South Miami Annexation Conversations

A few months ago, South Miami reached out with the idea of annexing Biltmore Heights, presented through a letter from Vice Mayor Brian Corey. In response, the Biltmore Heights Neighborhood Association immediately organized a series of “Community Conversations” to gather the thoughts, concerns, and questions of our residents, while also weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of this proposal.

Through these discussions, we focused on five key areas: Governance, Taxes, Traffic, Lifestyle, & Vision for the future. 

The overwhelming sentiment from attendees was a deep desire for preservation: “Let us be,” and “Keep Biltmore Heights the way it is” with the top two concerns—by far—being the potential for increased taxes and whether South Miami would offer us greater protection than the county in preserving the character of the neighborhood and traffic. 

To get answers on the tax implications, we contacted the city of South Miami to look at 10 actual properties in the neighborhood with different assessed values and asked them to tell us exactly how much the taxes would change if we were to annex. The results were surprising, since many of us would have lower taxes. 

Homes with an assessed value under $400,000, taxes would decrease. Here are 10 properties from the neighborhood with various assessed value and the change in taxes.

 

 

(Important to note, that taxes are based on the assessed value and not the “market value” of your home. You can find you assessed value of your home on the property appraisers web site). 


In addition to taxes, we also compiled some of the potential pros and cons, along with some of the pressing questions brought up by the residents:

PROS

  • Stronger Local Representation: Increased influence over zoning matters.

  • Direct Access to Commissioners: Neighborhood commissioners who truly understand our needs.

  • Enhanced Police Presence: More coverage and faster response times.

  • Bulk Garbage Pickup: A convenient service for all.

  • Amenities: Access to parks, community gyms, pools, and even a freebie car service.

  • Improved Traffic Control: South Miami has more authority to manage traffic flow in our area.

CONS:

  • Potential Change in Neighborhood Character: There are concerns about altering the unique style of Biltmore Heights.

  • Limited Knowledge of South Miami’s Fiscal Management: Uncertainty around how South Miami manages its finances.

  • Stricter Code Enforcement: Potential for more stringent regulations.

  • New Mandates: Possible changes like new lights, sidewalks, or other requirements.

  • Unanswered Questions: Many lingering concerns (listed below).

  • Taxes: This is the most significant concern for most residents.

QUESTIONS:

  • What new mandates could be imposed on our neighborhood?

  • Will we be able to maintain our unique identity?

  • How will annexation impact density, and what are the rules on multi-unit buildings?

  • Will property assessments change?

  • Who owns the roads in the neighborhood post-annexation?

  • Will my taxes increase?

  • Regulation increase and will it be more difficult to get Permits?

  • Well the city of South Miami add street lights and sidewalks?

  • Will there be greater enforcement of traffic laws (speeding and running stop signs)?

  • Will there be any new regulations that we have to follow like solar panels, our Airbnb is regulated?

  • Would any code differences between the county and the city of South Miami only apply to new construction?

These conversations have been incredibly valuable, not just in gathering information but in uniting our community. Together, we’ve become more determined than ever to protect the charm and integrity of Biltmore Heights. Our shared vision for the future continues to evolve, and as we move forward—especially now with the Miller Estates appealing the rezoning and filing a new application—one thing is clear: we need to make our voices heard.  

Together we will continue to shape the future of Biltmore Heights, one conversation at a time.