Public Conduct in Miramar, FL

Miramar maintains 135 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with public conduct. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Miramar falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Public Alcohol Use

Miramar bans drinking or carrying an open container of alcohol on any street, sidewalk, alley or public right-of-way in the city. The only way around it is a temporary alcohol consumption permit from the community development director, capped at seven days, or a city-sponsored event exception.

Key details: Where banned: Streets, sidewalks, alleys, public rights-of-way. Container rule: Any open or uncovered cup, can, bottle or glass. Exception permit length: Up to 7 days, from community development director. Permit criteria: Purpose, timing, security plan, proximity to homes. Default penalty: Up to $500 fine and/or 60 days jail.

Section 4-3 does not set its own fine, so a violation falls under the Code's general penalty, Sec. 1-13: a fine of up to $500, imprisonment of up to 60 days, or both, with each continuing day potentially treated as a separate offense. Miramar police can also enforce the ban directly on the street through a citation.

Compared to other cities, Miramar takes a harder line on public alcohol use. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Public Marijuana Use

Miramar outright bans smoking, ingesting or consuming marijuana, medical marijuana, cannabis or Low-THC cannabis in any public building, public right-of-way or public space citywide, with no carve-out for medical patients using in public.

Key details: Prohibited locations: Public buildings, rights-of-way, public spaces. Substances covered: Marijuana, medical marijuana, cannabis, Low-THC cannabis. Medical marijuana exception: None stated for public use. Adopting ordinance: Ord. No. 15-06 (2014), amended Ord. No. 18-05 (2017).

Section 13-16 does not carry its own penalty clause and sits within Chapter 13's general offenses, so violations are punished as provided by Code section 1-13's general penalty provision covering city code violations without a stated fine, typically enforced through a municipal citation issued by police in the field.

Compared to other cities, Miramar takes a harder line on public marijuana use. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Loitering Rules

Miramar bans loitering within 500 feet of any school and on any school, college or university campus in the city, unless you have a legitimate reason and written permission to be there. Violators face the general penalty under Code section 1-13.

Key details: Buffer distance: 500 feet from any school. Measurement method: Shortest pedestrian route to school grounds. Campus ban: Applies to schools, colleges, universities. Defense: Legitimate reason plus written permission. Penalty authority: Code § 1-13, general penalty.

Subsection (d) makes clear that "persons violating this section shall be punished as provided by section 1-13 of this Code," Miramar's general penalty provision for code violations lacking a specific fine, which authorizes citation or prosecution as a municipal ordinance violation. Because the 500-foot zone and the on-campus ban are separate prohibitions, a person can be cited under either subsection independently even without setting foot on school property.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Miramar actively enforces its loitering rules requirements.

The Bottom Line

Miramar is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Miramar, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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.