Miami Gardens Employee Benefits Package Explained

The City of Miami Gardens offers eligible full-time employees and their families a comprehensive benefits package. These benefits aim to support employee health, financial stability and overall well-being, with specifics varying by job classification and union agreements.

For medical coverage, the city partners with Aetna. Under the EPO Plan, the city covers 100% of the employee's premium and 50% of dependent premiums. For the Choice 90% and Choice 100% Plans, the city contributes an amount equivalent to the employee-only EPO premium; employees pay any additional costs for their chosen plan and dependents.

Employees who opt out of city medical coverage and provide proof of alternative coverage may receive a $125 bi-weekly waiver stipend.

Voluntary, employee-paid dental and vision insurance are available through Guardian. The city also provides basic life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage equal to one times the employee's annual salary. Employees can purchase additional voluntary coverage, including supplemental life insurance and short-term or long-term disability insurance, through payroll deductions.

Other voluntary benefits available at employee expense include LegalShield, Aflac, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) through TASC, and 457 Deferred Compensation Plans.

All eligible employees participate in the Florida Retirement System (FRS), choosing between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan, subject to state law.

For work-life balance, most administrative offices operate on a four-day workweek, offering increased flexibility. Employees and their families can access confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services for personal and work-related support.

Full-time employees accrue 176 hours of Personal Leave annually for vacation or illness and observe 13 paid holidays, including one floating holiday.

Miami Gardens is a qualifying employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which may allow eligible employees to have remaining federal student loan balances forgiven after meeting program requirements.