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Gasoline Price Signs
Miami-Dade County’s Gasoline Price Ordinance requires anyone selling motor vehicle fuels to display at least one sign stating the kinds of fuel available, minimum retail price per gallon to the nearest 1/10 of a cent and any conditions of sale.
If there is a price difference due to a condition of sale i.e., (full service or credit) a supplemental sign must be displayed on top of the fuel dispensing device in numerals not less than 3 in. in height, and ½ in. in width in contrasting colors.
Motorboat fueling establishments are required to post signs on pumps stating price per gallon in letters and numerals at least 6 in. in height and ¾ in. in width. Violations of the Gasoline Price Sign Ordinance (8A-4) may result in a fine of up to $200. Where there is evidence of repeat violations the fine can doubled.
The sign requirements are subject to municipal zoning ordinances and regulations. This ordinance is enforced in all areas of Miami-Dade County.
Schedule of Fees
Click here to view Consumer Services Department Fee Schedule. 
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Shopping Carts
On January 27, 2005, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 05-20 requiring warning notices regarding the removal of shopping carts to be affixed to shopping carts and posted on signs in parking areas.
What are the notice requirements for shopping carts?
The following notice shall be affixed to all shopping carts and shall be clearly legible in English, Spanish and Creole
WARNING
Any person who removes a shopping cart from the premises of the owner, or is in the possession of any shopping cart, shall be presumed to be in possession of stolen property and is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to one (1) year as provided by Sections 506.509 and 506.513 of the Florida Statutes.
Who is responsible for complying with the shopping cart notice requirements?
Every retail sales establishment that utilizes shopping carts in the operation of its business. Shopping cart is defined by Section 506.502(10), Florida Statutes, as a “basket mounted on wheels or a similar device which is generally used in a retail establishment by a customer for the purpose of transporting goods of any kind”.
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What are the notice requirements for signs in parking areas?
Clearly legible signs in English, Spanish and Creole must be posted at the entrance(s) and exit(s) of parking areas containing the same warning notice required to be affixed to shopping carts (see item #1 above). As an alternative, universal language signs designed to convey the warning required may be used.
Who is responsible for complying with parking area sign requirements?
Every owner of a stand-alone retail sales establishment that utilizes shopping carts or owner of a shopping center in which one or more of the retail sales establishments utilize shopping carts in the operation of its business.
When is the law effective?
The law became effective on May 27, 2005.
Are identification signs still required on shopping carts?
Yes. Every retail sales establishment that utilizes shopping carts in the operation of its business must also affix an identification sign with the name, address and phone number of the retail establishment on each shopping cart.
Who enforces the shopping cart and parking area signage requirements?
The Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department.
What is the penalty for violating these laws?
Violations of these laws carry a civil fine of $100 for each violation.
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Are there any exemptions to these requirements?
Yes. Any establishment that has either:
- constructed barriers to prevent the removal of shopping carts, while permitting full wheelchair ingress and egress by disabled persons; or
- attaches alarm mechanisms or other security devices to shopping carts to prevent their removal from the property of the retail sales establishment or shopping center may file a petition and filing fee with the Consumer Services Department requesting an exemption from the requirements of items #1, 3 and 6. Here is a copy of the petition form in english and spanish .
How much is the fee for filing an exemption petition?
The fee for an exemption petition involving one store location is $56 and each additional store location is $26. These fees are in effect through September 30, 2006. In subsequent years, the fees will increase by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index. This is a one-time fee for processing the exemption request, not an annual fee.
What is the County’s procedure for shopping carts found on public property?
The Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management will collect shopping carts found on public property and will notify the owner of the shopping cart as designated on the shopping cart’s identification sign. The owner of the shopping cart will have ten (10) days from receipt of notice to retrieve the cart. If the owner does not retrieve the cart within those ten (10) days or if the cart has no identification, Solid Waste Management will dispose of the cart.
What if my retail sales establishment does not to utilize shopping carts?
Owners of retail sales establishments that do not utilize shopping carts are automatically exempted from the requirements of these laws and do not need to file an exemption petition. Owners of shopping centers in which none of the retail sales establishments utilize shopping carts are also automatically exempted from the requirement to post signs in the parking area.Questions regarding these requirements should be directed to the Consumer Services Department’s Mediation Center at (305) 375-3677 or by e-mail at consumer@miamidade.gov.
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Tipping
The Tipping Ordinance prohibits any kind of discrimination in tipping at any food service establishment in Miami-Dade County.
Establishments covered by the ordinance include businesses in which tipping normally occurs, businesses which have a tipping policy, or businesses where tipping consists of having a “Tip Jar”; meaning take out counters where tips are accepted, or businesses where customers ordinarily leave their change after payment of the bill.
If a business falls under any of these categories, the establishment must post a notice stating the tipping policy and also post the Miami-Dade County law in English, Spanish, and Creole. Failure to properly post the required signage may result in a civil penalty of $500.00. Any business found guilty of discrimination in tipping will be subject to a civil penalty of $1,000.00.
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Tobacco Sales
The Board of County Commissioners has adopted a law relating to the sale, offer for sale, or display for sale of any tobacco product by means of self-service merchandising.
What does the law do?
It prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or display for sale of any tobacco product by means of self-service merchandising without vendor assistance. Cigarette machines are examples of self-service merchandising.
To whom does the law apply?
It applies to any person or business that operates a store, food service establishment, stand, booth, concession, or other place where tobacco products are sold. The law does NOT apply to businesses that prohibit access to the premises by persons under the age of eighteen (18).
What does “vender assisted” mean?
Vender-assisted means the customer has no access to tobacco products without the assistance of the vendor, store owner, or other employee.
What if my business has a tobacco self-service machine?
Tobacco products cannot be sold without the assistance of the vendor, store owner, or other store or business employee. A customer cannot purchase products directly from the machine without the assistance from an employee. Businesses may wish to contact the manufacturer or distributor of the self-service machine to determine if “locking” mechanisms are available.
What is the penalty for violating the law?
Violations of this law carry a civil fine of $500 for each violation and may be subject to additional sanctions.
Questions regarding this requirement should be directed to the Consumer Mediation Center at 305-375-3677.
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