R5I - Prohibit Motorized Vehicles in City Parks

View full title

AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 70 OF THE CITY CODE, ENTITLED “MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES,” BY AMENDING ARTICLE II, ENTITLED “PUBLIC PLACES,” BY AMENDING DIVISION 2, ENTITLED “BICYCLING, SKATEBOARDING, ROLLER SKATING, IN-LINE SKATING, MOTORIZED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION, ELECTRIC BICYCLES, MOPEDS, MOTORCYCLES, MOTORIZED BICYCLES, AND MOTORIZED SCOOTERS,” BY AMENDING SECTION 70-67, ENTITLED “PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES,” BY PROHIBITING THE OPERATION OF MOTORIZED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION IN CITY PARKS; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.  

October 29, 2025
Sponsors
City Attorney
Commissioner Tanya Bhatt
Commissioner Tanya Bhatt
Item moved to C4 W

Detailed Information

Cached: 2 weeks ago

Ordinances - R5 I

R5 I AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 70 OF THE CITY CODE, ENTITLED “MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES,” BY AMENDING ARTICLE II, ENTITLED “PUBLIC PLACES,” BY AMENDING DIVISION 2, ENTITLED “BICYCLING, SKATEBOARDING, ROLLER SKATING, IN-LINE SKATING, MOTORIZED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION, ELECTRIC BICYCLES, MOPEDS, MOTORCYCLES, MOTORIZED BICYCLES, AND MOTORIZED SCOOTERS,” BY AMENDING SECTION 70-67, ENTITLED “PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES,” BY PROHIBITING THE OPERATION OF MOTORIZED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION IN CITY PARKS; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Applicable Area:

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM:
City Attorney Ricardo J. Dopico

DATE:

DATE: October 29, 2025 9:58 a.m. First Reading Public Hearing
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 70 OF THE CITY CODE, ENTITLED “MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES,” BY AMENDING ARTICLE II, ENTITLED “PUBLIC PLACES,” BY AMENDING DIVISION 2, ENTITLED “BICYCLING, SKATEBOARDING, ROLLER SKATING, IN-LINE SKATING, MOTORIZED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION, ELECTRIC BICYCLES, MOPEDS, MOTORCYCLES, MOTORIZED BICYCLES, AND MOTORIZED SCOOTERS,” BY AMENDING SECTION 70-67, ENTITLED “PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES,” BY PROHIBITING THE OPERATION OF MOTORIZED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION IN CITY PARKS; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

RECOMMENDATION

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

ANALYSIS

The proposed Ordinance, sponsored by Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt, is submitted for consideration by the Mayor and City Commission.

The operation of motorized means of transportation, including electric bicycles and electric scooters, in certain areas can pose safety risks to pedestrians (particularly children), seniors, and other vulnerable users due to the speed, maneuverability, and weight of such devices. This is particularly true within public parks since the primary purpose of City parks is to provide safe, peaceful, and pedestrian-oriented spaces for recreation, leisure, and community enjoyment. As such, the operation of motorized means of transportation within City parks creates conflicts between riders and pedestrians, especially on narrow interior pathways, busy areas, and shared- use trails not designed for motorized traffic.

The proposed Ordinance, which would prohibit the operation of motorized means of transportation, including electric bicycles and electric scooters, in all City parks is intended to help preserve the intended recreational character of these public spaces and ensure that parks remain safe and accessible for walking, jogging, and other non-motorized recreational and leisure activities.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

None.

Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? Yes (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)

If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CONCLUSION

Applicable Area

Citywide

Is this a “Residents Right to Know” item, pursuant to City Code Section 2-17?

Is this item related to a G.O. Bond Project?

No

No

Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No

If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):

Department

City Attorney

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

9:58 a.m. 1st Rdg PH, Motorized Means of Transportation Prohibited in City Parks. (Bhatt) CA

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)

Attachment

Download Attachments

Ready to Stay Informed?

Join residents tracking local government decisions

Track agenda items
Watch agenda video clips
See voting records
PRO Filter by sponsor or department
Create video clips