Miami Beach committee gets updates on enforcement of leaf-blower ban, beach smoking and loud vehicles; police report rise in citations for vehicle noise

City code and police staff reported enforcement updates on multiple quality-of-life issues at the committee meeting on Sept. 9.

Code compliance said the gas-powered leaf-blower ban, adopted in 2023, has yielded roughly 490 interactions with landscape companies, 24 citations and a high compliance rate on contact, aided by educational materials. Staff noted enforcement is challenging because by the time officers arrive the activity often stops, but education has been a major tool.

Police Major Jovan Campbell described an ongoing ATV squad dedicated to beach enforcement that has issued about 30 warnings and one arrest related to the beach smoking prohibition since May; officers generally educate visitors, most of whom are tourists, and reported high compliance after contact. Campaiged enforcement will continue as an ongoing assignment.

On excessive vehicle noise, the department said a targeted detail launched June 27 focused on evening/night hours in hotspots including South of Fifth, 40 First Street, Collins Avenue corridors and 70 First Street in North Beach. The department reported a large increase in citations: 36 in June and 134 in July, totaling 344 for the year to date through July — a three-hundred-plus percent increase compared with prior months. Commissioners urged continuation of the detail and asked about noise-monitor camera trials; police said camera tests produced mixed results and statutory limits restrict automated camera enforcement at present.

Takeaway: Education and targeted enforcement are producing increased compliance and citation counts, but technology and statutory limits constrain automated enforcement; the committee asked for follow-ups on signage, the noise-monitor pilot and a December status report on beach smoking enforcement.