The latest proposed revisions to the Miami-Dade County Charter will likely continue the ethnic polarization in the county that too many people choose to ignore. By far, the most ethnically divisive charter revision proposal is the Mayor's recommendation to increase the commission to 13 by adding four members elected at-large. Blacks have lined up to fight the proposal citing the weakening of the Black vote.

There will likely be more talk of the charter review process as the task force has been given an Oct. 31 deadline. Take a look at the information below which comes directly from the Miami-Dade County website. Knowledge is power.

The Miami-Dade County Home Rule Charter

What is the Charter?
In 1956, the Florida State Constitution was amended to make Miami-Dade County a home rule County. In other words, the citizens of Miami-Dade County were granted the power, within certain areas, to adopt their own rules for governing, with the Board of County Commissioners acting as our governing body. In 1957, the Miami-Dade County Home Rule Charter was adopted - essentially becoming the "constitution" for Miami-Dade County.

What does it do?
The Home Rule Charter establishes the name of the County and the rules by which our county operates. It begins with a Citizens' Bill of Rights. There are sections that establish the power of the Board of County Commissioners, the Mayor and the County Manager. One article deals with the method for election of County Commissioners. Other parts detail the Administrative Organization and Procedure for the County, outline the powers of municipalities, initiative, referendum and recall, and other general provisions.

How can the Charter be amended?
Changes may be made to the Charter only by the affirmative vote of the electorate. Amendments may be proposed and placed on the ballot either by the Board of County Commissioners or by petition of the citizens. The most recent Charter change occurred in January 2007 when an amendment was approved to give more powers to the Mayor.

To review the latest version of the Miami-Dade County Home Rule Amendment and Charter, click on the link below.

Miami-Dade County Home Rule Amendment and Charter (107 KB PDF)