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Miami-Dade County Home Rule Charter

In 1956, the Florida State Constitution was amended to make Miami-Dade County a home rule County. In other words, the citizens of Miami-Dade County were granted the power, within certain areas, to adopt their own rules for governing, with the Board of County Commissioners acting as our governing body. In 1957, the Miami-Dade County Home Rule Charter was adopted - essentially becoming the "constitution" for Miami-Dade County.

Review the latest version of the Miami-Dade County Home Rule Amendment and Charter PDF (as amended through November 3, 2020)

Previous Charter Review Task Forces

2017 Task Force meetings, agendas, minutes and other resources.

2017 Charter Review Task Force

2012 Task Force amendments, meetings, agendas, minutes and other resources.

2012 Charter Review Task Force

2007 Task Force recommendations, meetings, agendas, minutes and other resources.

2007 Charter Review Task Force

About the Home Rule Charter

The Home Rule Charter establishes the name of the County and the rules by which our County operates. It begins with a Citizens' Bill of Rights. There are sections that establish the power of the Board of County Commissioners, the Mayor and the County Manager. One article deals with the method for election of County Commissioners. Other parts detail the Administrative Organization and Procedure for the County, outline the powers of municipalities, initiative, referendum and recall, and other general provisions.

Charter Amendments
Changes may be made to the Charter only by the affirmative vote of the electorate. Amendments may be proposed and placed on the ballot either by the Board of County Commissioners or by petition of the citizens.

Charter Review
Section 9.08 of the Miami-Dade County Home Rule Charter requires that the Board of County Commissioners at least once in every five year period review the Charter and determine whether or not there is need for revisions.
 
On March 8, 2012, the Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution No.R-253-12  creating a Charter Review Task Force. This Charter Review Task Force allowed opportunity for public input and focused study of possible amendments to the Charter. The Task Force conducted a number of meetings, held public hearings, and conducted regional public meetings. The Task Force presented their written recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners at their July 17, 2012 meeting.
 
The previous Charter Review Task Force was created on April 24, 2007 with their final report presented to the Board of County Commissioners on January 29, 2008.