Legislative Matter

Miami-Dade Legislative Item
File Number: 252098

Printable PDF Format

File Number: 252098

File Type: Resolution

Status: Amended

Version: 0

Reference:

Control: Pending BCC Assignment

File Name: SUSPEND DISCONNECTION OF WATER SERVICES BY WASD

Introduced: 10/17/2025

Requester: NONE

Cost:

Final Action:

Agenda Date: 10/21/2025

Agenda Item Number: 14A1

Notes:

SEE 252270 FOR FINAL VERSION AS ADOPTED.

Title:

RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR TO SUSPEND THE DISCONNECTION OF WATER SERVICE BY THE MIAMI-DADE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT DURING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND FOR 60 DAYS AFTER THE END OF THE SHUTDOWN FOR ACTIVE MILITARY PERSONNEL

Indexes:
	WATER
	SERVICE

Sponsors:	Kionne L. McGhee, Prime Sponsor
	Marleine Bastien, Co-Sponsor
	Juan Carlos Bermudez, Co-Sponsor
	Sen. Rene Garcia, Co-Sponsor
	Oliver G. Gilbert, III, Co-Sponsor
	Roberto J. Gonzalez, Co-Sponsor
	Keon Hardemon, Co-Sponsor
	Danielle Cohen Higgins, Co-Sponsor
	Eileen Higgins, Co-Sponsor
	Natalie Milian Orbis, Co-Sponsor
	Raquel A. Regalado, Co-Sponsor
	Anthony Rodriguez, Co-Sponsor
	Micky Steinberg, Co-Sponsor

Sunset Provision: No

Effective Date:

Expiration Date:

Registered Lobbyist:

None Listed

Legislative History
Acting Body	Date	Agenda Item	Action	Sent To	Due Date	Returned	Pass/Fail

Board of County Commissioners	10/21/2025	14A1	Amended
REPORT:	See Agenda Item 14A1 Amended; Legislative File No. 252270 for the final amended version.

Office of the Chairperson	10/20/2025		Additions

County Attorney	10/17/2025		Assigned	Jose I. Ortega		10/20/2025

Legislative Text

TITLE
RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR TO SUSPEND THE DISCONNECTION OF WATER SERVICE BY THE MIAMI-DADE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT DURING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND FOR 60 DAYS AFTER THE END OF THE SHUTDOWN FOR ACTIVE MILITARY PERSONNEL

BODY
WHEREAS, the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (�WASD�) operates the largest water and sewer utility in the Southeastern United States and provides water and sewer services to millions of residents throughout Miami-Dade County (the �County�); and
WHEREAS, WASD�s Rules and Regulations provide WASD with the right to disconnect water service to customers who fail to pay in full the total amount due on their bills; and
WHEREAS, the federal government of the United States entered a shutdown at midnight on October 1, 2025 when lawmakers did not pass a new funding bill for federal agencies; and
WHEREAS, since the shutdown began, several federal workers have been working without pay, furloughed, or laid off; and
WHEREAS, federal workers affected by the shutdown may include active military personnel, some of whom may be County residents and WASD customers; and
WHEREAS, it is unclear how long the shutdown will last; and
WHEREAS, this Board wishes to ensure that affected active military personnel do not lose access to potable water if they face financial hardship,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that the Board directs the County Mayor to suspend the disconnection of water service due to nonpayment for active military personnel during the current federal government shutdown and for 60 days after the end of the shutdown. This temporary stay shall not act as a waiver, release, or amnesty from payment for water services that are due or any liability for tampering with water meters. This temporary stay shall also not affect WASD�s other procedures for collection such as entering into payment arrangements and placement of liens. To receive the relief contemplated in this resolution, active military personnel must provide WASD with proof of current employment with the United States military.