Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez Backs SJR 550 to Eliminate Unfair Taxes and Deliver Real Relief for Florida Families and Small Businesses

As the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector, I strongly support SJR 550, a constitutional amendment that would prohibit ad valorem taxes on tangible personal property levied by counties, school districts, and municipalities across the State of Florida.

This proposal represents meaningful tax relief for our residents, small businesses, and working families. Tangible personal property taxes place a heavy burden on entrepreneurs, homeowners, and young people who are struggling with rising costs and trying to build their future here in Florida. Eliminating this tax is a direct step toward making our state more affordable and more competitive.

SJR 550 modernizes our tax structure by removing an outdated and complex tax that adds layers of bureaucracy but provides limited benefit. By ending this category of taxation, we simplify the system, reduce administrative burden, and create a pro-growth environment where businesses can invest, expand, and hire with confidence.

I am here in Tallahassee to continue working at the municipal, county, and state levels to find real solutions for small businesses and all business owners in Florida. Our local economy depends on their success, and removing unnecessary tax barriers is essential to keeping Florida strong, competitive, and open for opportunity.

I want to express my sincere appreciation to Senator Clay Yarborough from The Florida Senate for always supporting our families and putting them first. His leadership as Cosponsor of Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 550 for the 2026 legislative session reflects a true commitment to Florida residents. I also recognize and thank Senator Mack Bernard, the Primary Sponsor, for filing this important legislation that gives Floridians the opportunity to choose a better and fairer path.

This amendment gives Florida voters the power to decide whether they want real relief for families, seniors on fixed incomes, and the entrepreneurs who drive our communities forward. Empowering the people is the right path for our state.

I stand with our State Senators and Representatives who are advancing SJR 550, and I fully support placing this measure on the statewide ballot. It is a smart, fair, and forward-looking reform that protects Florida’s economic future and strengthens the financial stability of all our residents.

Dariel Fernandez

Tax Collector, Miami-Dade County