Our Positions at the Feb 5th, 2026 Miami Beach Commission Meeting

Dear Neighbors:

On behalf of Save Miami Beach, a citywide community group, I am writing to share our positions on several items scheduled for consideration at the February 5, 2026 Miami Beach City Commission meeting. These recommendations reflect our commitment to responsible planning, historic preservation, and voter-approved local control.

Link to Commission Meeting agenda: https://miamibeachfl.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=5847

Save Miami Beach will be sharing a report / scorecard based on the votes on these important matters.

R5B and R5C – Washington Avenue Upzoning (FAR and Height Increases)

Position: Opposed

Reference: https://democracy.cc/agenda/02/05/2026/R5B and https://democracy.cc/agenda/02/05/2026/R5C 

No comprehensive master plan preceded this proposal. The limited massing studies presented by a private architecture firm do not reflect the full development potential authorized in the ordinance, including heights up to 150 feet and a maximum FAR of 4.0, where 50 feet and 2.0 FAR are currently allowed.

Further, there has been no formal input or analysis from key stakeholders, including the Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association, the Miami Design Preservation League, or the Historic Preservation Board, regarding the impacts of this significant zoning change in our beloved historic district.

At a moment when Live Local and other state preemptions are already placing extraordinary pressure on local neighborhoods, increasing maximum heights and FAR in one area risks triggering unintended consequences citywide. We respectfully urge the Commission to pause this ordinance and pursue meaningful public outreach and expert review before proceeding.

R5E and R5F – Faena FAR Increase

Position: Opposed

These items conflict directly with the Save Miami Beach Charter Amendment, which reserves increases in FAR to the voters.

We strongly encourage the Commission to uphold the Charter and defend voter-approved protections, rather than granting additional zoning entitlements through legislative action.

C7AG – Restoration of Local Planning Authority

Position: Support (with reservations)

Reference: https://democracy.cc/agenda/02/05/2026/C7AG 

We support this item and appreciate the effort to restore meaningful local planning authority. However, we believe it does not go far enough. Any serious restoration of local control should also include advocacy for amendments to the Live Local Act, which continues to undermine neighborhood-scale planning and historic preservation statewide.

R5K – Advance Submission of Commissioner Presentations

Position: Support

Reference: https://democracy.cc/agenda/02/05/2026/R5K 

Save Miami Beach members have been directly affected by misleading and inaccurate presentations circulated by Commissioner Suarez, which have contributed to public confusion and reputational harm.

Unchecked dissemination of such materials exposes the City to potential legal liability, including defamation-related claims. Requiring advance submission of presentations promotes transparency, accuracy, and fairness, and helps protect both residents and the City itself.

Thank you for your consideration and for your continued service to Miami Beach. We look forward to thoughtful deliberation on these important matters.

Respectfully,

Daniel Ciraldo

Founder, Save Miami Beach

SaveMiamiBeach.org