Nine Miami-Dade Cities Set to Raise Property Taxes Amid Fiscal Changes

The upcoming fiscal year 2025-2026 is poised to bring notable adjustments to property taxes across Miami-Dade County. At least nine cities are preparing to implement tax hikes—some as high as 64%—while other areas will see a decrease in their rates. According to the Miami-Dade Property Appraiser's Office, led by Tomás Regalado, several municipalities within the county are opting to raise their rates for the forthcoming fiscal year.

Regalado emphasized that these decisions are independently made by each city, as they operate autonomously. "This is something they've decided because they are autonomous cities. For instance, we've seen controversy in Miami Lakes, or a 3% increase in Key Biscayne. Additionally, some smaller cities have elevated their rates," the former Miami mayor stated in comments reported by Univision.

Significant Tax Increases in Nine Municipalities

The nine cities facing the highest property tax increases include:

• Pinecrest: 64%
• Miami Lakes: 31%
• Medley: 20%
• Bay Harbor Islands: 9%
• Cutler Bay: 7%
• Key Biscayne: 3%
• Florida City: 2%
• Golden Beach: 2%
• By State Law: 1%

These changes will directly affect the bills property owners receive starting next week.

Areas Benefiting from Tax Reductions

Not all news is bleak for taxpayers. Certain regions will enjoy reduced rates, a rare occurrence in the county. Sunny Isles Beach, for instance, will lower its property tax by 6%, while the area under the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of Miami will see a 10% decrease. Another positive development is the rate reduction by The Children’s Trust, an entity funding children's and family programs.

"I highlight this because it's a tax we all pay. Everyone pays property taxes to The Children’s Trust, and this year, for the first time in a long time, it has decreased," Regalado noted. The announced reductions include:

• Downtown Development Authority (DDA): -10%
• The Children’s Trust: -7%
• Sunny Isles Beach: -6%
• Normandy Shores: -6%
• Opa-Locka: -2%

Notification Letters and Appeal Opportunities

Starting next week, the Property Appraiser's Office will send out official letters detailing the amounts each property owner is expected to pay. Regalado mentioned that taxpayers have the option to appeal if they believe the assigned amount is unfair or incorrect.

"From the moment these individuals receive the letter, there's an opportunity until September 16 to file a review request," he explained. Furthermore, the official urged residents to attend budget discussions hosted by each city or public entity. These sessions are avenues for citizens to request a rate reduction or challenge proposed increases.

So far this year, the Appraiser's Office has received over 47,000 property tax exemption requests, marking a record number compared to the previous year. This surge reflects both the residents' interest in minimizing their tax burden and the potential economic impact these adjustments could have on family finances.