Miami Beach adopts 2026 budget, trims millage slightly and directs $11 million surplus returned to residents

The Miami Beach City Commission adopted final operating and capital budgets for fiscal 2026 and voted to lower the city's general operating millage rate modestly, then directed the administration to return an approximately $11 million projected surplus to residents.

The action came at a second-reading public hearing held in the commission chambers as the commission worked to meet a statutory deadline to adopt a balanced budget. Mayor Steven Miner opened the meeting by telling the chamber, “we are statutorily mandated to [finalize] our budget by today, 11:59 and 59 seconds.”

Why it matters: the vote sets the tax rate and spending plan for the coming year. Commissioners said rising costs for public safety and long-term capital needs have driven budget pressure, and several speakers during the public comment period urged the commission to reduce spending or return excess funds to homeowners and renters.

What the commission approved - Millage and major totals: The commission approved a general operating millage of 5.856 mills for fiscal 2026 (down from the initially posted 5.8702) and left the debt-service millage unchanged. The FY26 budget as amended funds city operations, enterprise funds and capital projects across the city and related agencies. The commission also carried several amendments and line-item reductions developed during the meeting.

- Surplus rebate direction: Commissioners voted, 7-0, to direct city administration and the city attorney to present a plan at a special…