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1. What is Public Art?

Public Art fits a much broader definition than art in a museum. In simple terms, public art is art work in the public realm, regardless of whether it is situated on public or private property, or whether it is acquired through public or private funding. Public art can take the form of a sculpture, mural, paving pattern, lighting, seating, building facade, kiosk, gate, fountain, play equipment, engraving, carving, fresco, mobile, collage, mosaic, Bas-relief, tapestry, photograph, drawing, or earthwork. Whatever its form, public art attracts attention. By its presence alone public art can heighten our awareness, question our assumptions, transform our landscape, or express community values, and for these reasons it can have the power, over time to transform the image of the Village. Public art helps define an entire community’s identity and reveal the unique character of a specific neighborhood. Review these representative examples of

Art in Public Places (PDF).

2. Who Decides What is Public Art?

Because art can be subjective the Village Council will create an Art in Public Places Advisory Board to be composed of five members with diverse backgrounds in Architecture, Fine Arts, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Product Design, History of Art or Architecture and Interior Design. Each member must hold a least a bachelor’s degree in said field and be appointed by the Village Council.

Ultimately, the Board will review and propose art works to be acquired under the Village’s Art in Public Places Program. The Board will issue a recommendation to the Village Council for all art work program acquisitions in accordance with the ordinance.

3. Who Pays Into the Art in Public Places Program?

Any individual who is requesting a building permit for the construction or remodeling of a commercial property whose total improvement or construction value is over $250,000, excluding land acquisition, will pay a one time fee of 1% of said construction value into the trust fund; or any individual who is requesting a building permit for the construction of two or more residential units valued over $250, 000 in aggregate or a single family estate home valued at $750,000 in aggregate, excluding land acquisition, will pay a one time fee of 1% of said construction value into the trust fund. The applicant has two options of paying the Art in Public Places fee: Option 1 Pay the 1% fee into the trust fund Option 2 Provide art in lieu of the fee valued at 1.25% on-site, subject to the Art in Public Places Advisory Board approval For additional information or to request a copy of the Art in Public Places ordinance, please contact the Planning & Zoning Dept. or call 305-259-1271.

4. Why Public Art?

The impact of public art on a community is priceless and immeasurable and once experienced, it only appreciates. Public art has the power to energize our public spaces, arouse our thinking, and transform the places where we live, work, and play into more welcoming and beautiful environments that invite interaction. Public art can make strangers talk, children ask questions, and calm a hurried life. It enhances the quality of life by encouraging a heightened sense of place and by introducing people to works of art.

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1. How long is a local business tax license valid?

Licenses are valid for each fiscal year beginning on October 1 and expiring on September 30. In August, courtesy renewal notices are mailed to each registered business and the appropriate license tax must be paid before October 1. Failure to timely renew may result in late fees. If a business does not receive a renewal, it remains the responsibility of the business owner to ensure the license is renewed prior to October 1.

2. How much does a local business tax license cost?

The license tax (fee) varies depending upon the type of business or profession. Existing licensees may see a fee estimate, view the status of their tax license and register online.

3. May I operate a business from my home?

Home-based businesses are allowed in the Village of Palmetto Bay. For requirements, please contact the Zoning Division. Home Office Procedures for Residential Zones

4. What documents must I provide to obtain a business tax license?

Once obtained, the Occupational Licenses and the Certificate of Uses must be displayed conspicuously at the place of business and in such a manner as to be open to the view of the public and subject to inspection by all duly authorized officers of the Village.

To apply you will need:
- Certificate of Use (document issued by Building and Permittin
- Federal Identification Number / Employee Identification number
- Lease agreement, if applicable
- An original, notarized Local Business Tax License application (commercial)
- An original, notarized Local Business Tax License application (residential)
- Proof of State of Florida Registration
Examples: Articles of Incorporation or Fictitious Name
For more information visit
Florida Department of State - Division of Corp.

5. What if I move my business location or cease operation?

Upon written request and presentation of the original license, any license may be transferred from one location to another location (within village limits) upon payment of a transfer fee of up to ten percent of the annual license tax, but not less than $3 and upon verification that such use is permitted by the village’s land development regulations at the new location. If your business should cease operation, please inform the Village with a written statement.

6. What is a local business tax license?

According to Florida Statute 205, “Local Business Tax License” (formerly known as "Occupational License") means the method by which a local governing authority grants the privilege of engaging in or managing any business, profession, or occupation within its jurisdiction. Florida Statutes

7. Who is required to obtain a local business tax license?

All businesses operating in the Village require a Palmetto Bay local business tax license prior to obtaining a local business tax license from Miami-Dade County. A separate local business tax license is required for each individual holding a State issued professional license.

For example, if three physicians practice out of one office, each physician is required to have their own occupational license, in addition to the administrative office license. Other examples include, but are not limited to, Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents, Attorneys and Beauty Salon Stylists. Palmetto Bay Local Business Tax License (PDF)

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1. What is the difference between a watch and a warning?

A hurricane watch predicts that hurricane conditions could be experienced within 36 hours. During a watch, residents are urged to enact their disaster plans and secure their homes. A hurricane warning indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour are expected within 24 hours. Residents are urged to finalize disaster action plans and seek shelter in a safe location.

2. What are the main hazards associated with hurricanes?

The main hazards associated with hurricanes are storm surge, which refers to water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the hurricane winds, inland flooding and high winds.

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1. What are stormwater fees?

The Stormwater Fee is a result of the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972 and amendments thereafter. The regulations require cities to make improvements to reduce pollution from storm water runoff. These improvements include public education as well as removing pollution at the source. There are no federal or state dollars provided to implement water-quality measures, so the stormwater fee has been adopted. The fee also provides dedicated revenue for constructing more facilities to decrease drainage problems and flooding as well as providing maintenance of those already constructed. Learn more about stormwater fees.

2. What causes poor water quality?

A number of factors may contribute to poor water quality. Some of the main culprits are runoff of fertilizers and pesticides from yards, oil and grease from cars, and sediment from construction sites. Trash, run off of hazardous materials, dumping of waste, and spills are other pollutants that degrade water quality. Natural occurrences such as algae blooms, although often triggered by pollution, may also contribute to a decline in water quality. Read more about stormwater pollution.

3. What is stormwater?

Stormwater is rainwater that falls into a watershed. Stormwater may carry excess nutrients and other pollutants from the water bodies. Read more about stormwater.

4. What is stormwater runoff?

Storm water runoff results from rainfall. Typically, the more rainfall we get the less likely that the rainwater will be absorbed into the soils resulting in more stormwater reaching our storm drains, ditches, streams, lakes, and reservoirs.

5. What is a watershed?

A watershed is a defined area of land from which all precipitation collects and drains to a common storm drain or lake.

6. Where are storm drains located?

For the most part, storm drains are located within the limits of the streets. Water typically flows across the land onto the road and gutters and into storm water inlets that are connected to the stormwater drainage pipes. In the more rural areas, stormwater is conveyed along roadside ditches.