City of Homestead v. Dade County

The City of Homestead filed suit to enforce Dade County’s alleged duty to assume responsibility for the medical care of indigent patients treated in the municipal hospital. In a multi-count complaint, the City sought declaratory, monetary, and injunc-tive relief predicated upon: (a) the deed by which the County acquired Jackson Memorial Hospital in 1948; (b) a 1967 final decree allegedly construing the County’s responsibilities; (c) state statutes; and (d) negligence. The trial court dismissed the complaint without leave to amend. We reverse.

As to the claims for declaratory relief, we observe…