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File ID: #19255
Resolution
Sponsored by: Commissioner Rolando Escalona
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING THE CITY
ATTORNEY TO ESTABLISH A MUNICIPAL PROSECUTION FUNCTION TO HANDLE
CERTAIN CITY OF MIAMI ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS; PROVIDING THAT SUCH
PROSECUTION SHALL PRIMARILY FOCUS ON QUALITY -OF -LIFE OFFENSES
WHICH ARE IN VIOLATION OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED, AND ARE OF A NON-VIOLENT NATURE; DIRECTING COORDINATION
WITH THE MIAMI-DADE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO ENSURE A
COLLABORATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY APPROACH TO PROSECUTION;
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO DETERMINE THE NECESSARY
RESOURCES; REQUIRING THE CITY ATTORNEY AND CITY MANAGER RETURN
TO THE CITY COMMISSION WITHIN NINETY (90) DAYS WITH ANY NECESSARY
IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATION, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY CODE
AND STAFFING AUTHORIZATIONS.
City of Miami
Legislation
Resolution
Enactment Number: R-26-0222
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
File Number: 19255 Final Action Date:5/14/2026
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING THE CITY
ATTORNEY TO ESTABLISH A MUNICIPAL PROSECUTION FUNCTION TO HANDLE
CERTAIN CITY OF MIAMI ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS; PROVIDING THAT SUCH
PROSECUTION SHALL PRIMARILY FOCUS ON QUALITY -OF -LIFE OFFENSES
WHICH ARE IN VIOLATION OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED, AND ARE OF A NON-VIOLENT NATURE; DIRECTING COORDINATION
WITH THE MIAMI-DADE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO ENSURE A
COLLABORATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY APPROACH TO PROSECUTION;
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO DETERMINE THE NECESSARY
RESOURCES; REQUIRING THE CITY ATTORNEY AND CITY MANAGER RETURN
TO THE CITY COMMISSION WITHIN NINETY (90) DAYS WITH ANY NECESSARY
IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATION, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY CODE
AND STAFFING AUTHORIZATIONS.
WHEREAS, Section 1-13 of the Code of the City of Miami, Florida, as amended ("City
Code"), provides penalties for violations of municipal ordinances which includes second degree
misdemeanors; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to applicable Florida Statutes, the Miami -Dade State Attorney's
Office has historically prosecuted certain municipal ordinance violations occurring within the City
of Miami ("City"); and
WHEREAS, the State Attorney's Office appropriately prioritizes the prosecution of
serious criminal matters and cases of countywide significance; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes that certain municipal ordinance violations, particularly
those affecting neighborhood quality of life, are best addressed through a localized and
dedicated enforcement approach; and
WHEREAS, such quality -of -life violations impact neighborhood conditions, public
spaces, and City assets; and
WHEREAS, establishing a municipal prosecution function within the City Attorney's
Office will complement the efforts of the Miami -Dade State Attorney's Office and promote more
consistent enforcement of City Ordinances; and
WHEREAS, Section 21 of the City Charter provides that the City Attorney shall serve as
the prosecuting authority for municipal matters and may be supported by such assistants as
authorized by the City Commission; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that enhancing enforcement of quality -of -life
violations will improve public safety, protect City resources, and maintain the cleanliness and
livability of the City's neighborhoods and public spaces;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution are
adopted by reference and incorporated as if fully set forth herein.
Section 2. The City Attorney is hereby directed to establish and implement a municipal
prosecution function to prosecute violations of the City Code, with a primary emphasis on
quality -of -life offenses involving non-violent offenses which are enforceable by municipal
ordinance.
Section 3. This municipal prosecution function is intended to complement and support
the work of the Miami -Dade State Attorney's Office by focusing on violations that are best
addressed at the local level and that directly impact neighborhood quality of life, public spaces,
and City assets.
Section 4. The City Attorney is directed to coordinate with the Miami -Dade State
Attorney's Office to ensure a collaborative approach, avoid duplication of efforts, and maintain a
clear and cooperative delineation of prosecutorial responsibilities.
Section 5. The City Manager is hereby directed to determine the resources necessary to
implement the municipal prosecution function, including the addition of up to two (2) additional
Assistant City Attorneys, as may be required.
Section 6. The City Attorney and the City Manager shall return to the City Commission
within ninety (90) days with any necessary implementing legislation, including amendments to
the City Code and staffing authorizations.
Section 7. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
rge
ng III, C ty ttor -y 6/29/2026