Miami Beach's Mobility & Curb Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles mobility & curb rules a little differently. In Miami Beach, Florida, there are 3 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.

Bike Lane Rules

Miami Beach requires bicyclists to ride at a safe speed, yield to pedestrians with an audible warning before passing, and never obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Bikes also cannot be locked to trees, fixtures, or non-rack objects on Lincoln Road or Ocean Drive.

Key details: Governing section: City Code Sec. 70-69. Pedestrian yield: Audible signal required before passing. Locking ban: No locking to trees/fixtures on Lincoln Rd, Ocean Dr. First offense fine: $100 (subsections b, d, e). Fourth offense fine: $1,000, habitual-offender status.

Bicyclist conduct violations under Sec. 70-69(a) and (c) are noncriminal traffic infractions penalized per F.S. § 316.655. Violations of subsections (b), (d), or (e), covering bike-locking and motorized-device rules, draw civil fines of $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, $500 for a third, and $1,000 for a fourth or later offense under Sec. 70-71.

Shared E-Scooter Rules

Miami Beach outlaws bringing or delivering motorized scooters, mopeds, autocycles, golf carts, or low-speed vehicles anywhere in the city to rent or lease them to the public. Only businesses replenishing or repairing their own already-permitted fleet are exempt.

Key details: Governing section: City Code Sec. 70-72. Scope: Bans delivering scooters/mopeds/golf carts for rental. Exemption: Permitted business replenishing own fleet only. First offense fine: $1,000.00. Third offense fine: $5,000.00.

Sec. 70-72(b) sets civil fines of $1,000 for a first offense, $2,500 for a second offense, and $5,000 for a third or subsequent offense within the look-back period, enforced by a code compliance officer with a right to appeal to a special magistrate within ten days of the notice of violation.

Compared to other cities, Miami Beach takes a harder line on shared e-scooter rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Red-Light Cameras

Miami Beach adopted Florida's Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act red-light camera program under City Code Sec. 106-480, and since April 2024 also runs automated speed-detection cameras in six school zones under Sec. 106-495. A red-light violation upheld at hearing carries a $158.00 penalty plus $100.00 in costs.

Key details: Legal basis: F.S. § 316.0083 (Mark Wandall Act). Red-light penalty: $158 fine plus $100 costs. Speed camera threshold: 10+ mph over school-zone limit. School zones covered: 6 locations citywide. Hearing request deadline: 60 days after notice.

A red-light camera notice upheld at hearing carries a fixed $158.00 penalty plus $100.00 in city hearing costs under Sec. 106-481(d), amounts the hearing officer cannot alter or waive. For school-zone speed violations under Sec. 106-495, failing to pay the F.S. § 318.18(3)(d) penalty or submit a qualifying affidavit within 30 days results in a certified-mail uniform traffic citation. Aggrieved parties may appeal a final administrative order under F.S. § 162.11.

The Bottom Line

Miami Beach's mobility & curb rules 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 Miami Beach is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Miami Beach's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.