What’s behind Miami-Dade’s proposed charter amendments on seaport, airport, oaths?

Two items on the Nov. 8 ballot would alter Miami-Dade County’s charter to beef up the county’s legal defenses of its “home rule” autonomy against some state action.

One item would extend the oath of office taken by the mayor and commissioners to add a loyalty provision to the charter itself, requiring officeholders to swear they will “support, protect and defend” Miami-Dade’s governing document.

READ MORE: Who controls the Dolphin Expressway and can spend $200M in tolls? MDX goes to court

The other item would require a referendum before Miami-Dade could turn over Miami International Airport, PortMiami or certain toll roads to another government.

Both proposed charter amendments stem from long-running tension between Miami-Dade officeholders and Florida lawmakers over the Legislature’s ability to rework how some major assets in the county are governed.

In 2019, the Legislature passed a law dissolving the county-controlled toll board overseeing the Dolphin Expressway and four other toll roads in favor of a new toll agency with state controls. Miami-Dade filed suit, calling the law a violation of the county’s “home rule” charter that’s part of the Florida Constitution.

The existing toll board, the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority, remains in place as the court fight proceeds. Along with the county port and airport, the charter amendment would require a referendum before Miami-Dade could turn over the “MDX” to the state.

“It’s a preventive measure to make sure there isn’t undue influence from the state,” said Madison Berndt, president of the League of Women Voters of Miami-Dade County, which supports the ballot items.

This story was originally published October 27, 2022 at 10:56 AM.