Miami-Dade County Service Updates

In a continuing effort to manage the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, while protecting the health and safety of our pets and pet owners, Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department has made the following changes to available services and service schedules. Animal Services will continue offering some wellness services to the general public on a shortened schedule and with stringent capacity and safety rules in place.

To allow for timely service and reduce waiting times for the Wellness Clinic, appointments are highly encouraged.  You can schedule your appointment online or by calling 311.

Animal Services Hours of Operation

• Pet Adoption and Protection Center
  3599 NW 79 Avenue, Doral, FL 33122
  Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Closed on Sunday
• Wellness Center
  3599 NW 79 Avenue, Doral, FL 33122
  Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Closed on Sunday
• Satellite Adoption Center
  Petco
  6200 South Dixie Highway, South Miami
  Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Safety Precautions
The number of clients allowed in the facility at any one time will be strictly controlled. When arriving at the Pet Adoption and Protection Center, customers will be asked to sign in via a waitlist app and may be asked to wait in their vehicles until their turn in the queue. Customers should be prepared to have their temperature checked and must wear a mask at all times while on the facility grounds.

Available Services
The following programs at Animal Services are available with stringent capacity and safety rules in place:

• Adoptions: The adoption mall remains open with cats and dogs who are looking for loving, forever homes. Virtual adoptions are available to those who do not wish to come to the shelter. Visit the Adopt a Pet webpage for more information on how to adopt and to see adoption fees.
• Pet Vaccinations: Pet vaccinations and license renewals are available at the Wellness Clinic. Schedule your appointment online or by calling 311.
• Microchipping: Microchipping services are available at the Wellness Clinic. Schedule your appointment online or by calling 311. 
• Spay/Neuter Surgery: Miami-Dade residents can schedule appointments for spay or neuter surgeries for their pets at Animal Services' Homestead Community Spay and Neuter Clinic at Harris Field Park, 1034 NE 8th Street, Homestead. All public surgeries at the Pet Adoption and Protection Center in Doral have been suspended until further notice. To schedule your pet's appointment, call 311 or you can schedule the appointment online.
• Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR): You may bring outdoor free roaming cats to the Surrender Office for TNVR services at both the Doral Pet Adoption and Protection Center and the Homestead Community Spay and Neuter Clinic.
• Citations: Issuance of field citations has resumed, with the exception of rabies/license citations. The issuance of citations related to rabies vaccinations and license renewals remains temporarily suspended. Due dates relating to license renewals remain extended until further notice.
• Citation Disputes: Citation related concerns are being processed exclusively through the 311 Call Center. Please call 311 to update your pet account. In the event the pet is no longer with you, the associated citations will be closed. In-house citation resolution services remain suspended to protect our customers and staff.
• Owner-Requested Euthanasia and Disposal: Owner-requested euthanasia services and deceased animal disposal services remain available for residents.
• Humane Animal Response Team: Animal welfare officers continue to respond to high priority/emergency calls seven days a week such as:
  • Injured or suffering animals
  • Cruelty
  • Requests from police officers for assistance with animals
• Roadside Deceased Animal Pick-Up: Roadside deceased animal pick-up services also continue.
• Foster Program: Foster training is now available online. For information about Kitten Cuddlers, our newborn kitten foster program, email [email protected]. 

Suspended Services

• All public surgeries at the Pet Adoption and Protection Center in Doral have been suspended until further notice.
• Animal Services has temporarily suspended the issuance of civil violations notices associated with rabies vaccinations and license renewals. Due dates related to rabies vaccinations and licensing compliance have been extended until further notice.
• Animal Services volunteers are being asked to stay at home until further notice. Volunteers can still help the shelter's pets by fostering a dog or cat at home. Please email [email protected] to schedule a time to pick up a foster pet.
• We continue to ask residents to avoid surrendering pets unless absolutely necessary and ask anyone who finds friendly stray pets to consider fostering them. Visit the Animal Services website for tips on what to do if you find a lost pet.
• All in-person orientation and training sessions for new volunteers are suspended.
• Off-site adoptions events are suspended until further notice.

Senior community centers and adult day cares may reopen so long as safety guidelines are in place.

This is based on Executive Order 20-244 issued by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis regarding statewide business opening rules, and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez’s Emergency Order 30-20 signed on Saturday, Sept. 26.

• Submit new permit applications and plans or corrections to existing permit applications (Rework)
• Plan Review Services, Appointments, Meetings and List
• Cashier Services and Permit Issuance
• Temporary procedures for building code inspections, including instructions for virtual inspections
• Other permit-related services

• To provide for continuity of our services, the following procedures have been established for the submittal of email correspondence for inquiries, submittal of permit applications and submittal of other documents for DERM review directly to the respective program areas.
• Renewal of Environmental Operating Permits
  Due to the disruptions and economic impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on businesses in Miami-Dade County, the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources Management (RER) - Division of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) has extended the payment due dates for operating permit renewal fees until June 30, 2020. This extension of time only applies to DERM annual operating permits issued pursuant to Section 24-18 of the Miami-Dade County Code, specifically with expiration dates between March 14, 2020 and May 31, 2020. Permits affected by this extension only include the Industrial Waste (IW – 2,3,4,5), Potable Water Supply (PWO) and Domestic Wastewater (DWO) program permits. The provisions and conditions of the expiring permits covered under this extension will continue to remain in full force and in effect until June 30, 2020 or until the permit holder obtains a renewed permit, whichever occurs first. Questions about this extension can be sent to [email protected].

• Fire Engineering (Plans Review)
• New Construction
• Existing Buildings / Annual Operating Permits

• Permit Information

• Permit Information

• Courts will remain closed to in-person proceedings, with exceptions, in order to reduce person-to-person contact and potential transmission of COVID-19. Court proceedings that can take place remotely via telephone or video technology will continue to take place. Trials will resume in limited number following strict adherence to health and safety protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other health authorities.
• Watch a video explaining the steps the Miami-Dade Courts are taking to keep all trial participants safe
• Visit the Clerk of Courts for more information
• Get information about state courts
• All Foreclosure and Tax Deed sales are canceled until further notice. Monitor the Clerk's website for updates.
• The Central Marriage License Bureau is issuing marriage licenses on a limited basis by appointments only. Read more.

Virtual Court
To the extent possible, all court proceedings will continue to take place in "Virtual Courtrooms," where participants appear remotely via telephone or video technology.

Those with questions about how to access a future virtual court hearing should contact the office of the presiding judge. Read the judicial directory.

Trials
Trials will resume with in-person jury selection and in-person trial proceedings following strict safety protocols established by the CDC and other health experts with whom the Miami-Dade Courts consult regularly.

Due to the space limitations of our courthouses and the social distancing and other safety protocols required during the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be fewer trials conducted than in the past. In order to ensure social distancing and keep the number of people inside our courthouses to a minimum, only the trial participants will be permitted to enter the courthouses.

Jurors should present their jury summonses, and other trial participants should present their trial documentation to the security staff.

The following COVID-19 safety procedures will be enforced at all Miami-Dade court locations:

Social distancing required

• Persons must maintain six feet of social distancing from each other while waiting to enter the courthouse and during their stay in the courthouse. Markers on the floor throughout the courthouse will assist visitors with maintaining six feet of social distancing.

Health screening required, including temperature check

• Court security staff will conduct a health screening, including questions about symptoms and a required temperature check, to ensure that no one enters the courthouse when there is a likelihood that they have COVID-19. Persons who have a fever of 100.4 degrees or greater or who answer "yes" to two or more of the symptom questions shall not be allowed to enter the courthouse, and the presiding judge will be notified.
• If an individual declines the health screening, they will not be allowed into the courthouse and the presiding judge will be notified.

Face masks required

• Face masks shall be worn at all times, including during court proceedings, while on court premises. If someone does not have a face mask, courthouse security staff will provide one.
• If an individual declines to wear a mask, they will not be allowed into the courthouse and the presiding judge will be notified.

• The following Miami-Dade County cultural arts facilities remain closed but are offering virtual programming:
  • Adrienne Arsht Center
  • African Heritage Cultural Arts Center
  • Miami-Dade County Auditorium
  • South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center
• Visit Culture Shock Miami for a list of local locations streaming arts and culture tours and events.

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offices are open by appointment only. For a limited time, driver's license and motor vehicle services will be limited to customers who are unable to conduct their transactions online.

• See the list of locations and to make an appointment

Visit the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website for more information.

The Miami-Dade County Office of Film & Entertainment is issuing film permits on a limited case-by-case basis. For assistance, call 305-375-3288.

• Enforcement of non-critical violations is currently suspended
• Appeals of Civil Violation Notices are on hold until further notice

• All educational and outreach activities are currently suspended until further notice

• Call the Special Events Bureau at 786-331-4438 for information

• Call 786-331-4800 for information and assistance

• Continues to provide all available services. However, in-person visits are prohibited
• Personal meetings are not available. Email inquiries or teleconferences are possible
• Only electronic plan submittal and review is available at this time
• Inspectors will maintain social distance protocols during inspections; inspections will NOT be conducted virtually
• Customers can call 305-876-7904 or email [email protected] for more information and assistance

Payments to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue

• Payments for permitting should be made online on Miami-Dade Fire rescue's website
• In-person payments are accepted at Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Headquarters, 9300 NW 41 Street, Doral, Florida, on weekdays, excluding county holidays, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Customers visiting the building must have identification, wear a face covering and will be screened for symptoms to be admitted to the building

For questions, call Fire Prevention and Safety Manager Juan C. Fernandez at 786-331-4839, fax at 786-331-4801 or email [email protected].

• Annual limousine renewal which usually takes place in April has been postponed until further notice. In the meantime, companies will be allowed to operate with the current operating permit decal that expires on April 30, 2020.
• Vehicle inspections have been extended for 60 days and no enforcement action will be taken for expired inspection.
• Passenger Transportation Regulatory Division's inspection station facility and the main downtown office are closed until further notice.
• Drivers whose chauffeur registrations expire during this period will be allowed to operate with their current license.
• No late fees will be imposed for expired inspection or chauffeur registration.

All Head Start/Early Head Start locations are open.

Head Start/Early Head Start employees will continue to engage families, deliver services remotely and provide grab-and-go meals for enrolled children during the closure.

For up-to-date information regarding the Community Action and Human Services' Head Start/Early Head Start program, call 786-469-4622 or email [email protected]. 

• Library's Reopening Plan 
• Read the press release

All 50 library locations are providing outdoor walk-up services, Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Patrons can pre-order library materials and pick them up at their preferred branch when the materials are ready.

Library materials may be returned, but patrons have the option hold on to their library materials until further notice. There are no overdue fines and no late fees will be charged.

MDPLS appreciates your generosity, but please refrain from dropping off book donations at libraries at this time.

The online library remains always open and accessible from anywhere. A wealth of digital options are available to patrons for free with their library card, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, movies, music, online learning, tutoring and more.

Those who don't have a library card can apply for an eCard online at ecard.mdpls.org or through the MDPLS mobile app.

If you need assistance with your library card, library account or have any questions, the Miami-Dade Public Library System's Customer Care team is available by email at [email protected] Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. You may also call 305-375-2665 seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Many people rely on access to our to MDPLS Wi-Fi. As an alternative, Xfinity has opened its Wi-Fi public hotspots to everyone for free. Go to the Xfinity website and enter your ZIP Code to find a hotspot near you.

Free Face Masks
Miami-Dade County is providing free face masks at all 50 MDPLS locations. This initiative is aimed at helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19, ensuring that residents in need of masks have easy access to obtain them, and ensursing compliance with Emergency Order 20-20 (HTML | PDF), which requires that all persons in Miami-Dade County wear a mask or other facial covering when in public spaces both indoors and outdoors. The public is reminded that not wearing a mask is now a civil offense punishable with fines of up to $100.

Those who need a face mask can stop by any MDPLS location entrance to request and pick up masks, which will be available for as long as supplies last. Read a complete list of library locations and operating hours or call 305-375-2665.

Drive-Up Wi-Fi
Pull up to a marked Drive-Up Wi-Fi parking spot at participating MDPLS locations to use the library's free Wi-Fi from the comfort and safety of your vehicle.

The Drive-up Wi-Fi program is currently available at the following libraries:

• Allapattah Branch
• Coral Gables Branch
• Coral Reef Branch
• Country Walk Branch
• Edison Center Branch
• Fairlawn Branch
• Golden Glades Branch
• Hialeah Gardens Branch
• International Mall Branch
• Kendale Lakes Branch
• Kendall Branch
• Lemon City Branch
• Miami Beach Regional
• Naranja Branch
• North Shore Branch
• Palm Springs North Branch
• South Miami Branch
• Tamiami Branch
• West Flagler Branch

Assistance Applications and Pet Food Donations
Printed applications for State of Florida food, medical and temporary cash assistance, a collection point for pet food and supplies, and continued provision of printed unemployment benefits applications, is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week

• Employment Assistance
  Printed copies of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Reemployment Assistance Applications are available at participating library locations. 
• Learn more about employment assistance
• Pet Supply Donations
  MDPLS has also teamed up with the Miami-Dade Animal Services Department (ASD) to collect unopened pet food and unused supplies for pet owners who are having a hard time obtaining the resources they need for their pets. Residents can drop off donations in collection bins available at the 26 library locations. These donations will be distributed to pet owners in need in our community by ASD.
• DCF Forms
  Residents can pick up printed ACCESS Florida applications for the following Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) programs at the 26 library locations currently distributing printed copies of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Reemployment Assistance Applications:
  • Food Assistance (SNAP)
  • Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
  • Temporary Cash Assistance (TANF)

  All applications are available in English, Spanish and Creole. The applications are available at the 26 library locations from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

  The DCF applications can be returned by mail or fax, or dropped off at a DCF drop-box location or returned to a staff member at any of the 26 participating library locations, where MDPLS will securely transport them to one of the DCF drop-box locations. Instructions and more information can be found on the top page of the application.

In an abundance of caution, the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner Department has leased two refrigerated trailers to ensure it is prepared to help the community deal with whatever challenges this pandemic may bring.

The department is ready to provide contingency support to the medical and mortuary systems should the need arise.

• Garages will remain open during advertised business hours
• Gated garages will be open with gates in the "up" position allowing free flow of traffic
• Monthly customers who have paid in advance or are in payroll deduction will be credited. This credit will be applied for the month when fees are reinstated
• Payroll deduction for County employees will stop effective immediately, resuming when collection of fees are reinstated

Current CDC, Florida Department of Health and Miami-Dade County guidelines must be followed at Miami-Dade parks, marinas, beaches and other locations.

Read more about openings, rules and procedures at:

• Parks
• Beaches
• Boating and waterways
• Golf courses
• Swimming pools
• Trail Glades Range

More updates

• New venue rentals for park facilities will not be processed until further notice. Existing indoor venue rentals will be canceled.
• The Club Bar & Grill at Country Club of Miami is closed until further notice. Kitchens will remain open for pickup and delivery orders only at La Playa Grill at Homestead Bayfront Park; Black Point Ocean Grill at Black Point Marina; Parties by Pat at Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne; and Sports Grill at Palmetto Golf Course. The Mango Café at Redland Fruit & Spice Park is open for takeout.
• Arcola Lakes Senior Center is closed. Programs for seniors and Active Older Adults at 11 other facilities are canceled until further notice. Read the news release.
• Enjoy livestreamed and virtual activities on Parks' social media accounts. Read the news release for more information.

The Miami-Dade Police Department has temporarily suspended all eviction activities until further notice.

The following in-person services are temporarily suspended:

• Fingerprinting service
• Background/Clearance Letters
• Copies of police reports

Police District Station lobbies remain open to assist you and will continue the following functions/services:

• Criminal registrants
• Police reports (that do not conform to online or telephone reporting requirements)

• Seaboard Marine remains open - 305-863-4444
• South Florida Container Terminal - Operational hours vary - 305-347-3800
• Port of Miami Terminal Operating Company – Operational hours vary - 305-533-8100
• The Miami Tunnel will remain open daily from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. - 305-929-0560
• Cruise lines have voluntarily ceased sailings through Oct. 31, 2020
• PortMiami is waiving all lay berth fees for home-ported vessels that request to berth alongside the Port through Oct. 10, 2020. Read the news release.

• The Downtown Miami and the South Dade Government Center will be open to the public by appointment only. You may schedule a visit online today. Regular business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or you may call 305-375-4712 if you have any questions that do not require an in-person visit. Please note that masks are required to enter the building and body temperature will also be taken.
• If you have not filed for your Homestead Exemption or Portability, it is not too late. File your Homestead Exemption or Portability online.
• Field appraisal staff will be working remotely. Interaction with property owners will be limited, unless deemed necessary.

Service adjustments and updates for the Permitting and Inspection Center (PIC)

Get updates on all temporary permitting procedures from the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources.

• The Code Compliance Division in RER is actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation and taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of both our customers and employees. During this time, we understand that constituents of Miami-Dade County must primarily focus on taking the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and that of their families. Therefore, all enforcement actions, to include the issuance of warning notices, citations and lien notices, except those violations of the Code of Miami-Dade County that relate to violations of Miami-Dade County Emergency Orders or Executive Orders of the Office of the Governor concerning COVID-19 or matters concerning a threat to life safety, will be held in abeyance until June 1, 2020, at which time a review will be conducted dependent on the COVID-19 declaration of emergency. This timeframe may be extended further as deemed necessary. Residents may still contact the Code Compliance Division to report complaints or inquire on the status of existing enforcement cases. The Code Compliance Division will continue to document complaints reported and update cases as necessary. However, enforcement action will not take place until after June 1 or any further extension thereof, except for violations of the Code of Miami-Dade County that relate to violations of Miami-Dade County Emergency Orders or Executive Orders of the Office of the Governor relating to COVID-19 or matters concerning a threat to life safety. The role the Code Compliance Division plays in keeping connected with our constituents is incredibly important in times like these. We appreciate your continued trust as we manage through this time together.
• Code Compliance staff contact information while offices are closed:
  • Lien services: Call 786-315-2777 or email [email protected]
  • Building support (unsafe structures, work without permits, contractor enforcement): Call 786-315-2424 or email [email protected] or [email protected]
  • Neighborhood code compliance: Call 786-315-2552
  • Additional contact information

Consumer Protection

• The Office of Consumer Protection is closed for in-person business until further notice. Residents may file the following complaints online: consumer, wage theft and services provided by for-hire transportation companies or taxicabs. Complaints can also be filed by emailing documentation to [email protected]. For questions or assistance, call 786-469-2333.
  
  
• Licensing customers can email any questions [email protected] or call 786-479-8150. New license applications and renewals continue to be processed at this time. Applicants can submit their applications and supporting documentation through the mail to:
  
  Office of Consumer Protection

  Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources
  601 NW 1st Court, 18th Floor
  Miami, Florida  33136

• The Division of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) is strongly urging customers to avoid visiting their offices. It is best to contact staff at the following: general information: 305-372-6789 or [email protected]. Air Quality Management: 305-372-6925, [email protected] (for asbestos-related matters) or [email protected] (for permitting and compliance activities); Code Coordination and Public Hearings: 305-372-6764; Code Enforcement Section: 305-372-6902; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration: 305-372-6700 or [email protected]; Environmental Plan Review: 305-372-6899 (OTV), 305-492-2004 (Hialeah); Natural Resources Section (including Trees, Wetlands, Coastal and Water Control): 305-372-6681 or [email protected]; Pollution Regulation: 305-372-6600; Environmental Permitting Activities: [email protected]; Environmental Complaints (operating 24/7): 305-372-6955 or [email protected]; Storage Tank Inspections: schedule at 305-372-6521 and for questions regarding the requesting of construction inspections email [email protected]; Stormwater Utility Operations: 305-372-6688; Inspections and Complaints (Stormwater & Beaches): 305-372-6529; Water and Wastewater: 305-372-6920; Fats, Oils, and Grease Program: [email protected]; Wastewater Treatment Program: [email protected]; Potable Well Program: [email protected]; Private/Public Sanitary Sewer Program: [email protected]; FOG construction inspections can be scheduled as usual at [email protected]. For more, view their online services.

Planning

The Planning Division is closed for in-person business. For more information, call 305-375-2835 or email [email protected]. Customers may also use the self-service portal.

Zoning

A virtual meeting of the Plat Committee Meeting is scheduled every Friday at 9 a.m. This meeting will only be held virtually utilizing communications media technology made permissible pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Orders.

Interested parties may attend by:

• Registering in advance online for, and log on to, a Zoom webinar
• If you cannot attend online, register, and you will receive a dial-in number

Voice messages or emails read into the record shall not exceed two minutes. If you leave a voice message or email, include your name, address and the Plat Committee item you wish to address. If you have any questions or require additional information regarding the virtual meeting, call Raul Pino at 305-375-4354.

• Guidelines to submit Plat applications and corrections
• Guidelines to submit Paving & Drainage applications and corrections

• Application for Tentative Plat
• Application for Waiver of Plat
• Application for Final Plat *
• Application for Entrance Feature
• Application for Deco Wall
• Corrections to Tentative Plat
• Corrections to Waiver of Plat
• Correction to Deco Wall
• Correction to Municipal Entrance Features
• Extension of Time Relating to Tentative Plat
• Review of Tentative Plat New Owner
• Revision of Tentative Plat
• Revision to Waiver of Plat
• Revision to Deco Wall
• Revision to Municipal Entrance Features
• Paving and drainage plans
• Other submissions

Temporary Shelters

• The occupants of a residential property may use a recreational vehicle (RV) or other habitable vehicle as a temporary shelter during the COVID-19 State of Emergency and only after a Certificate of Use is obtained.
• A special permit must be obtained called a Temporary Certificate of Use (TCU).
• The length of time you can stay in the vehicle is during the State of Emergency.
• The types of vehicles are as follows:
• Recreational Vehicles
• Campers
• Travel Trailer
• Motor Home
• The cost of the TCU is $39.44.
• The vehicle must be located on the property and cannot encroach on the sidewalk, road or neighboring property.

The TCU application procedure to follow:

• Download the Certificate of Use application.
• Email the completed application and proof of residency to [email protected] or [email protected].
• Staff will review the application and contact the applicant when the application has been processed.
• Applicant will pay the TCU fee online.
• Once paid, staff will email the applicant the TCU.
• Applicant must display the TCU in or on the vehicle in a manner that it is visible from the outside of the vehicle.

Read the memo for complete details.

Meetings and Continuing Education

• All public workshops for plan review and inspections have been postponed until further notice.

Agricultural Manager

• The Agricultural Manager's office is closed for in-person business. Call 305-971-5091 or email [email protected].

Resilience

• The Office of Resilience is closed for in-person business. Call 786-719-9155 or email [email protected].

• In compliance with Miami-Dade County Emergency Order 20-20, all persons visiting the Department of Solid Waste Management’s Disposal Facilities, Neighborhood Trash and Recycling Centers and the Home Chemical Collections Centers are required to wear a facial covering or mask. Gloves are recommended but not required. 
• Please ensure all personal hygiene products, used tissues, paper towel, sanitary wipes, face masks, gloves, and similar items are bagged and then disposed of in your green garbage cart. Garbage bags should be tied securely for disposal.
• Curbside waste and recycling collection services are still being provided, as normal. Residents are reminded to place their carts at the curbside no later than 7 a.m. on their regular days of service. Due to a larger number of residents staying at home, waste and recycling collection drivers have noticed more vehicles than usual in front of many homes. Residents are reminded to place their carts at least five feet away from any vehicles, mailboxes, trees or plants, other carts, or other obstacles, so the automated waste collection trucks can safely service carts. Take-out plastic, foam and paper food containers as well as pizza boxes and plastic bags are not acceptable and should not be placed into the recycling cart.
• Mosquito control inspections will continue. Residents who have requested a mosquito inspection of their property are asked to provide access to the inspector and to remain indoors during the inspection.
• DSWM employees are practicing enhanced hygiene and social distancing procedures, such as wearing gloves and other personal protective equipment. Waste collection vehicles and other equipment used in the operation are being sanitized daily.
• Waste Enforcement Officers will limit person-to-person interactions with residents. They will use door hangers, provide callback numbers and/or email when necessary.
• Service requests for waste and recycling cart deliveries, exchanges and repairs continue to be addressed. Cart crews are also practicing enhanced hygiene and social distancing procedures while providing cart services at properties.
• All County disposal facilities, including the Trash and Recycling Centers, regional transfer stations, landfills and the Resources Recovery plant, are open and observing their normal hours of operation, seven days a week.
• The two Home Chemical Collection Centers also remain open and are observing their normal hours of operation, Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Patrons utilizing the Trash and Recycling Centers or Home Chemical Collection Centers must keep their vehicle's windows closed when entering the facilities. Attendants at the facilities are able to scan visitors’ Florida Driver's License or Identification Card through the vehicle's window glass. Patrons of the Home Chemical Collection Centers are asked to remain in their cars and open their trunks or door(s) as necessary for Center staff to remove home chemical items.
• While the Home Chemical Collection Centers remain open for service, the Chem-Again program is suspended until further notice. New or almost-new home chemical items will not be available for pickup at the County’s two Home Chemical Collection sites.

Permits and payments

Permit applicants are encouraged to refrain from visiting the DSWM’s main office and to submit all new and renewal applications for Landscaper, Tire and General Hauler permit applications using one of the following options:

• By email: [email protected]
• By mail to: Department of Solid Waste Management
  Permits Section
  2525 NW 62nd Street Suite 1200
  Miami, FL 33147

For permit-related questions or concerns, call 305-514-6610 from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please be advised that there are no staff members present in the Permit Section offices to assist customers, however, a drop-box is present in Suite 1200 of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Building (2525 NW 62nd St., Miami, FL 33147) if customers choose to drop off permit-related documents.

Customers that have received a bill for solid waste services (residential and commercial account waste collection fees, bulky waste bills and additional cart service fees) are asked to pay their bills online or send payment through the U.S. Mail to:

• Department of Solid Waste Management
  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Office Plaza
  2525 N.W. 62 Street, 5th Floor
  Miami, Florida 33147
  Attention: Accounting Division, Billing Unit

Permitted Landscapers that need to purchase coupons are asked to order coupons via the U.S. Mail. Coupon orders and payment* should be sent to:

• Department of Solid Waste Management
  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Office Plaza
  2525 N.W. 62 Street, 5th Floor
  Miami, Florida 33147
  Attention: Accounting Division, TRC Coupons

The price of a landscaper coupon is $25.23. *Please include $7.50 for postage and handling.

Taxpayers and customers are strongly encouraged to conduct any Tax Collector-related business online instead of visiting offices in person. This includes paying:

• Real estate property taxes
• Tangible personal property taxes
• Local business taxes
• Auto tag registrations and renewals via Renew Express and GoRenew

• Richard Gerstein Justice Building
  1351 NW 12th Street, Miami
• South Dade Government Center
  10710 SW 211th Street, Cutler Bay
• North Dade Justice Center
  15555 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami Beach
• Miami Gardens City Hall
  18605 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens
• Hialeah City Hall
  501 Palm Avenue, Hialeah

• Water service disconnections due to nonpayment are suspended. Read the news release
• Miami-Dade water continues to be safe to drink. It is not necessary to boil water. Read more about our safe water
• WASD is reopening its Douglas Road Customer Care Walk-in Center (3071 SW 38th Avenue) and the Opa-Locka Cashier's Office (780 Fisherman Street). Read the press release.
  
  • The Douglas Center's hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • The temporary site at the LeJeune Road location will be closing.
  • The cashier window will remain open at the Lejeune office, as well as at Douglas, to complete various financial transactions.
• WASD urges customers to conduct department-related business online or by phone at 305-665-7477, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Either way you will be able to register an account, view billing details, and making payments. Read the news release