Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez Announces Return of Nearly $1 Million in Unused Fees to The Children’s Trust to Support Miami-Dade’s Children and Families

This week, Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez announced the return of $962,384 in unused fees to The Children’s Trust, reinforcing his office’s commitment to responsible financial management and community reinvestment.

Under Florida Statute 218.36(2), the Tax Collector’s Office is required to return unused revenues each year to the agencies for which it collects. After covering operational costs, any remaining funds are distributed back to the community through partner taxing authorities, including The Children’s Trust, which invests these funds directly into programs that benefit children and families across Miami-Dade County.

“We live in tough times. Everyone knows the government is tightening budgets and making hard choices,” said Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez. “But we cannot do that to our children. They deserve better. These funds belong to the people of Miami-Dade County, and we are returning them to where they make the greatest impact, in the hands of organizations that lift our families and strengthen our future. I want to thank President and CEO James R. Haj and his incredible team at The Children’s Trust for everything they do to serve our community.”

For more than two decades, The Children’s Trust has been one of Miami-Dade’s most impactful community partners, helping children grow up healthy, educated, and safe. Created by local voters, the Trust invests over $260 million each year in programs that reach more than 100,000 children and families across the county, supporting initiatives in early learning, youth development, health and wellness, and family strengthening.

In Fiscal Year 2025, the Tax Collector’s Office reported returning over $15.2 million in unused fees, including $13.7 million to the County’s General Fund and additional amounts to agencies such as the Florida Inland Navigation District and the South Florida Water Management District.

This is what good stewardship looks like,” added Fernandez. “Our residents trust us to do the right thing with their money. By returning unused fees to the people, we are not just closing the books on a fiscal year, we are opening doors for children, families, and the next generation of Miami-Dade.”