🧾 Miami-Dade Proposed Budget 2025–2026 – Overview

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has proposed a $12.9 billion budget for the 2025–2026 fiscal year in response to a projected $402 million budget deficit. This shortfall is described as the result of a “perfect storm” of financial pressures—including inflation, reduced federal aid, and the launch of newly independent constitutional offices.

To close the gap, the mayor is proposing deep spending cuts, department mergers, and service reductions, while avoiding a property tax rate increase.

🔍 Key Reasons for the Budget Deficit

1. New Constitutional Offices

   • The 2018 state amendment required the county to establish five new independent constitutional offices starting in January 2025.

   • These include: Sheriff, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections, and Clerk of Courts.

   • These offices now operate independently, building their own administrations and duplicating functions the county previously managed.

   • Estimated to account for nearly half of the $402 million shortfall.

2. Loss of One-Time Federal Funds

   • COVID-era programs like the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) are ending.

   • Many county programs previously funded by ARPA now face elimination without permanent funding sources.

3. Rising Inflation & Demand for Services

   • Increased operating costs and growing demand have strained county resources.

✂️ Eliminated or Reduced Services in the Proposed Budget

🧓 Elderly Care

• Closure of 2 Adult Day Centers:

  • Edison Little River Adult Day Center

  • South Dade Adult Day Care Center

• Reduction of 3 Elderly Meal Sites:

  • Locations: Florida City, Leonard Batz Center, and Perrine.

  • These sites currently serve about 46 elderly residents with meals and wellness services.

🏠 Home Care

• Elimination of Home Care Grants:

  • Over $1 million in home assistance grants will be cut.

  • At least 14 jobs tied to these services will be lost.

  • Cuts tied directly to the end of ARPA funding.

🌳 Environmental Services

• Tree Planting Program Cut:

  • $1.6 million allocated to community tree planting initiatives will be fully eliminated.

🏞️ Parks and Recreation

• Reduction in Parks Programming:

  • While programs will be cut, fees will increase to avoid deeper reductions.

  • Higher fees for rentals, golf courses, and other park amenities expected.

🚌 Public Transportation

• Fare Increases:

  • Proposing 50-cent fare hikes across Metrobus, Metrorail, and Metromover.

  • However, no route cuts are currently proposed.

  • South Dade Bus Rapid Transitway is still expected to launch this summer.

🏢 Government Restructuring

To reduce administrative overhead, several county departments will be merged:

• Information Technology + Communications → One combined agency.

• Cultural Affairs + Library System → One consolidated department.

• Community Action & Human Services + Juvenile Services → Joint department focused on social support.

Additionally, approximately 350 county staff positions will be eliminated. Many are vacant but others will require layoffs.

📌 Mayor's Position

Mayor Levine Cava describes this budget as part of her WISE305 initiative—a plan to streamline government without sacrificing core services.

“It’s a fair, balanced and resident-focused budget. We’ve closed a historic gap despite the unprecedented challenges we face.”— Mayor Daniella Levine Cava

🧭 What’s Next?

• The Board of County Commissioners must review and vote on the proposed budget.

• Community input is still being gathered during town halls and budget meetings ahead of the final vote in September 2025.