Municipal elections will be held on November 4th, 2025 in Miami, Miami Beach, Hialeah, Homestead, and Surfside.

• Early voting dates and locations vary between municipalities.
• Vote-by-mail ballots were mailed in early October to voters who requested them.
• On Election Day, voting is at each voter’s individual precinct and is open 7am-7pm.

See the below summaries of candidates, ballot items, and voting information for each municipality.

City of Miami (more info)

Early Voting 10/25-11/2

• Weekdays 7am-7pm; Weekends 8am-4pm
• Carrie Meeks Center, Gerry Curtis Park, Hispanic Branch Library, Legion Memorial Park, Miami City Hall, Shenandoah Branch Library, Government Center, West Flagler Branch Library

Mayor

• Emilio Gonzalez (former city manager and county aviation director)
• Eileen Higgins (current county commissioner)
• Joe Carollo (current city commissioner)
• Alex Diaz De La Portilla (former city commissioner)
• Ken Russell (former city commissioner)
• Xavier Suarez (former city mayor and county commissioner)
• +9 minor candidates

Commissioner District 3

• Frank Carollo (former city commissioner)
• Rolando Escalona
• Brenda Betancourt
• Denise Galvez Turros
• +4 minor candidates

Commissioner District 5

• Christine King (incumbent)
• +3 minor candidates

Referendums

• Establishing charter review commission within one year of decennial census
• Charter amendment to authorize non-waterfront property sales or leases
• Charter amendment to prohibit gerrymandering, establish redistricting committee, define process
• Charter amendment to establish lifetime term limits

City of Miami Beach (more info)

Early Voting 10/20-11/2

• Weekdays 7am-3pm; Weekends 8am-4pm
• City Hall and North Shore Library

Mayor

• Steven Meiner (incumbent)
• Kristen Rosen Gonzalez (current city commissioner)

Commissioner Group 1

• Monique Pardo Pope
• Daniel Ciraldo
• Monica Matteo-Salinas
• Brian Ehrlich
• +2 minor candidates

Commissioner Group 2

• Laura Dominguez (incumbent)
• Fred Karlton

Commissioner Group 3

• Alex Fernandez (incumbent)
• Luidgi Mary

City of Hialeah (more info)

Early Voting 10/27-11/2

• Weekdays 7am-7pm; Weekends 9am-4pm
• JFK Library

Mayor

• Jackie Garcia-Roves (acting mayor, city council member)
• Jesus Tundidor (current city council member)
• Bryan Calvo (former city council member)
• +2 minor candidates

Council Group 3

• Jessica Castillo
• Kassandra Montandon
• Gelien Perez

Council Group 4

• Mariana Chavez
• Phillip Kennedy
• William Marrero
• Javier Morejon
• Juan Santana

Council Group 5

• Carl Zogby (incumbent)

Council Group 6

• Melinda De La Vega (acting council member)
• Juan Junco (acting council member)
• Christopher Monzon

Council Group 7

• Luis Rodriguez (incumbent)
• Abdel Jimenez

City of Homestead (more info)

Early Voting 10/30-11/1

• Weekdays 11am-7pm; Weekends 8am-4pm
• William Dickinson Community Center

Council Seat 1

• Tom Davis (incumbent)
• Kimberly Konsky

Council Seat 4

• Jenifer Bailey (incumbent)

Council Seat 5

• Erica Avila (incumbent)
• Sonia Castro

Referendums

• Mayor term limits
• Filling council vacancies
• Bond referendum for construction of parks projects
• Bond referendum for construction of roadway improvements

Town of Surfside (more info)

No Early Voting

Referendums

• Undergrounding electrical and communications utility lines
• Creation of a gated community in the town
• Requiring unanimous commission vote for expenditures exceeding $2M
• Requiring 60% voter approval for large town expenditures

For more information, contact Armando Ibarra, Government Affairs (armando@advocacyinsights.com).

Read our full initial briefing, which outlined immediate risks to air travel, national parks, immigration services, and federal group bookings.

Shutdown Status

The stalemate in Congress has persisted, pushing the shutdown into Day 20. Senate Democrats rejected funding bills for the 10th time last week, blocking the bills from reaching the 60 votes necessary to move forward. 

The impasse continues over disagreements between Republicans and Democrats about details on extending health insurance tax credits and subsidies. While Senate GOP leader John Thune has guaranteed a vote on the issue, Democrats have demanded a guaranteed outcome as a condition for their support to reopen government.

The upper chamber adjourned over the weekend, meaning that the shutdown continues this week, and likely into the future.

Local Tourism Impact

Disruptions to local travel and tourism remain limited, but may increase as the shutdown continues. While the TSA and FAA have faced worker shortages in other airports around the country (such as LA, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Houston), there have been no reports of shortages at Miami International Airport nor at Fort Lauderdale International Airport. Similarly, there has been no negative impact to flight delays at our local airports. In October, flight arrivals have been 81% on time and departures have been 79% on time at Miami International Airport, which is slightly above average.

Overall, hotel occupancy and ADR data in Miami-Dade County do not show an impact from the federal government shutdown. Occupancy for the week of Oct 5-11 was 65.3% (-5.3% compared to 2024), ADR was $178.29 (+1.1%). Occupancy for the past 28 days was 60.4% (-5.9%) and ADR for the past 28 days was $156.95 (-4.4%). October numbers are consistent with the trend that preceded the shutdown.

Thank you for your resilience. We remain committed to advocating for a swift resolution and supporting your operations.

For more information, contact Armando Ibarra, Government Affairs (armando@advocacyinsights.com).

The federal government shut down at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1, 2025 after Congress failed to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) or full-year appropriations. Negotiations have not yet produced a deal; votes in the Senate have failed to end the impasse, so the shutdown continues into this week. 

About 750,000 federal employees are furloughed or working unpaid across agencies, which creates service disruptions that grow with time. Retroactive pay is guaranteed by law once funding is restored (Government Employee Fair Treatment Act). 

The shutdown will have direct and indirect impacts on travel and tourism. Even when “essential” travel functions keep operating, degraded capacity and uncertainty suppress demand and complicate operations across hotels, airlines, attractions, and DMO activities.

Direct Tourism-Related Impacts

Miami International Airport (FAA, TSA, NTSB)

• FAA: About 11,000 FAA employees are furloughed. ~13,000 air traffic controllers remain on the job without pay. Certification, inspections, and some modernization work will slow or pause, raising the risk of delays and operational bottlenecks, especially as a prolonged lapse strains staffing already running below ideal levels. 
• TSA: Most of the ~61,000 TSA officers are “excepted” and work unpaid, which can lead to longer screening lines as fatigue and attrition pressures build the longer the lapse lasts.
• NTSB: Safety investigations continue only for emergency-essential work; other activities are narrowed, which can slow the broader safety ecosystem.

Passports, visas, and consular services (State Department)

• While many consular services are fee-funded, not all are. Consulates rely partly on appropriated funds for staffing, security, and certain administrative functions. As a result, while most visa appointments will proceed, delays and reductions in service capacity are possible, particularly if the shutdown is prolonged.
• Visa interviews may take place as scheduled, but some posts may reduce appointment availability, reschedule cases, or lengthen wait times. Administrative processing or interagency clearances could also slow down.
• Both domestic and overseas passport issuance should continue because they are largely fee-funded. However, processing could still be delayed if consular staff are furloughed or facilities are impacted.

Federal travel & per diem

• Per diem rates remain in effect (set pre-shutdown; FY2025 update already issued), but many agencies restrict “non-essential” travel during a lapse, which depresses federal demand into major markets. (Use GSA rates for pricing, but expect fewer federal travelers until funding resumes.)

National parks & related sites (Everglades, Biscayne, Big Cypress, Dry Tortugas)

• The National Park Service (NPS) contingency plan anticipates ~9,296 furloughs out of ~14,500 employees (~64% of staff). 
• NPS and the Interior Department indicate parks will be generally accessible in open-air areas (roads/trails/memorials), but many facilities requiring staff are closed.
  • All areas that are usually gated or locked outside of business hours will remain locked. Law enforcement and wildfire prevention are still active.
  • Expect closed visitor centers, no routine trash/restroom service, no permits/tours, and limited ranger presence; some units or areas may close altogether where safe access can’t be maintained.
• Florida / South Florida specifics: Local reporting shows Everglades and Biscayne are open with reduced services and closures at staffed facilities; advisories note most staff are furloughed and access can be curtailed. Conditions are fluid; travelers should check news or alerts the morning of travel.
  • Everglades National Park: The four visitor centers are closed.
  • Shark Valley: attraction is closed and tram tours are unavailable.
  • Flamingo Lodge: will remain open and its tours will run.
  • Big Cypress National Preserve: Off-Road Vehicle office is closed. Off-Road Vehicle trails are open only to guests that already have a vehicle permit.
  • Dry Tortugas: is open and the Yankee Ferry is operating as usual.

Employer-Related Impacts

Immigration and employment eligibility (USCIS, E-Verify, Dept. of Labor)

• The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is primarily fee-funded and will continue to accept and adjudicate most petitions and applications. Some processes depend on other agencies (such as security checks or labor certifications). These dependencies may result in slower adjudications, even though USCIS remains open.
• E-Verify, the online system used by many employers to confirm employment eligibility, is not fee-funded and is suspended during a shutdown.
  • Employers must still complete Form I-9 for all new hires within required timelines. Employers enrolled in E-Verify will not be able to run new cases until the system is back online. Maintain detailed records of hires made during the shutdown and be prepared to enter E-Verify cases once the system is operational again.
  • In prior shutdowns, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) suspended deadlines for creating E-Verify cases and resolving Tentative Nonconfirmations (TNCs). Similar accommodations may be made, but employers should carefully document hires and be prepared to run cases once the system is restored.
• The US Dept. of Labor Office of Foreign Labor Certification has suspended adjudication and acceptance of applications during the shutdown.
  • Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), PERM labor certification applications, and prevailing wage determinations are not being processed. This creates immediate delays for employers needing LCAs for H-1B, H-1B1, H2-B, and E-3 petitions and will prolong timelines for PERM labor certification adjudication.

What It Means For Miami-Dade Hotels and Partners

• Macro demand: US Travel Association est. $1B/week loss to national travel economy.
• Air travel: Potential longer TSA wait times and ATC-related delays as shutdown lengthens; consider flexibility for check-in/out policies for guests citing shutdown-related disruptions. 
• Parks demand: Assume lower visitation and last-minute cancellations for national park-tied itineraries when facilities are closed or services curtailed.
• International: Most passports/visas still process, but with longer timelines; concierge teams should advise guests to confirm appointment status and carry extra documentation. 
• Employers: HR teams should plan around E-Verify and labor certification downtime. 
• Group & government: Federal and federally-funded meetings may postpone; monitor attrition clauses and consider temporary flex policies to preserve future bookings. 

Shutdown Outlook

During the shutdown, agency “contingency plans” govern minimal operations. Congress can end a shutdown by passing either:

1. Continuing Resolution (CR) that temporarily funds agencies at existing levels
2. Full-year appropriations (12 bills) that fully fund the government through FY2026.

Near-term scenarios we’re watching:

• Short CR breakthrough (days): Would quickly restore operations; back pay flows; travel demand and park operations normalize over 1–2 weeks. 
• Prolonged standoff (weeks): Growing airport delays, staffing strain, and park closures; compounding cancellations in federal/group segments.

Our Suggestions and Recommendations

1. Communicate proactively with guests

Add a concise shutdown advisory to confirmation emails and concierge scripts: airport delays possible; check NPS alerts day-of; bring extra water/restroom plans for outdoor sites with limited services. 

2. Offer flexible policies for shutdown-related disruptions

Time-bound waiver or rebook options for guests with ATC/TSA delays or park-dependent itineraries to protect long-term loyalty. (Industry best practice aligned with prior shutdown guidance and current media outlooks)

3. Rebalance sales mix

Emphasize leisure and in-state/regional drive markets while federal travel and some group segments are soft.

4. Monitor local park/unit alerts

Everglades/Biscayne/Big Cypress/Dry Tortugas pages and NPS “Active Alerts” page update frequently during a lapse; conditions can change by day. Share key updates with front desk/concierge daily.

Key Facts & Figures

• Shutdown start: 12:01 a.m., Oct. 1, 2025 (continuing). 
• NPS staffing: ~9,296 furloughs out of ~14,500; many staffed facilities closed; open-air access varies. 
• Air travel ops: ~13,000 controllers and ~61,000 TSA staff working without pay; prolonged lapse risks longer lines/flight delays. 
• Economic drag (national): ~$1B/week travel-economy loss estimate (U.S. Travel/Tourism Economics). 
• Historical park impact: 7.9M fewer visits, $414M lost gateway spending in 16 days (2013).

We’ll Keep You Updated

• We are in active contact with the Florida delegation urging a rapid CR to stabilize travel. Members should share impact stories (cancellations, staffing hits, event postponements) with us to bolster the case; we can transmit anonymized data to congressional offices.
• We will issue succinct updates as conditions change (especially for MIA airport operations and South Florida park status). If your property sees unusual cancellation patterns or shutdown-related service issues, please email those datapoints so we can escalate with policymakers.

For more info contact Armando Ibarra, Government Affairs (armando@advocacyinsights.com).

We want to make you aware of an important legal change affecting individuals and businesses across Florida. The First District Court of Appeal has struck down the state’s prohibition on openly carrying firearms in public. Individuals who are legally permitted to carry a firearm may now do so either concealed or openly visible.

This change affects how firearms may be carried, but it does not change where they can be carried. Firearms remain prohibited in certain locations under state law, such as schools, colleges, bars, courthouses, law enforcement stations, professional sporting events, and other locations as established in Florida Statutes § 790.06(12).

In addition, Florida law still prohibits displaying a firearm in a careless or threatening manner. Improper display remains a criminal offense as established in Fla. Stat. § 790.10.

For businesses and property owners, private property rights remain fully intact. Owners and managers may continue to prohibit firearms on their premises. If desired, you can post signage to clarify your policy, such as: “Guests are not permitted to bring firearms, ammunition, or other weapons onto this property.”

Key points for your establishment:

• Open carry is now legal for individuals legally permitted to carry a firearm.
• Restricted locations have not changed.
• Improper or threatening display of a firearm remains illegal.
• Businesses and property owners retain the right to prohibit firearms on their property.

We encourage members to review their workplace and customer policies, consult with your corporate counsel, and update signage or procedures as needed. Please contact us if you have any questions.