R5AG - Prohibit Shore-based Shark Fishing
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AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 10, ENTITLED “ANIMALS,” BY CREATING SECTION 10-21, ENTITLED “SHORE-BASED SHARK FISHING PROHIBITED; DEFINITIONS; PENALTIES” TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, PROHIBITIONS AND PENALTIES; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsors
Detailed Information
Cached: 20 minutes agoOrdinances - R5 AG
R5 AG AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 10, ENTITLED “ANIMALS,” BY CREATING SECTION 10-21, ENTITLED “SHORE-BASED SHARK FISHING PROHIBITED; DEFINITIONS; PENALTIES” TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, PROHIBITIONS AND PENALTIES; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Applicable Area:
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
DATE:
| DATE: | December 17, 2025 | 3:20 p.m. First Reading Public Hearing |
|---|---|---|
| TITLE: | AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 10, ENTITLED “ANIMALS,” BY CREATING SECTION 10-21, ENTITLED “SHORE-BASED SHARK FISHING PROHIBITED; DEFINITIONS; PENALTIES” TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, PROHIBITIONS AND PENALTIES; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. |
RECOMMENDATION
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
ANALYSIS
The proposed ordinance, sponsored by Commissioner Laura Dominguez, is submitted for consideration by the Mayor and City Commission.
Shore-based shark fishing requires the use of heavy fishing gear, long lengths of line, and large hooks that, when deployed from crowded beaches or public piers, create entanglement and injury hazards for swimmers, surfers, waders, and other shoreline/beach users. The practice of deploying baited shark rigs into near-shore waters—often through wading or paddling offshore— conflicts with normal recreational use of City beaches and increases the risk of human–shark interactions in areas designated for bathing/swimming.
Additionally, sharks and all aquatic life are important to the biodiversity of the coastal waters in the City and throughout the State of Florida. However, the City has observed incidents of deceased sharks located along its shores and the shores of nearby municipalities, apparently resulting from fishing, or the catching and mishandling of sharks, in nearby waters. These incidents raise serious concerns regarding animal cruelty, marine ecosystem health, and the negative visual and environmental impacts to the beaches in the City, which are the City’s most valuable natural and tourism asset.
As such, the proposed Ordinance would prohibit shore-based shark fishing in order to reduce potential conflicts, avoid dangerous conditions, and protect the public health, safety, and welfare of residents and visitors who rely on City beaches and piers for safe recreation. Moreover, the proposed Ordinance would prevent the intentional or negligent capture, injury, and/or killing of sharks within or adjacent to City waters and protect endangered marine life and native species.
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 Laura Dominguez
Co-sponsor(s)
Condensed Title
3:20 p.m. 1st Rdg, Shore-Based Shark Fishing Prohibited. (Dominguez) CA