Residents and businesses in the City of Miami who paid a solid waste surcharge on a building permit between December 23, 2010, and July 16, 2026, may qualify for a refund through a $4.5 million class action settlement.
The lawsuit claimed the city improperly charged solid waste surcharges with building permit applications. While Miami denied wrongdoing, it agreed to settle to avoid further litigation.
Who Can File a Claim?
You may qualify if you:
- Paid a solid waste surcharge as an owner or applicant for a building permit between Dec. 23, 2010, and July 16, 2026.
- Are an individual, business, trust, or legal successor.
Exclusion: You do not qualify if the city already refunded you in full or in part.
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →How Much Will You Get?
Refunds will be based on a pro rata distribution. This means your share depends on the total amount you paid compared to other claimants.
- Total settlement fund: $4.5 million
- Payments will come from the fund after deducting notice and administration costs.
- Actual payouts may be less than the full surcharge you paid.
- Attorney fees of $1.5 million will be paid separately by the city and will not reduce the settlement fund.
How to File a Claim
Eligible class members must file a claim by October 15, 2026.
Options:
- Online form – Use your claim ID and PIN from the settlement notice.
- Mail-in form – Download, complete, and mail the PDF claim form.
Mailing address:
RT&S Investment Group LLC v. The City of Miami
Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 301134
Los Angeles, CA 90030-1134
Required Documentation
- Claim ID and PIN (if filing online).
- Property address tied to the solid waste surcharge.
Payout Method
- Paper check.
Settlement Fund Breakdown
- Settlement fund: $4,500,000
- Administration and notice costs: Deducted from fund
- Payments to class members: Remaining balance
- Attorney fees: $1,500,000 (paid separately by the city)
Key Dates
- Claim deadline: October 15, 2026
- Exclusion deadline: October 15, 2026
- Final approval hearing: December 15, 2026
When Will Payments Be Made?
Refunds will be issued after the court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved.
Why the Settlement Happened
The lawsuit accused Miami of improperly assessing solid waste surcharges linked to building permits. The city denies wrongdoing but settled to end the case.
