We Will Not Tolerate Corruption in Our Offices: Statement from Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez on Bay County Driver’s License Fraud Investigation

I want to thank Bay County Tax Collector Chuck Purdue for his professionalism and leadership during this serious matter, as well as Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford and his entire team for their outstanding work and dedication to justice. Their commitment, along with the collaboration of federal and state partners, has resulted in the exposure of a criminal operation that directly undermined the trust placed in our public institutions.
This investigation which revealed the unlawful issuance of driver’s licenses by two employees, and the arrest of multiple accomplices serves as a powerful reminder of why strong oversight and accountability are essential in every Tax Collector’s office. That’s why, in Miami-Dade, we have implemented enhanced procedures to ensure that every individual in our office is held to the highest standard of integrity.
As Miami-Dade County Tax Collector, I want to assure our residents that my administration takes these matters extremely seriously. We are actively working every day to protect the security and credibility of the services we provide. That is why we maintain continuous collaboration with our State Attorney, Katherine Fernandez Rundle, and Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz to detect and prevent any form of corruption or criminal activity. Fraudulent activity—especially involving the issuance of driver’s licenses is a threat to public safety and to the rule of law. It will not be tolerated.
Let me be clear: we will not tolerate any case like this in Miami-Dade County. If any individual within our jurisdiction is found to be engaging in similar illegal activities, they will face the full extent of the law—without exception. As I always say, we are putting the community first. Our mission is rooted in transparency, accountability, and trust. That trust will not be compromised under my watch.
We will continue to support our fellow Tax Collectors and law enforcement partners to ensure that government remains a place of service, not abuse.

Dariel Fernandez

Miami-Dade County Tax Collector