For thousands of Miami Gardens residents and business owners, relief is finally on the way.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed House Bill 1451 into law, clearing the way for the elimination of a long-contested water surcharge that community leaders say unfairly increased water bills for customers in Miami Gardens for more than 15 years.
The legislation marks the latest chapter in a yearslong effort by residents, city officials, advocates and elected leaders who argued that Miami Gardens customers should not have to pay higher water costs simply because of where they live.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III, who previously served as mayor of Miami Gardens, called the bill’s passage a major victory for the community.
“For far too long, residents and businesses paid more for water service simply because of where they lived,” Gilbert said in a statement. “When I served as mayor of Miami Gardens, I made this issue a central part of a State of the City address and promised our residents that we would never stop fighting until this surcharge was eliminated.”
Gilbert credited State Rep. Felicia Robinson for keeping the issue alive through multiple legislative sessions.
“Representative Robinson never gave up on this fight,” Gilbert said. “For years, she championed this cause, kept attention focused on the issue, and fought for the residents affected by these charges.”
He also acknowledged the efforts of Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris, City Manager Cameron Benson, City Attorney Sonia Knight-Dickens, members of the City Council, former city administrations and residents who continued advocating for change.
“This victory belongs to an entire community that refused to quit,” Gilbert said.
Gilbert further thanked State Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera and State Sen. Jonathan Martin for advancing the legislation, as well as DeSantis for signing it into law.
Supporters say the measure will provide meaningful financial relief to families and businesses that have carried the added cost for years while also addressing concerns about fairness in utility rates.
The signing of HB 1451 closes one of Miami Gardens’ longest-running local policy battles and delivers a win that city leaders have pursued across multiple administrations, legislative sessions and advocacy campaigns.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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