Bringing back Miami Beach's police horses would cost up to $478,000 to start, memo says

Restarting a Miami Beach Police mounted patrol with four horses would cost $409,000 to $478,300 up front and $91,700 to $113,000 a year to run, according to city estimates going before the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

The idea, sponsored by Mayor Steven Meiner, was referred to the committee in February. In its memo the administration says the commission should consider bringing the unit back, but recommends that any funding wait for the fiscal 2028 budget. It points to a projected General Fund deficit that year and to Amendment 3 on the November state ballot. The memo says the amendment would “dramatically impact” property tax revenue, which supplies 60% of the city’s General Fund.

What it would take

The police department’s estimate includes four horses at $10,000 to $18,000 each, five pickup trucks at $50,000 each, two horse trailers, riding gear for five officers, and a stable attendant earning $35,500 to $56,800. Feed, veterinary care and farrier work would cost about $56,200 a year. The horses would be stabled at no charge at Miami-Dade County’s Tropical Park equestrian center under a proposed agreement. A city stable, estimated at $250,000, is listed as a possible future expense. The unit would need five officers, and the memo says Miami police offer the six-week training course for free.

The memo makes the case that horses help with crowd control at big events and draw friendly contact with the public. It also lists drawbacks: higher overhead, limits in heat and bad weather, and liability. It notes that the city’s Black Affairs Advisory Committee has passed motions opposing mounted or K-9 units during high-impact periods.

Miami Beach first put officers on horseback in 1938 to direct traffic on Lincoln Road, Washington Avenue, Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. The unit was disbanded during World War II, revived in 1979 and cut again in 1992 to save money, according to the memo.

Also on the agenda: Swim Week refund

The committee will also consider reimbursing Funkshion Labs, the producer of Paraiso Swim Week, $30,319.85 for city fees it paid for the 2026 event. That includes $15,183 for off-duty police, $3,030 for off-duty fire and $5,848 for parking. It will also discuss a possible five-year agreement with the producer that could waive future fees. The memo says the event received a $100,000 grant from the Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority last fiscal year.

The meeting is in the Commission Chambers at City Hall and on Zoom (webinar ID 863 6059 5462). Any recommendation would go to the full City Commission.