North Miami Beach Approves Historic Water Relief for Over 100,000 Residents Amid County Opposition

While Miami-Dade County has approved an average water rate increase of $43.56 for customers, North Miami Beach approved water rate relief of up to $150 for homeowners.

NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Sept. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of North Miami Beach has approved the NMB Water Relief Act, the largest water relief package in the city's history affecting over 100,000 Miami-Dade County residents. This relief program is launching amidst Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert III's attempt to restrict the city from providing such relief programs with bureaucratic obstacles. His proposed ordinance is set to go before the county commission for a final vote.

"While Miami-Dade is raising water rates, as your mayor, North Miami Beach is leading with relief for homeowners. We know every dollar counts, and despite the County's pushback, we're standing firm. Because when it comes to our community, we believe in lifting people, not holding them down," said Mayor Michael Joseph.

The NMB Water Relief Act, sponsored by Mayor Michael Joseph and co-sponsored by Commissioners Phyllis Smith and Fortuna Smukler, establishes a voluntary program offering a 10% discount on water bills, up to $100 annually, for customers who qualify for specific state homestead exemptions. Eligible residents include those aged 65 and older, individuals who are totally and permanently disabled, deployed service members, surviving spouses of first responders, and veterans who have died in the line of duty.

Additionally, the city is introducing a program that provides a prorated water bill discount, not exceeding $50 annually, for customers who enroll in automatic bill payment services.

"I would like to express my gratitude to my colleagues on the City Commission for their swift action in establishing the NMB Water Relief Act. Their support for our NMB Water customers during this critical period is commendable. I am dedicated to leading with transparency and providing relief to our water customers is essential, for fairness and protecting families from unnecessary financial burdens," said Mayor Michael Joseph.

Despite the city's efforts to alleviate financial burdens for all customers, progress has been challenged. This follows Governor Ron DeSantis' veto of House Bill 11 earlier this year, which was Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert III effort to control North Miami Beach over the issue of its water rates. Now, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert III has intervened, again, hindering progress. His opposition raises concerns about the county's commitment to supporting local initiatives aimed at providing essential relief to constituents. At the same time, the Miami-Dade County Commission approved a 6% water rate increase where the average household would pay more than $43.56 in order to raise funds to resolve their $402 million budget deficit.

In conjunction with the NMB Water Relief Act, the City of North Miami Beach is launching NMB Water's Facts First campaign, a new public education initiative aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and long-term resilience. "The goal of the campaign is to educate our customers about water conservation and efficiency, and ensure our community continues to have access to safe, reliable, and affordable water service," said Mayor Michael Joseph.

City of North Miami Beach customers can visit www.FairWaterFacts.com to learn how they can take advantage of current and forthcoming discount programs in the NMB Water Relief Act.

For more information, contact the City of North Miami Beach Communications Office at [email protected] or visit www.citynmb.com.

About the City of North Miami Beach
Strategically positioned at the 'Crossroads of South Florida,' North Miami Beach lies midway between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, adjacent to the Golden Glades Interchange where I-95, Florida's Turnpike, and the Palmetto Expressway converge. This prime location, coupled with convenient access to major thoroughfares such as West Dixie Highway, Biscayne Boulevard, and 163rd Street, has made North Miami Beach easily accessible and well-connected. For more information, please visit www.CityNMB.com.

SOURCE City of North Miami Beach