have plumbing containing lead. New homes may also have lead; even “lead-free” plumbing may contain some lead. Among homes without lead service lines, the most common problem is with brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and plumbing with lead solder.

The service line replacement cost is very site specific but can range anywhere from $75 to $225 per foot of service line. The actual cost of replacement reflects a number of factors including the length of the service line (homes set further back from the road tend to pay higher amounts because they have longer lines), the technique used to install the new service line, the materials used, and the built environment where the service line is located.

Lead services lines on a customer’s property are the responsibility of the property owner to replace at their expense. The city strongly advises that you contact a licensed plumber for work on your service line. The city is working to complete an inventory of the water service lines and replace any remaining service lines with lead-containing materials up to the private property boundary within the next ten years.

For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit the EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/lead, visit the FDEP’s lead in drinking water website, or contact your health care provider.

No. North Miami Biological Waste (Dead Animals and Birds) does not capture or accept dogs. We work closely with Miami-Dade County Animal Services, which currently does not accept dogs due to overpopulation, unless the animal is aggressive or in distress.

Aggressive dogs are investigated by our officers and referred to the Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department.

North Miami supports the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) program along with Cat Solutions 305, which humanely manages cat colonies. If you see a feral cat, report it so it can be included in the Cat Solutions 305 TNVR program.

You can report suspected animal cruelty, neglect, or unsafe conditions to North Miami Biological Waste (Dead Animals and Birds) at 305-895-9832. Officers will investigate and take enforcement action as needed.

Yes. City ordinances limit the number of dogs and other domestic animals per household. Four (4) dogs (six months and older) are allowed for each residence. Except for feral cats, the keeping, harboring and maintaining of fowl, poultry, wild animals, farm animals, and more than four (4) pigeons or four (4) rabbits shall be strictly prohibited.

No. The keeping of fowl or poultry (including hens and roosters) is strictly prohibited.

Yes. All pets must have up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies, to ensure the safety of both the animal and the community.

Call North Miami Code Compliance Department at 305-895-9832. In emergencies, Miami-Dade Animal Services may also be contacted at 305-884-1101.

No. Nuisance wildlife concerns are referred to licensed trappers or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission resources.

If a pet is found roaming, owners may be subject to citations and fines. Pets should always be properly restrained or kept on your property.

This routine, preventative maintenance test will help identify leaks, defects and stormwater inflows in the sewer system. It is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to make sure our wastewater collection system is working properly.

Image Source: The City of Pearl, Mississippi

No. No one needs to be home during smoke testing.

Testing will be performed beginning Monday, February 9, 2026 through Friday, February 27, 2026.

Yes. The process is safe. The smoke used is non-toxic, non-staining, and odorless. A person, animal, or plant that comes in contact with testing material will not be in danger.

Should smoke enter your home or business, it will come from a plumbing fixture (toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, etc.). The smoke takes about five to ten minutes to dissipate.

During testing, smoke should not enter a home. However, if it does, this means the homeowner may have a potential plumbing problem on their property. The City recommends the homeowner calls a plumber at their convenience. Repairs made by the City will only occur in the public right-of-way.

If smoke does enter the building during testing, open windows and doors to increase ventilation. Note the location of the emission, exit the building and inform the testing crews. Smoke from the testing process should dissipate within a few minutes.

If you are unsure that the smoke is related to testing, please call 911.

Yes. It is a Miami-Dade County Environmental Resources Management (DERM) requirement to have this test performed for every review cycle (typically every 10 years).

Smoke testing is cost-effective and efficient when trying to identify potential concerns in our sewer systems. The City is required to submit an SSES evaluation (Smoke Testing) on or before November 12, 2026 of the entire gravity system, as required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER).

If the defect is found on private property, it is the obligation of the homeowner. If the defect is found in the Public Right of Way, the defect will be addressed by the City.