Miami-Dade Commission Approves County Budget

Miami-Dade residents will see more money directed toward public transportation, public safety and community services under the county’s newly adopted 2026-27 budget.

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners approved the fiscal year budget while keeping the county’s operating property tax rate flat. Homeowners, however, could still see higher tax bills if the taxable value of their property has increased.

The budget places a strong emphasis on public safety, public transportation and community services while also building county reserves.

Despite significant budget constraints, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava identified additional revenues and savings that allowed $12.5 million to be restored for early-morning service on 45 bus routes.

The funding is intended to protect service for residents who rely on public transportation before 6 a.m.

“After months of hard work and conversations with both our Board of County Commissioners and our residents, I’m so proud of what we have accomplished together,” Mayor Levine Cava said.

“We passed a balanced, fiscally responsible budget that lives within our means and protects the services you count on every day.”

The commission also accepted Mayor Levine Cava’s proposal to study the impacts of a possible transit fare increase.

County officials estimate an increase could generate approximately $10 million in recurring revenue that could help restore late-evening bus service and support the long-term financial stability of the transit system.

Transit fares have remained unchanged for more than 13 years.

The issue is expected to return for discussion at the commission’s Oct. 6 meeting, according to county information.

The budget also incorporates efficiencies identified through the mayor’s Wise305 initiative.

According to the county, those efforts have identified $121 million in savings since 2025, including the elimination of approximately 400 vacant positions.

County officials said the savings will help Miami-Dade continue providing essential services while managing increasing costs and slower revenue growth.

Public safety represents another major portion of the adopted budget.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office will receive more than $67 million in additional funding, bringing its total budget to approximately $1.2 billion.

Funding also extends across the county’s broader public safety system, including Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Corrections and Rehabilitation, Emergency Management, the court system, justice partners and violence-prevention programs.

“Keeping our community safe requires a sustained investment across our public safety ecosystem, which has been a priority for my administration since day one,” Mayor Levine Cava said.

“That responsibility is far greater than one agency. It extends to our dedicated firefighters, corrections officers and emergency management, as well as the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. We remain committed to working with MDSO and giving them the resources they need while protecting the County’s long-term financial stability.”

Environmental programs will also receive continued support.

The Environmentally Endangered Lands program will receive just over $20 million, allowing the Department of Environmental Resources Management to maintain environmentally sensitive lands already under county care while planning for additional acquisitions.

Community-based organizations and arts and cultural groups maintained their current funding levels, according to county information.

The adopted budget follows months of public meetings and budget discussions. The county held budget town halls throughout August before the commission conducted its first public budget hearing Sept. 3.

Commissioners adopted the final budget following the second public hearing Sept. 17.