The $9 Million Water Settlement: What Miami Gardens Residents Need to Know About Their NMB Water Refund
If you paid a North Miami Beach water bill in Miami Gardens between 2017 and 2021, a $9 million class action settlement may involve you. Here is the plain-English explanation.
If you're a Miami Gardens resident who gets water from NMB Water (North Miami Beach), you may have received an official-looking letter about a class action settlement, and the city recently reminded residents to take it seriously. It's not a scam. It's real, it involves a $9 million settlement over water charges many residents paid, and it could affect your legal rights and your wallet. Here's what it's actually about, in plain English.
The short version
The City of Miami Gardens sued the City of North Miami Beach, alleging that North Miami Beach improperly charged Miami Gardens water customers a 25% surcharge on their bills. The case (Case No. 18-042450-CA-01) resulted in a settlement in which North Miami Beach agreed to pay $9 million. That fund is meant to refund the improper surcharge to the residents and businesses who paid it.
What happened: the backstory
Here's the situation many residents never fully understood. Miami Gardens does not run its own water utility. Much of the city gets its water from the Norwood Water Treatment Plant, which sits inside Miami Gardens but is owned and operated by the City of North Miami Beach.
For years, North Miami Beach applied a 25% surcharge to water customers located outside its own city limits, including Miami Gardens customers. In December 2018, Miami Gardens filed a lawsuit on behalf of itself and its residents and businesses, arguing that this surcharge was improperly assessed. After years of litigation and appeals, the case was headed for trial when the two cities reached a settlement.
The settlement details
According to the official settlement notice, here are the key facts:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Case number | 18-042450-CA-01 (11), Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade |
| Who sued | City of Miami Gardens, on behalf of residents and businesses |
| Who pays | City of North Miami Beach |
| Settlement fund | $9 million (about 92% of surcharges imposed in the class period) |
| Class period | May 22, 2017 to February 6, 2021 |
| Who's covered | NMB water customers in Miami Gardens billed the 25% surcharge |
The $9 million fund represents approximately 92% of the total surcharges imposed during the class period, which is a strong recovery for a case like this. Class members may receive a refund of the surcharge they paid, less litigation and administration costs and attorneys' fees.
Are you covered?
You were part of the settlement class if all of these apply to you:
You were a customer of North Miami Beach's water utility, your service address was located within the City of Miami Gardens, and you were billed and paid the 25% surcharge at some point between May 22, 2017 and February 6, 2021. This includes both residents and businesses or organizations located within Miami Gardens boundaries during that window.
If that describes you, even if you've since moved or switched providers, you were likely a class member for the period you qualified.
Important: check the current status and deadlines
Who to contact (official sources only)
Use only the official channels for this settlement. Be cautious of anyone contacting you asking for payment or sensitive information in exchange for "help" claiming your refund. The legitimate contacts are:
| Contact | Info |
|---|---|
| Settlement website | miamigardenswaterbillsettlement.com |
| Claims Administrator phone | Toll-free 855-783-6819 |
| Mailing address | City of Miami Gardens vs. City of North Miami Beach Claims Administrator, c/o Settlement Services, Inc., P.O. Box 2715, Portland, OR 97208 |
| City reference | City of Miami Gardens, miamigardens-fl.gov |
When you contact the Claims Administrator, include your name and return address on all correspondence. The official settlement website is the best place to check the latest status, find forms if applicable, and read the full notice and FAQs.
Why this matters beyond the refund
This settlement is about more than a check. It reflects a years-long effort by the city to hold a neighboring government accountable on behalf of its residents. The broader water dispute between the two cities is still evolving, with ongoing discussions at the county level about surcharges, rates, and how Miami Gardens residents are served. Water is a basic necessity, and how it's priced directly affects every household in the city.
For residents, the practical takeaway is simple: pay attention to official notices about your water service, keep your contact information current with the utility and any settlement administrator, and don't leave money on the table if you're entitled to it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Miami Gardens water bill settlement?
The City of Miami Gardens sued the City of North Miami Beach (NMB Water), alleging it improperly charged Miami Gardens water customers a 25% surcharge. The case settled with North Miami Beach agreeing to pay $9 million, representing about 92% of the surcharges imposed during the class period of May 22, 2017 to February 6, 2021. The fund refunds the surcharge to eligible residents and businesses.
Who qualifies for the NMB Water settlement in Miami Gardens?
You were part of the class if you were a customer of North Miami Beach's water utility with a service address inside the City of Miami Gardens, and you were billed and paid the 25% surcharge between May 22, 2017 and February 6, 2021. This includes both residents and businesses. Check your eligibility and status at the official settlement website or with the Claims Administrator.
How do I claim my Miami Gardens water settlement refund?
Follow the instructions in any official notice letter you received, or contact the Claims Administrator directly. The official settlement website is miamigardenswaterbillsettlement.com and the toll-free number is 855-783-6819. Because deadlines can change as the case is finalized, verify the current status through these official channels rather than secondhand sources.
Details from the official Miami Gardens Water Bill Settlement notice, the City of Miami Gardens, and Miami-Dade Circuit Court records (Case No. 18-042450-CA-01). This article is informational and not legal advice. For the current status, deadlines, and to verify eligibility, use only the official settlement website (miamigardenswaterbillsettlement.com) and Claims Administrator (855-783-6819). Published: August 4, 2026.
