Building Miami Beach Together: The Essential Role of Residents in Improving our City

Miami Beach is a living, breathing entity that reflects the collective spirit and effort of its residents. It’s easy to assume that improvements will happen organically or solely through the efforts of local government. However, the reality is far more collaborative: a thriving city is built upon the active participation of every single resident. We are a community and the community’s progress hinges on our shared commitment to making it better. Every resident of Miami Beach has a responsibility to report issues that they see so that those issues can be addressed. Every resident of Miami Beach has a responsibility to communicate their ideas on how our city can be improved.

The Foundation: Essential Services and Resident Partnership

At the heart of a well-functioning city lies the local government’s responsibility to provide essential services, funded by our tax dollars. This includes the fundamental infrastructure that impacts our daily lives: smooth, pothole-free roads, efficient storm sewers that prevent flooding, and clean, inviting parks that foster community and recreation. These amenities not only elevate our quality of life but also serve as tangible indicators of responsible resource management.

While local governments employ various strategies to maintain these services, the most effective approach often involves a strong partnership with residents. While proactive measures like surveys offer a broad overview, the nuanced details and day-to-day issues are best identified by those who live and experience them firsthand. Residents are the eyes and ears of the community, and their willingness to report issues – from a neglected park bench to a broken sidewalk, to a dangerous pothole – is invaluable in ensuring that our city remains in top condition.

The Power of Citizen Complaints: Driving Transparency and Accountability

Citizen complaints are not merely grievances; they are vital feedback mechanisms that drive transparency, accountability, and ultimately, improved public services. They allow residents to voice concerns, offer valuable insights, and even actively participate in shaping local policies. By providing a platform for citizens to express their experiences, local governments can identify areas needing attention and make informed decisions that reflect the community’s needs.

The Collective Impact: Building a Better Future

Ultimately, improving our city is a collective endeavor. It requires the active participation of every resident, from reporting unmaintained properties to attending neighborhood association meetings. By embracing digital tools, fostering transparency, and valuing citizen feedback, we can create a more responsive and accountable local government. Together, we can build a city that we are all proud to call home.

Our city isn’t going to improve itself; we are a community, and the community relies on every single resident to participate in improving our city.

Citizen complaints play a pivotal role in local government administration, allowing residents to voice concerns, offer feedback, and sometimes even participate in decision-making processes. Efficiently managing and addressing these complaints fosters transparency, accountability, and improved public services.

The Importance of Complaining

Citizen complaints are an essential aspect of democratic governance, as they empower residents to actively participate in local affairs. Local governments must embrace modern technologies and best practices to streamline the complaint resolution process and create a more engaged citizenry.

You can help build a safer, thriving community. Finding ways to help your community is a great way to make friends and feel connected.

Here’s how you can report issues and contribute to a better Miami Beach:

1. Understand Your Civic Responsibility:
Civic responsibility is about actively participating in your community and working towards its betterment. This includes reporting issues, participating in local initiatives, and holding elected officials accountable. Engaging in civic duty can lead to a more just and equitable society and a better quality of life for everyone.

2. Report Issues to the City:

Code Compliance:

The Miami Beach Code Compliance Department is dedicated to protecting public health, safety, and welfare; improving the quality of life for our City’s residents, business owners, and visitors through education and the consistent and equitable application of the City’s Code of Laws and Ordinances.

The Miami Beach Code Compliance Department is responsible for maintaining the community’s quality of life by seeking compliance with certain provisions contained in the City of Miami Beach Code of Law and Ordinances. Our department routinely works with all residents, business owners, and visitors of the City and responds to requests for service. Code Compliance Officers ensure all requests are tracked and investigated individually in addition to ensuring the violations are corrected promptly.

The Department functions on an almost 24-hour basis with Code Compliance Officers on duty and available to respond to citizens’ concerns seven days a week.

The City Code regulates activities including, but not limited to businesses failing to obtain Business Tax Receipt, filing/paying Resort Tax, conducting business on public property, sidewalk cafés (conditions of permits); environmental issues and activities (styrofoam, beach glass, sea turtle, and litter); blocking the right of way, signs on public property and special events (failure to obtain a permit or violate permit conditions). The Code Compliance Department will take necessary actions to ensure residents, businesses, and visitors comply with the City Code regulations.

Issues that you should report by texting Code Compliance or using the Miami Beach Gov App:

Standing Water

Report standing water issues lasting 48 hours or more. For existing mosquito issues call 311.

Construction without a permit

Report construction without a permit.

Homeowners Services

Assistance to Homeowners with Building Department related questions.

Building General

Any other Building department questions or concerns.

Beach Maintenance

Report beach maintenance-related issues.

Fire Hazards

Report any fire hazards or fire code violations.

Flooding

Report flooding, stormwater, or drainage-related issues.

Graffiti on Public Property

A city-wide effort to remove graffiti from public places and high-trafficked corridors, inclusive of offensive graffiti, stickers, and promotional flyers.

Homeless Activity

Report any homeless-related issues.

Parking Enforcement

Report illegal parking activity that does not need immediate assistance. Examples include abandoned vehicles and construction parking complaints. Contact our 24/7 parking enforcement dispatch at 305.673.8285 for issues that need immediate attention.

Parking Maintenance

Report parking infrastructure issues related to parking signs, pay stations, painted parking lines, painted curbs, parking lots, parking garages, and other related parking maintenance issues.

Parks Maintenance

Report park maintenance issues.

Private Property Issues

To report private property issues, the name and address of the complainant is required per State Bill 60. Code Compliance cannot respond unless this information is provided within the request.

Report abandoned property, illegal dumping, or related issues.

Right-of-Way Landscape Issues

Report tree trimming, tree down, right-of-way landscape and irrigation maintenance issues, and other greenspace issues.

Rights of Way Maintenance

Report debris in right of way, street cleanliness, and other, garbage not picked up, related right of way maintenance.

Sewer and Water line Issues

Report sewer and water line-related issues.

Streets and Roadways Issues

Report potholes, sidewalk repairs, street lights, damaged or defaced signs, water main, water leak, water quality, gutter or valley gutter, sewer backup, broken concrete sidewalk, and broken pavers.

Transportation Issues

Report traffic signals, traffic lights, traffic signs, trolleys, or other transportation-related issues, as well as bicycle/pedestrian issues.

Noise complaints

To report a noise complaint call 305-604-CITY

Sanitation Division:

The Sanitation Division is responsible for the collection and disposal of residential garbage, trash, and refuse generated at municipal buildings; the residential recycling program; sanitation inspections; street sweeping on public right-of-ways and collection and disposal of litter from public litter bins. Collection and disposal services for residential garbage, as well as residential recycling, are provided by a private hauler contracted by the city. Mobile and manual street sweeping and litter control programs are provided by the city.

If you would like to report missed garbage or recycling pick-ups, overflowing litter cans, or leaking garbage trucks, please do so through the eGOV portal.

You may contact the Sanitation Division at 305.673.7616, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To receive assistance after-hours, please contact the city’s 24/7 Control Room at 305.673.7625.

For information related to waterway cleanup, please refer to the Environmental and Sustainability Department.

Download the App to report issues that you would like addressed:

The Miami Beach Gov App exemplifies how technology can bridge the gap between governments and citizens, fostering transparency, accountability, and community involvement. By implementing user-friendly interfaces, embracing anonymity, integrating GIS technology, and ensuring effective communication and data analysis, local governments can elevate their citizen complaint management and enhance civic engagement overall.

The City of Miami Beach at your fingertips. Download our free mobile app to report concerns, check current beach conditions, track the free citywide trolley, pay fees, stream MBTV live, stay current on city news and view a comprehensive calendar of meetings and events.

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/city-of-miami-beach-e-gov/id883739690?mt=8

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.miamibeachfl.mbegov

The Miami Beach Rising Above app is a great way to learn about our resilient, world-class city through self-guided tours. Learn about how Miami Beach adapts to a changing environment while highlighting the importance of its natural resources, vibrant arts, and unique culture.

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mbrisingabove/id1409679027?mt=8

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.toursphere.mbrisingabove

As of April 2025, You can Now Text Code Enforcement, Making It Easier to Report Violations!

Starting in April, residents will have a new, simple way to report neighborhood concerns—via text message.

Previously, complaints had to be submitted by phone, app, or in person. Now, with the launch of this text messaging system, you’ll be able to report concerns like illegal rentals, trash violations, and more—right from your phone, with no app or download required.

This system has been fully tested and finalized by our Code Compliance and IT Departments.

A citywide public awareness campaign is launching to help residents learn how to use it.

It’s designed to integrate with our current systems and keep response times quick and efficient.