Miami-Dade County Service Updates

• The adopter may start their search for a dog or cat by visiting petharbor.com to see all the pets currently at the shelter or with a foster family.
• If the pet is not currently at the shelter, but is staying in the home of a foster family, this pet may still be available for adoption. Please email the Miami-Dade Animal Services Foster Office at [email protected] with the pet's name and ID number so that the foster office can check on the pet's availability and help you begin the adoption process.
• Once the adopter has identified the pet they are interested in, they may email [email protected] with the subject line "virtual adoption" and the name and ID number of the pet.
• An adoption counselor will answer their questions about that pet. Animal Services can even set up a Skype video call with the pet!
• Once the adopter is ready to adopt, Animal Services will email the adoption contract to fill out. With all the paperwork done virtually, the only thing left to do is to come in and pick up the pet.
• We can schedule your pick-up time to ensure your pet will be ready and that your time spent at the shelter will be minimal. 

• Animal Welfare Officers continue to respond to high priority/emergency calls such as: injured or suffering animals, cruelty and requests from police officers for assistance with animals. Road-side deceased animal pick-up services also continue.
• ASD is providing adoptions, rescue and return of lost pet services at the Pet Adoption and Protection Center (PAPC). The Petco adoption center in South Miami is also open for adoptions. ASD is currently waiving all adoption fees at both locations.
• Emergency fosters who can temporarily provide in-home care for shelter pets are needed. The most urgent housing needs are for medium and large dogs and pets with special needs. ASD will provide veterinary care, supplies and food for fostered pets. Interested fosters can email [email protected].
• All off-site adoption events are listed on the Animal Services calendar. Please check this calendar for information regarding event cancellations, as it is continually updated. 
• There is no evidence that dogs or cats can be infected or spread the virus that causes COVID-19. Always avoid handling pets if you are sick and avoid touching animals you don't know.

Changed or suspended services

• The Pet Adoption and Protection Center in Doral will be open for the services noted below Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and closed on Sundays beginning April 12. Animal Welfare Officers continue to respond to high priority/emergency calls seven days a week.
• All Wellness Clinic services, including rabies vaccinations, are suspended effective Sunday, April 5. Animal Services has temporarily suspended the issuance of civil violations notices associated with rabies vaccinations and license renewals.
• All spay/neuter surgeries, including TNVR services, have been suspended.
• 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.
• The Citation office is closed. Due dates related to rabies vaccinations and licensing compliance have been extended until further notice.
• We continue to ask residents to avoid surrendering pets unless absolutely necessary and ask anyone who finds friendly stray pets to consider fostering them until normal operations resume. Visit the Animal Services website for tips on what to do if you find a lost pet.
• All adoption fees on dogs and cats are currently waived. We continue to process adoptions both in person and virtually. If you would like to adopt a dog or cat through our new virtual adoption service, please email [email protected] with the name and ID of the pet you’re interested in.
• All orientation and training sessions for new volunteers, fosters and Kitten Cuddlers are suspended
• All scheduled and walk-in spay/neuter surgeries for the general public are suspended
• Off-site adoption events are suspended until further notice
• Residents may renew licenses for their pets by mail. Pet owners will be given a 30-day grace period for late license submittal. Read more information on licensing.

In an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) community centers that serve seniors are closed until further notice. At this time, we are asking that administrators at every facility verify that there is a current and actionable plan in place for all seniors to continue receiving meals.

If your facility is able to transition to offering mobile feeding services to seniors without disruption, we thank you for continuing to assisting Miami-Dade County in keeping our elderly population safe and healthy.

If your center does not have a plan in place to continue feeding its patrons, please call 311 with any questions or concerns regarding mobile feeding services available through Miami-Dade County.

Adult Day Cares are also ordered closed.

This order does not apply at this time to Assisted Living Facilities as defines under Chapter 29.02 of Florida Statutes or Nursing Homes as defined in Chapter 400.021 of Florida Statutes.

• 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
• 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.

• Fire Engineering (Plans Review)
• New Construction
• Existing Construction

• Permit Information

• Permit Information

• Courts closures have been extended until April 17. This includes state courts and also the County Clerk of Courts, including traffic court and civil court. All grand jury proceedings, jury selection proceedings, and criminal and civil jury trials are suspended during the time period beginning Monday, March 16 through Friday, April 17. Therefore, jurors who are scheduled for the week of March 16 through the week of April 13 are not to report. Your jury service is cancelled, and you do not have to take any further action.
• Visit the Clerk of Courts for more information
• Get information about state courts
• All Foreclosure and Tax Deed sales are canceled through April 17. Monitor the Clerk’s website for updates.
• The Clerk’s Office is currently not issuing marriage licenses or performing wedding ceremonies. In an emergency situation, call the Emergency Judge at 305-349-7000.

• The Department of Cultural Affairs has created the All Kids Included Online Art Gallery featuring all student artwork submissions from the 2020 All Kids Included District Wide Student Art Competition. Artwork has been professionally photographed and posted on the online gallery for the public to enjoy. The artwork will be on display throughout the 2020-21 season. The AKI student art exhibition scheduled at the Miami-Dade Public Library System’s Main Library and the award ceremony at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center have been canceled. Read the release for more about the AKI student art exhibition.
• The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade County Auditorium and South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center are closed. Read more about the theater closings.
• Visit Culture Shock Miami for a list of local locations streaming arts and culture tours and events.

All Florida driver licenses, commercial driving licenses and identification cards set to expire in the next 30 days, effective March 16, will be granted a 30-day extension beyond their current expiration date. This is a notice from the state of Florida. Go to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

All film and photo permits issued by the Miami-Dade Office of Film and Entertainment for all Miami-Dade County properties, roadways -- including Miami International Airport, Transit and PortMiami -- and unincorporated areas, are rescinded and suspended until further notice. The Office of Film and Entertainment can be reached at 786-202-0473.

• 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.

• All special event permits and services are suspended until further notice.

• Burn permits are unavailable until further notice.

• Continues to support Fire Prevention functions. Customers can visit the Fire Rescue home page or call 786-331-4800 for information and assistance.

• Continues to provide all available services. However, in-person visits are prohibited.

For questions, call Fire Prevention and Safety Manager Juan C. Fernandez at 786-331-4839 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.
• Annual Passenger Motor Carrier (PMC) and Special Transportation Services (STS) renewals have been extended until June 30, 2020. In the meantime, operators will be allowed to continue using their current permit decal that expires on March 31, 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 closed until April 15.

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.

Find weekly activities for children on the Head Start/Early Head Start webpage.

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]. 

Patrons should 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 to the library outside our branches at this time.

All libraries are closed to the public.

Due dates for all materials, as well as pickup dates for requested materials on hold, have been extended until regular operations resume.

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. – 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. You may also call 305-375-2665 Monday – Sunday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

You can still place hold requests to reserve physical items through the library catalog. However, those items will be unavailable until further notice.

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.

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

• The Environmental Quality Control Board meeting scheduled for April 16
• The Unsafe Structures Board meeting scheduled for April 22
• The CDMP hearing scheduled for April 23
• The Community Council 12 CDMP hearing scheduled for April 30

• The Plat Committee meeting scheduled for April 3 has been rescheduled for April 10
• All Zoning Community Council and Board of County Commissioner Zoning Hearings are postponed until further notice

• 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

• All parks, beaches and recreational facilities in Miami-Dade County, including municipalities, are closed. Exemptions include those under the jurisdiction of the state of Florida and the federal government.
• Marinas and boat launches, as well as docking, fueling, marine supply and other marina services, are closed. The following exceptions may be allowed to enter and use Miami-Dade County owned or operated marinas: people with a commercial saltwater license issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, for commercial fishing purposes only; support patrol, enforcement, and rescue activity by federal, state and local government agencies; boats or ferries in support of PortMiami or Fisher Island operations; people living aboard their vessels; people returning to the United States from international voyages; and people needing to remove their vessel from the water or to perform emergency maintenance on a vessel, marinas, fueling stations, and marine supply services.
• Rafting is prohibited and boats cannot be huddling with other boats, unless it's for emergency purposes.
  • Read the Emergency Order closing parks, beaches and recreational facilities
  • Read the amended Emergency Order closing marinas and boat launches
  • Read the Emergency Order prohibiting rafting
  • Read the amended Emergency Order clarifying permitted marina and boat use
• The Miami International Agricultural, Horse and Cattle Show at Tropical Park has been postponed
• The following are canceled: Spring Break Camps; all recreation programs; all athletic programs, games, practices and events; and all field trips.
• New venue rentals for park facilities will not be processed until further notice. Existing indoor venue rentals will be canceled.
• The Mango Café at Redland Fruit & Spice Park and 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.
• 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 for at least 30 days, effective Saturday, March 14.
• PortMiami is waiving all lay berth fees for home-ported vessels that request to berth alongside the Port during the next 30 days, effective Friday, March 13. Read the news release.

• Offices in Downtown Miami (7th Floor) and the South Dade Government Center (2nd Floor) are closed to the public. Phone lines remain open during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at 305-375-4712.
• 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.

All Miami-Dade County Public Schools are closed effective Monday, March 16.

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 May 15, 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 May 15 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 (through April 7): Lien services: [email protected]; building support (unsafe structures, work without permits, contractor enforcement): [email protected] or [email protected].

Consumer Protection

• Effective March 26, the Office of Consumer Protection will be 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]. New license applications and renewals are not being processed at this time. Current licenses that expire during this period will be extended and reassessed when the office reopens.

• 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 derm[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.

• Effective March 26, the Planning Division is closed for in-person business. Call 305-375-2835 or email [email protected]. Customers may also use the self-service portal.

• Effective March 26, the Zoning/Development Services Division is closed for in-person business with the exception of Platting. Platting applications can be submitted in person or by courier. Otherwise, call 305-375-1806 for Zoning services and 305-375-2141 for Platting or email [email protected]. Customers may also use the self-service portal.

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].

• 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.

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.

The date for citizens and businesses to pay property taxes in all Florida counties is extended from March 31 to April 15, 2020. Payments must be submitted electronically or postmarked by April 15.

• Read about paying real estate taxes

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

• Transit Service Updates

• 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
• The following Customer Service Centers/payment centers have been closed to the public:
  • 3071 SW 38th Avenue, Miami
  • 780 Fisherman Street #4, Opa-locka
• 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