After more than 20 years of paying more for their water, Miami Gardens residents are finally getting a break—thanks to a new bill that’s now headed to the governor’s desk.
Florida lawmakers have passed HB 11, a bill that ends a 25% water surcharge the City of North Miami Beach has imposed on Miami Gardens residents for decades. The extra fee came despite the fact that North Miami Beach’s water utility extracts and treats its water from a plant located within Miami Gardens’ city limits.
Under HB 11, municipalities using a water or sewer plant located in a different city must now charge residents in that host city the same rate as they do their own residents. For Miami Gardens, this means fairer billing and long-awaited relief.
“This is more than just a legislative victory, it’s a moral one,” said Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert, III, in a press release. “This outcome wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless work of residents, advocates, and lawmakers who believed in fairness. I thank the sponsors, Senator Shevrin Jones, Rep. Felicia Robinson, and everyone who stood with us and supported the passage of this long overdue bill.”
HB 11 now awaits the governor’s signature to become law.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
Pingback: Political Pals Turned Rivals: Commissioner Gilbert Seeks to End $165k County Deal With Veteran Lobbyist Ron Book – Hy-Lo News