Miramar's Hurricane Preparedness: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles hurricane preparedness a little differently. In Miramar, Florida, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Roof Standards

Miramar restricts how early roofing materials can be loaded onto a roof during hurricane season, plus what a builder must do with stockpiled materials once a storm warning issues. City Code Sec. 22-86(2)(g)-(h) governs both, as part of the special hurricane provisions article.

Key details: Loading window: No earlier than 20 working days before install. Hurricane season: June 1 to November 30. Storm-warning duty: Band, ground-fasten, remove or enclose materials. Trigger: Severe-weather watch or warning. Max penalty: 60 days jail plus fine per violation.

The building official or designee issues a citation for a violation of the roofing-material rules after attempting notice and a correction period, per Sec. 22-86(2)(i). Penalties follow Sec. 22-86(5): a fine set by city commission resolution per violation, up to 60 days in county jail, or both, with each day of continued noncompliance a separate violation and the violator liable for the city's costs if it must secure the site.

Hurricane Shutters

Miramar bars residents from keeping hurricane shutters closed for more than seven consecutive days during hurricane season unless a storm actually occurs or another storm is expected within 36 hours. The rule is set in City Code Sec. 22-86(4), part of the special hurricane provisions article.

Key details: Max closure: 7 consecutive days. Hurricane season: June 1 to November 30. Restart trigger: Storm event resets the 7-day clock. Extension trigger: Storm expected within 36 hours after day 7. Max penalty: 60 days jail plus fine per violation.

A property owner who leaves shutters closed beyond the seven-day window without a qualifying storm exception is subject to a citation under Sec. 22-86(5), with fines set by city commission resolution per violation, up to 60 days in county jail, or both, and each additional day of noncompliance treated as a separate violation.

Flood Elevation

Miramar requires new buildings and substantially improved structures in mapped flood hazard areas to sit at least two feet above the base flood elevation, the freeboard the city added as a local technical amendment to the Florida Building Code. The building, planning and zoning director serves as floodplain administrator and must issue a floodplain development permit before qualifying construction begins in a Special Flood Hazard Area.

Key details: Freeboard: 2 feet above base flood elevation. Manufactured home elevation: Frame bottom at BFE plus 2 feet. Accessory structure exception: One story, 600 sq ft max, below BFE. Permit authority: Building, planning and zoning director. Governing flood maps: Broward County FIS dated July 31, 2024.

Development undertaken without a floodplain development permit, built in conflict with an issued permit, or lacking required elevation certification is presumed a violation until documentation is produced (§ 608.1). The floodplain administrator may issue a notice of violation or stop-work order; continuing work after that notice brings prosecution under City Code § 2-330 et seq., with each day of continued violation charged as a separate offense (§§ 608.2, 608.3, 608.4).

Storm Debris

Miramar requires owners and contractors to keep construction sites clear of loose debris and secured during storm season under City Code Sec. 22-86(2). Once a hurricane watch is issued, construction waste and materials must be fenced, weighted or removed, and violators face citations plus billing for any emergency cleanup the city performs.

Key details: Trigger: Hurricane watch or tropical storm notice. Debris storage: Fenced or enclosed containment on-site. Open containers: Weighted with sand, covered or lashed down. Max jail term: 60 days per violation. Separate violation: Each day noncompliance continues.

The building official or a designee issues a citation for each violation after attempting to give the owner or contractor verbal or written notice and a reasonable correction period. Penalties run up to a fine set by city commission resolution per violation, or up to 60 days in the county jail, or both; each day a violation continues is a separate violation, and violators are liable for the city's cleanup costs, inspection fees, and attorney's fees if the city has to secure the site itself.

The Bottom Line

Miramar's hurricane preparedness rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Miramar is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Miramar's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.