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Miami Beach will begin issuing warnings today, Nov. 1 under the city’s
recently adopted leaf blower ordinance that will prohibit gasoline-powered leaf blowers starting next summer.
“There are a number of viable options available for residents to comply with the new ordinance while still retaining a well-manicured look for their properties,” Miami Beach City Manager Alina T. Hudak said. “Portable or plug-in electric leaf blowers deliver similar results without generating harmful environmental emissions.”
The transition to warnings marks the conclusion of a nine-month educational period on Oct. 31, 2022. The warning period runs from Nov. 1, 2022 through Jul. 30, 2023. Full enforcement of the ordinance is set to begin on Aug. 1, 2023.
The Miami Beach City Commission voted unanimously earlier this year to phase out gasoline powered leaf blowers as part of the city’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Other cities that have limited or phased out the use of gasoline-powered blowers include Naples and Key West, Florida.
The Miami Beach Public Works Department has already transitioned away from using
gasoline-powered leaf blowers as have third-party landscaping contactors that work for the city. The city has been working with local hardware stores to establish community discounts on qualifying new equipment. Visit www.mbrisingabove.com/leafblowers for more information.
Initial violations of the new ordinance in a 12-month period carry a $250 fine. The second
violation in a 12-month period carries a $500 fine while the third violation and each additional violation in a 12-month period carries a $1,000 fine.
