Thousands of Miami Gardens Residents Will No Longer Be Forced to Pay an Unfair Water Surcharge

Thousands of Miami Gardens residents and businesses will no longer be forced to pay an unfair water surcharge after Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1451, legislation that ensures the surcharge will be eliminated under state law.

The legislation marks a major victory for ratepayers and brings closure to a fight that has spanned more than fifteen years for residents, community advocates, city leaders, and elected officials seeking fairness in how water customers are charged.

Commissioner Gilbert expressed special appreciation to State Representative Felicia Robinson for her tireless work and unwavering commitment to addressing the issue.

"Representative Robinson never gave up on this fight," said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III. "For years, she championed this cause, kept attention focused on the issue, and fought for the residents affected by these charges. Her persistence, leadership, and dedication helped make this day possible."

Commissioner Gilbert also recognized the sustained efforts of the City of Miami Gardens, including Mayor Rodney Harris, City Manager Cameron Benson, City Attorney Sonia Knight-Dickens, members of the City Council, past administrations, and countless residents who kept the issue at the forefront for years.

"This victory belongs to an entire community that refused to quit," Gilbert said. "Over the years, residents, city leaders, elected officials, and advocates stayed focused on the goal and continued pushing for a fair outcome. Their persistence made this day possible."

Commissioner Gilbert also thanked State Representative Demi Busatta Cabrera and State Senator Jonathan Martin for their leadership in advancing legislation that ultimately provided the vehicle for this important reform, as well as Governor Ron DeSantis for signing the bill into law.

"This achievement reflects what can happen when people work together," Gilbert said. "I am grateful to Representative Busatta Cabrera, Senator Martin, Representative Robinson, Governor DeSantis, and the many residents, advocates, and public officials who helped move this effort forward. This was a collaborative effort, and today's result belongs to everyone who refused to give up."

"This is a victory for the people of Miami Gardens," Gilbert said. "For far too long, residents and businesses paid more for water service simply because of where they lived. When I served as Mayor of Miami Gardens, I made this issue a central part of a State of the City address and promised our residents that we would never stop fighting until this surcharge was eliminated. We did not give up. Through multiple administrations, city councils, legislative sessions, and years of advocacy, we stayed focused, worked together, and kept pushing forward. Today, that perseverance has paid off. The governor has signed the bill, ensuring that this unfair surcharge will be eliminated under state law and bringing us one step closer to the fairness our residents deserve."

The legislation will provide meaningful financial relief to families and businesses that have long borne the burden of higher water costs and represents an important step toward greater fairness and accountability in utility rates.