Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Leonard Vialpando
Department: Public Works and Environmental Services
Division: Solid Waste & Recycling
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution directing the County Administrator to publish Notice of Public Hearing to be held on March 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 422 of Governmental Center East, to consider adoption of a proposed Resolution Amending the Broward County Administrative Code, the title of which is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, PERTAINING TO WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES; AMENDING SECTION 38.39 OF THE BROWARD COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE (“ADMINISTRATIVE CODE”) TO PRESCRIBE A REVISED FRANCHISE FEE RATE AND REVISED LICENSE FEES FOR WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES IN THE OPEN MARKET AREA; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Why Action is Necessary
The Broward County Charter requires the posting of notice and a public hearing for adoption of amendments to the Broward County Administrative Code.
What Action Accomplishes
Enables the setting of a public hearing during which the Board of County Commissioners (“Board”) may consider adopting the proposed Resolution Amending the Broward County Administrative Code.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None taken.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING SERVICES DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
Broward County is responsible for ensuring collection, hauling, and transportation services for solid waste generated within the unincorporated areas of Broward County, including the portion known as the “Open Market Area.” Private waste collectors that wish to provide hauling services in the Open Market Area must first receive a license from Broward County Solid Waste and Recycling Services.
Section 38.39 of the Broward County Administrative Code (“Administrative Code”) sets forth the franchise fee rates for waste collection services in the Open Market Area as well as other fees associated with these licenses.
This Resolution would amend Section 38.39 of the Administrative Code to revise the fees for waste collection services in the Open Market Area. The changes include an increase in the franchise fee that licensed waste collectors must pay for providing services in the Open Market Area to commercial, industrial, and mobile home park properties from 15% to 20% of the revenue collected. It also raises the license application fee from $500 to $1,000 and the license fee from $2,000 to $2,500 (which provides for a three-year license).
The last increase to solid waste franchise fees affecting the Open Market Areas occurred in 2011, with the prior increase in 1989. At the current 15% rate, unincorporated Broward County ranks ninth among Broward municipalities; at a proposed 20% rate, it would rank eighth, with municipal franchise fees ranging from 10% to 35% countywide (Exhibit 4).
The proposed application and license fee increases would apply only to solid waste haulers at the time of initial licensure and triennial license renewal. While these fees are not subject to Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments, an analysis applying historical CPI increases to the license and application fees (for the years 2011 to 2025) would result in a combined application and license fee 6% higher than the flat-rate fees proposed (Exhibit 5).
Revenue generated from the commercial franchise fees and license fees will be used to subsidize the Broward Municipal Services District Litter Abatement Program, including maintenance of a new litter collection truck and funding for one full-time position.
If adopted, the revised franchise and license fees will apply to all waste collection services rendered in the Open Market Area on or after April 1, 2026. Waste collectors operating in the Open Market Area will be required to pay the revised fees in order to obtain or renew a license and continue providing services in unincorporated Broward County.
This item was placed on the December 9, 2025 agenda for a January 22, 2026 public hearing; however, the hearing was delayed as the evaluation of the proposed rates was still pending final review.
Source of Additional Information
Notosha Austin, Director, Solid Waste and Recycling Services Division, (954) 474-1880.
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
The proposed revised rates are estimated to provide an additional $141,000 in revenue during Fiscal Year 2026.