Hialeah Residents Demand Solutions for Boat Parking Restrictions

Several residents in Hialeah, many being long-standing Cuban community members, recently approached the City Council to voice their concerns over citations ordering them to remove their boats within 60 days, as reported by Univision 23.

Origin of the Dispute

The issue stems from Ordinance 2024-013, enacted in January 2024 under the leadership of former Mayor Esteban Bovo Jr., which restricts boat parking on properties classified as duplexes. A subsequent amendment on September 22 allowed townhouse owners to park their boats, yet duplex owners remain without a resolution.

Personal Stories from Affected Residents

Miguel, a resident since 1998, expressed his frustration, sharing that he has always kept his boat on his driveway without any complaints from neighbors. "I've lived in this house since 1998 and always had my boat there. It's not bothering anyone in the neighborhood," he stated.

He emphasized that the boat is not a luxury but a necessary part of his family's emotional well-being. "It helps keep the family together, relieves stress, and supports our mental health," he explained. "It felt terrible because the boat is like part of the family."

His neighbor, Juan Carlos, faced a similar predicament when he received a notice the following day. Unable to afford external storage for his $20,000 boat, he questioned in exasperation, "What am I supposed to do with the boat? Should I just put it at the bank's doorstep and say I can't pay the $20,000, so take your boat?"

Miguel Ángel Pita, who has resided in Palm Springs North for over 19 years, received his violation notice on September 15, despite previous attempts to comply with regulations under the former administration. In a previous council meeting, he pleaded with legislators, "All the sacrifice, all my efforts, all my work... I'm asking for mercy. Don't tell me you can't change the law you created."

Another neighbor, Joanki Peña, stated that he might have to sell his boat if he doesn't receive an exemption, having kept it on his property without issues for a decade. Eddy Dennis, another resident, pointed out the financial burden, stating he cannot afford off-site storage.

Stricter Enforcement Under New Leadership

Since Bryan Calvo became mayor in January 2026, the enforcement of this ordinance has intensified. By June, at least 122 warnings and 46 citations were issued against duplex and townhouse properties, according to records reviewed by the Miami Herald.

Mayor Calvo admitted that he had opposed the ordinance as a council member and sold his own boat to avoid penalties. "I was part of the council back then and voted against the ordinance. But I sold my boat after it passed because I didn't want to get fined," he confessed, as reported by El Nuevo Herald.

A resident summed up the sense of injustice felt by many: "It's unfair, isn't it? Just because you live in a duplex, you're told you can't have a boat without considering if there's actually space or not."

Costly and Uncertain Exemption Process

Following the September amendment, townhouse owners can apply for a pre-existing owner exemption with a fee of $150. For those who have already received violations, an individual exemption must be requested from the Planning and Zoning Division, costing between $750 and $1,000, with no guarantee of approval.