Miami Beach city commissioners voted unanimously to distribute $500 payments to more than 14,000 homesteaded homeowners using surplus budget funds, approving up to $7 million in relief tied to primary residences. While details on timing and distribution are still pending, supporters framed the move as a way to return excess taxpayer money directly to residents, marking the city’s first surplus payout in nearly two decades. The decision follows a major shift from an earlier proposal that would have set aside roughly $4 million for renters earning up to 140% of the area median income. Instead, leftover surplus funds — now totaling $13.4 million — will be redirected to city priorities, including building department improvements, permit discounts, and procedural steps tied to a North Beach property purchase. Commissioners also approved a measure to pursue a rolled-back tax rate next year, a move that could lead to more than $20 million in budget cuts and, officials say, long-term relief for both homeowners and renters.