Miami, FL Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Miami Code of Ordinances § 37-6
- First offense
- $100 fine, up to 30 days jail
- Repeat offense
- $200 fine, up to 60 days jail
- Intimidation factors
- Touching, following, profanity, threatening gestures
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 12006, December 14, 2000
Summary
Miami makes it a crime to aggressively beg or obstruct pedestrian and vehicle traffic while begging, defining intimidation to include touching, following, or using profane and abusive language toward the person solicited.
(b)Prohibited acts. It shall be unlawful for a person to intentionally:(1)Aggressively beg; or(2)Obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic while begging.(d)Penalties. The first violation of this provision shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $100.00 and 30 days imprisonment; second and subsequent violations shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $200.00 and 60 days imprisonment.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 | Ordinance 11000 (Previous Zoning Code): Supplement 22 | Miami 21 (Zoning Code): ?).
Full Breakdown
Miami Code § 37-6 makes it unlawful to intentionally aggressively beg or to obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic while begging anywhere in the city. Aggressive begging means soliciting money or goods with intent to intimidate: touching the person, following them after they decline, using profane or abusive language, or making violent or threatening gestures all count as evidence. A first offense draws a fine up to $100 and 30 days in jail; repeat offenses rise to $200 and 60 days. Judges and police have discretion to refer offenders, including through the Miami-Dade County Homeless Assistance Project, to treatment programs instead of prosecution, with the person's consent. Ordinary, non-aggressive begging and picketing or legal protest remain lawful.
Violations & Fines
Aggressively begging or obstructing pedestrian or vehicular traffic while soliciting is a municipal violation. Fines run from $100 for a first offense to $200 for repeat offenses, with up to 30 or 60 days imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all panhandling illegal in Miami?
What's the penalty for aggressive panhandling in Miami?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami to another location·View the Florida public conduct overview
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Aggressive Panhandling in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle aggressive panhandling.