On November 3, residents of Miami-Dade will head to the polls to vote on seven local referendums, which could potentially bring changes to county governance, commissioner salaries, candidacy requirements, and park advertising.
Voters will also determine whether to extend a tax for another four years to support educational staff salaries and school security measures.
These referendums will be presented to voters across the county, including those in Hialeah, Doral, and Westchester.
Understanding the Proposals
Six of the questions pertain to amendments to the Miami-Dade Home Rule Charter, with the seventh being a school board referendum. According to a report by Diario Las Américas, each proposal will be voted on independently.
While some measures focus on the operation of local institutions, others could directly impact homeowners, public schools, and park users.
Commissioner Salaries: Independent Panel Proposal
A significant proposal involves forming an independent five-member commission to set and review the salaries of Miami-Dade commissioners, currently fixed at $6,000 annually. The amendment would allow an external panel to determine new compensation based on job responsibilities, comparable jurisdictions, inflation, benefits, and the county's financial condition.
Commission members would be appointed through a predetermined process involving various authorities and institutions. The salary decisions made by this panel would be final and immune to modification by the Board of Commissioners itself.
The measure does not specify an exact salary but sets a cap linked to the state salary formula, roughly $127,779 annually for counties with over a million residents for 2026-2027.
If the "Yes" vote prevails: An independent commission will be established to set and review commissioner salaries within the specified limits.
If the "No" vote prevails: Current salary provisions will remain unchanged.
Proponents believe higher compensation could enable individuals without substantial incomes to pursue these positions. However, concerns include the lack of a requirement for exclusive dedication or restrictions on maintaining other professional activities.
Residency Requirement for Candidates
The second proposal seeks to increase the minimum residency requirement for county commissioner candidates from six months to a year before the candidacy registration period begins.
If the "Yes" vote prevails: Candidates must demonstrate at least a year of residency in the district they wish to represent.
If the "No" vote prevails: The current six-month residency requirement will remain.
This change aims to strengthen candidates' ties to their communities but may limit participation from recent arrivals.
Special Elections for Vacant Positions
The third proposal suggests altering rules for special elections when a mayor or commissioner vacates their seat to seek another public office. The measure would allow certain special elections to coincide with already scheduled elections, potentially reducing costs and increasing voter participation.
If the "Yes" vote prevails: The county could synchronize specific special elections with other electoral dates under the amendment's conditions.
If the "No" vote prevails: Existing rules for filling vacancies and organizing elections will remain.
While this could lower electoral expenses and enhance participation, there is concern that aligning dates might extend the period a community goes without an elected representative.
Updating Constitutional Offices Functions
The fourth proposal aims to update the county charter to reflect four constitutional offices elected by voters: sheriff, tax collector, property appraiser, and supervisor of elections. It also includes adjustments related to the administrative and budgetary responsibilities of the clerk of courts and county government.
If the "Yes" vote prevails: The charter will be updated to reflect these offices' functions, and new provisions regarding institutional responsibilities and candidate employees will be incorporated.
If the "No" vote prevails: The charter will remain unchanged.
Rejecting the proposal would not eliminate these offices, as their existence is independent of this referendum's approval.
Technical Changes: Names, Public Notices, and Citizen Participation
The fifth amendment includes various administrative and editorial changes to the county charter, such as updates to names, numbering adjustments, and provisions related to public notification and citizen participation mechanisms.
If the "Yes" vote prevails: Updates will be incorporated, and state-authorized notification mechanisms will be allowed.
If the "No" vote prevails: The current charter text will remain without the proposed changes.
Although many changes are technical, public notice rules are crucial as they dictate how residents receive information about meetings, official decisions, and participation opportunities.
Commercial Advertising in Parks
The sixth proposal addresses expanding commercial advertising opportunities in certain parks protected by Article 7 of the county charter. Currently, authorized ads are mainly linked to event or facility sponsorship, but the proposal would remove this condition to allow other advertising forms.
If the "Yes" vote prevails: Advertising unrelated to events or sponsorships will be permitted, provided it meets established conditions.
If the "No" vote prevails: Current advertising restrictions will continue.
Proponents argue it could generate additional revenue for park maintenance and improvements, while concerns focus on potential visual impact and lack of detailed limits on ad quantity or placement.
Renewal of School Tax
The seventh question, distinct from the others, seeks voter approval to renew an existing tax to fund educational staff salaries and security in Miami-Dade public schools, including charter schools.
The school board proposes maintaining a one-mill levy on the taxable value of properties, extending from July 1, 2027, to June 30, 2031.
If the "Yes" vote prevails: The tax will continue for 2027-2031, supporting educational objectives and supervision as outlined.
If the "No" vote prevails: The tax will not be renewed for this period, requiring the school district to address the loss of this revenue through budgetary decisions.
School leaders and education sector representatives support the measure, emphasizing its importance in attracting and retaining teachers and sustaining security measures.
However, the debate includes the tax's cost to property owners and the potential to fund these needs through other budget areas.
Impact of the School Tax on Homeowners
A one-mill levy equates to $1 per $1,000 of a property's taxable value annually.
For instance, a property with a taxable value of $200,000 would pay approximately $200 annually for this specific levy. If the taxable value were $300,000, the amount would be $300 per year.
These figures do not represent the total property tax bill. As this is an existing tax, approving the renewal does not automatically add $200 or $300 to what the homeowner currently pays. The referendum will decide if this funding source continues for the proposed four years.
Other Ballot Proposals
The seven Miami-Dade referendums should not be confused with other electoral matters also up for vote on November 3.
One such issue is the state Amendment 3, related to property tax exemptions and generating mixed opinions among Miami-Dade political leaders.
Additionally, Miami city residents will vote on a proposal for up to $450 million in bonds for police and fire facility projects—this is a municipal vote, not automatically applicable to all county residents. Hialeah, Doral, or Westchester voters, for example, will not vote on a proposal exclusive to Miami city just because they reside in Miami-Dade.
Key Dates and Ballot Review
The general election will occur on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with polling stations open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Early voting in Miami-Dade runs from October 19 to November 1.
Voters wishing to vote by mail should note the deadline to request a mail ballot is October 22 at 5:00 p.m., Miami time.
Voters can review the sample ballot for the November 3 general election and verify their voting information through the Miami-Dade Elections Department.
Reviewing the ballot before voting allows familiarity with the seven county questions as well as applicable state and municipal proposals.
Key Questions About Miami-Dade's November Referendums
What changes are proposed for commissioner salaries in Miami-Dade?
The proposal suggests forming an independent commission to determine and review the salaries of Miami-Dade commissioners, potentially increasing from the current $6,000 annually to a cap linked to the state salary formula.
How will the school tax renewal impact property owners in Miami-Dade?
Renewing the school tax means maintaining a one-mill levy, equating to $1 per $1,000 of taxable property value annually, funding educational staff salaries and school security from 2027 to 2031.
What are the implications of the proposed changes to special election rules?
If approved, the county could align certain special elections for vacant positions with other electoral dates, potentially reducing costs and increasing voter turnout, but possibly extending periods without elected representation.