Miami-Dade County's Charter Review Task Force made significant strides during its recent meeting on September 17, 2025, focusing on amendments related to the powers of elected constitutional officers. The task force adopted two key proposals aimed at clarifying the county's authority concerning these officers, which are essential for maintaining the integrity of local governance.

Oren Rosenthal, the general counsel for the supervisor of elections, highlighted that the proposals prohibit the county from abolishing, impairing, or transferring powers from elected constitutional officers to other entities. This decision underscores the task force's commitment to protecting the roles defined by state law and the Florida Constitution. However, Rosenthal raised concerns that the adopted amendments were not accurately reflected in the draft provided to the task force, suggesting that they had been improperly merged into a different section of the charter for simplicity.

The discussion centered around the importance of maintaining clear and distinct provisions in the charter. Rosenthal argued that the prohibition against altering the powers of constitutional officers should remain in its original section to preserve its intended strength and clarity. He proposed that the language be restored to its rightful place in Section 9.01, ensuring that the task force's original intent is honored.

The task force members engaged in a constructive dialogue about the implications of these amendments, with some members expressing support for Rosenthal's suggestions. The attorney present clarified that the changes were made to avoid redundancy and simplify the charter, but acknowledged the need to correct any errors, including the omission of the term "transfer."

As the meeting progressed, the task force reviewed the comprehensive overview of the approved amendments, emphasizing the significance of these changes for the governance of Miami-Dade County. The outcome of this meeting is expected to have lasting implications for how the county interacts with its constitutional officers, reinforcing the boundaries of authority and ensuring compliance with state law.

Moving forward, the task force will continue to refine these amendments, aiming to finalize a charter that accurately reflects the governance structure and protects the roles of elected officials. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential revisions to ensure that the charter serves the best interests of the Miami-Dade community.