In 2022, the Florida Legislature enacted a new law, Fla. Stat. § 316.1891, which provides the City Manager with the ability to adopt certain measures in response to large, unpermitted “special events” that are promoted on social media platforms and reasonably anticipated to take place on a roadway, street, or highway and disrupt the normal flow of traffic.  The statute provides for additional penalties for persons who commit noncriminal traffic infractions within the designated special event zone areas, including double fines and the potential impoundment of vehicles for persons who commit non-criminal infractions.

I understand that in anticipation of Spring Break 2024, the Miami Beach Police Department is prepared to designate certain qualifying special event zones that satisfy the requirements of the Florida law, and install the requisite signage, so that the statutory fines could be implemented for persons committing noncriminal traffic infractions and criminal traffic violations within the designated zones.

As part of this item, I intend to ask my colleagues to support my motion to approve and authorize the Administration’s implementation of the Special Event Zones and double fines and towing within designated Special Event Zones, to the fullest extent permitted by law.