When taxpayers in Miami-Dade open their wallets, a portion goes toward the salaries of elected officials: mayors, commissioners, and council members. A recent review by Miami New Times reveals just how much these public officials are earning, and the numbers vary across the county.
In Miami Gardens, where the population is predominantly Black, the mayor is paid $80,000 annually, and council members earn $40,000 each, along with additional stipends. In the City of Miami, the mayor earns approximately $97,000 per year, and each city commissioner is paid around $58,200. The city manager — an unelected but powerful position — earns over $470,000 annually.
Officials in both cities often receive additional allowances for cars, phones, travel, and other perks. In Hialeah, by comparison, the mayor earns $150,000, and council members make $52,000 annually, both figures are significantly higher than the median household income in the area, which in Hialeah is about $53,079. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, for context, the median household income in Miami Gardens is about $60,979, and $59,390 for the City of Miami.
In some municipalities, officials make next to nothing. In others, they earn six-figure salaries that rival private sector executives.
In Florida, financial transparency isn’t just encouraged—it’s required by law. State statutes mandate that all elected state and local public officers file financial disclosure forms, along with many appointed board members and certain employees with purchasing authority exceeding $35,000.
According to the Florida Commission on Ethics, the purpose of these disclosure requirements is clear: “Financial disclosure is required of public officials and employees because it enables the public to evaluate potential conflicts of interest, deters corruption, and increases public confidence in government.”
Understanding who gets paid with taxpayer dollars—and how much they receive—is about more than just numbers. It’s about ensuring accountability and making sure public funds are working for the people they’re meant to serve.
For Black communities across Miami-Dade, this information ensures that their elected leadership delivers on promises.
List of Salaries for Popular Cities in Miami-Dade County
Source: Miami New Times – “Here’s How Much Every Miami-Dade Elected Official Is Paid”
| City | Mayor’s Salary | Council / Commissioners Salary | Notes / Allowances |
| Hialeah | $150,000 + $40,000 expense account | Council members: $44,000 | Strong mayor system; no city manager |
| City of Miami | $97,000 | Commissioners: ~$58,200 | $2,500 expense + car, phone, travel perks |
| Miami Gardens | $80,000 | Council: $40,000 + stipends | Auto & phone stipends; mayor has travel budget |
| Aventura | $10,000 + $18,414 expense allowance | Commissioners: $7,500 + same allowance | Expense-based compensation model |
| Coral Gables | $70,980 | Commissioners: ~$67,000 | Includes car and expense allowances |
| Homestead | $6,000 + allowances | Council: ~$4,800 + auto & PR stipends | Additional benefits for travel, expenses |
| Doral | $80,690 | Council: $19,355 | Travel allowance + monthly stipends |
| Miami Lakes | $25,147 | Council: allowance-based only | No fixed salary for council; mayor has car allowance |
| North Miami | $89,880 | Council & elected clerk: $77,910 | Includes car and cell phone stipends |
| North Miami Beach | $89,880 | Council: $77,910 | Same levels as North Miami |
| Opa-locka | $6,600 | Vice mayor & commissioners: $6,600 | Very limited stipends; no major perks |
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