Blasting Concerns
Blasting Effects
Blasting being conducted in northwest Miami-Dade County is of tremendous concern to residents of the city because of the effect such activities have on people and property within the city. Despite the fact that the city banned all blasting within the city in December 1999, the effects of blasting performed by mining companies outside city limits are being felt within Miramar.
The regulation of blasting activities in Florida currently falls under the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal’s Office. This webpage provides general information and a summary of the city’s efforts regarding blasting.
Florida Law requires that no blasting may result in a vibration over 0.50 peak particle velocity (“ppv”) per inch or create an air blast exceeding 133 decibels. Measurements by independent Miramar seismographs, as well as by the State Fire Marshal and White Rock Quarries, consistently show that the current blasting is well below these standards (from June 2023 to January 2025, 759 blast events were monitored and all registered under the State limit 0.50ppv).
Miramar Blasting History
Blasting Monitoring Reports
FAQ's
Where is the blasting taking place?
The blasting that has been experienced in our western communities is a result of blasting occurring in Miami-Dade County by several mining companies. The City of Miramar has not permitted any blasting to occur within its boundaries since December 1999.
Where do I file a complaint for damages?
Blasting in Florida currently falls under the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal’s Office. To report blasting damages, please contact the Marshal’s Office at 1-800-861-4164, email: fireprevention@fldfs.com or visit www.fldfs.com/sfm. An appointment will be issued.
How will my complaint be handled?
Your complaint will be given a tracking number and an investigator will be assigned to investigate your concerns. The investigator will inspect the property and contact people who may have knowledge of the incident and statements will be taken from mining company representatives. The investigator will review the company’s records and gather all the evidence relating to your complaint. After the investigator has completed the review, a written report of findings will be forwarded to the Division of State Fire Marshal in Tallahassee for evaluation. A determination will be made regarding possible actions to be taken. The Division of State Fire Marshal strives to complete each investigation within 90 days from the date it is filed.
What is the City of Miramar doing?
The City Commission approved an agreement with Broward County for independent monitoring to gather seismic data on the west side of the City. This will allow the City to independently confirm the peak particle velocity (PPV) levels from the mining operations. Two units have been installed and are actively gathering data. Additionally, the City is seeking guidance from the City Attorney, in order to evaluate all of the available legal options to the City as well as requesting the State’s Legislature, thru the City Lobbyist, to lower the blasting PPV limits.
Complaints
Complaints about blasting activities may be filed with the State Fire Marshal via the form below:
Mining Activity Complaint Form
Related Links
State Fire Marshal's Office:
• Construction Mining Division
• Blasting Log Portal
Pending Legislation:
• HB 303
• SB 486
Blasting Citizen Advisory Committee Information:
• City Code Sec 2-66 (Blasting Arbitration Board)
• Blasting Citizen Advisory Committee General Information
• Blasting Citizen Advisory Committee - Board Vacancies and Application Link