Miami Beach Official Sounds Alarm on Florida “Safe Structures” Bill
A Miami Beach official is raising concerns about a bill that would preempt local governments from enacting stricter building standards than the state requires.
The “safe structures” bill, sponsored by Republican Senator Kathleen Passidomo, is aimed at reducing regulatory hurdles for developers, who would no longer be subject to more stringent requirements imposed by cities and counties. The bill comes in response to the deadly 2018 collapse of a pedestrian bridge at Florida International University, which raised questions about the state’s construction oversight.
But Miami Beach Commissioner Mark Samuelian warns that the bill could put residents at risk, particularly in coastal communities like his that are vulnerable to hurricanes and rising sea levels. In an op-ed for the Miami Herald, Samuelian argues that local governments are best equipped to determine what building standards are appropriate for their communities.
“Coastal communities have unique challenges with salt, sun and high winds,” he writes. “A one-size-fits-all approach to construction standards can have disastrous consequences.”
Samuelian also notes that Miami Beach has its own building code, which was updated in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. The city’s code includes stricter requirements for wind resistance, flood protection, and other elements crucial to withstanding major storms.
Passidomo’s bill has already passed the Florida Senate and is making its way through the House. If signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, it would take effect on July 1.
The debate over the “safe structures” bill highlights the tension between state and local authority in Florida, particularly on issues related to development and environmental protection. Supporters of the bill argue that it will spur economic growth and create jobs, while opponents fear it will compromise public safety and exacerbate the state’s climate vulnerability.