Miami-Dade County budget keeps property tax rate flat, builds reserves, restores early-morning bus service and increases public safety funding

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners approved the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget, prioritizing public safety, public transportation and community services while building reserves and keeping the County’s property tax rate flat at its historically low level, as proposed by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. 

Despite facing significant budget constraints, the Mayor identified additional revenues and savings to restore $12.5 million in the adopted budget to restore early-morning service on 45 bus routes, protecting service for working families who rely on bus service before 6 a.m. 

“After months of hard work and conversations with both our Board of County Commissioners and our residents, I’m so proud of what we have accomplished together,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “We passed a balanced, fiscally responsible budget that lives within our means and protects the services you count on every day.” 

The board also accepted the Mayor’s proposal to study the impacts of a possible transit fare increase that could generate an estimated $10 million in recurring revenue to help restore late-evening bus service and support the long-term financial stability of our transit system. Fares have remained flat for more than 13 years. The issue will be discussed at the Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting set for October 6th. 

The fiscally conservative budget reflects efficiencies identified through the Mayor’s Wise305 initiative, which saved taxpayers $121 million dollars since 2025, including the elimination of 400 vacant positions. This commitment will continue to support the County's efforts to maintaining essential services while managing costs. 

Public safety remains Mayor Levine Cava’s top priority, and the adopted budget continued the Mayor’s sustained investment in keeping residents safe. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) will receive more than $67 million in additional funding, bringing its total budget to approximately $1.2 billion dollars.  The budget also increased funding for the broader integrated public safety system, from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Corrections and Rehabilitation to Emergency Management, our courts, justice partners and violence prevention programs.  

“Keeping our community safe requires a sustained investment across our public safety ecosystem which has been a priority for my administration since day one,” said the Mayor. “That responsibility is far greater than one agency. It extends to our dedicated fire fighters, corrections officers, and emergency management, as well as the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. We remain committed to working with MDSO and giving them the resources they need while protecting the County's long-term financial stability.” 

Protecting the environment and preserving our natural lands also remain important priorities. The Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) program will have over $20 million available, allowing the Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) to maintain critically sensitive land in their care and plan for more acquisitions.    

Community Based Organizations and Arts and Cultural groups maintained their current levels of funding to help provide programs and services Miami-Dade residents rely on and enjoy.  

The County’s fiscal year begins on October 1.