Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez Official Statement Regarding Enforcement Authority And Pending Federal Litigation

As Miami-Dade County Tax Collector, my responsibility is to enforce the law and protect the safety, security, and trust of the people of our community. Florida law provides clear authority for the actions taken by this office, including Florida Statute §205.0532, which allows us to act when there are legitimate concerns involving businesses connected to the Cuban communist and socialist dictatorship, especially when activities may occur without proper federal authorization. Our duty is simple: ensure compliance, protect residents, and uphold the law.

A private company has chosen to file a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida in response to our enforcement efforts. We thank God that we live in the United States of America, a nation governed by the rule of law, where disagreements are resolved through the courts and not through intimidation or politics. We respect the judicial process and welcome the opportunity to present the facts. We are confident that the truth will prevail and that our actions, taken in good faith and under proper statutory authority, will be fully vindicated.

All services and operations of the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office remain active and uninterrupted. This litigation does not hinder our mission. Instead, it reinforces the importance of carrying out our responsibilities with integrity, professionalism, and a firm commitment to the law. We will continue to enforce state and county requirements responsibly, act when necessary, and protect the safety and integrity of Miami-Dade County at all times.

We are also moving forward with our mission to protect our residents and eliminate fraud in our community. We have already resolved the long-line issues and stopped the illegal sale of appointments. Now we are entering the next phase: ending fraud involving disabled parking permits once and for all. Our office is committed to ensuring that these benefits are used only by those who truly need them. We will continue putting Miami-Dade County residents first, strengthening the integrity of our services, and protecting our community with firmness, transparency, and responsibility.

I want to thank the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Miami Commission for unanimously adopting legislation that expresses support for our coordination, clarity, and compliance within existing law. This is a clear and forceful demonstration of support for our efforts to serve residents and businesses. It promotes transparency around business tax receipt requirements and strengthens intergovernmental communication as we continue working to protect our community. I also want to commend the City of Hialeah for supporting our efforts and working to protect its residents and businesses.

Cuba is a direct threat to our national security, and I commend President Donald J. Trump, Secretary Marco Rubio, and the administration for taking seriously the security of our hemisphere. Our office will always put the people of Miami-Dade County first and uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and lawful governance. We extend our gratitude to the residents of this great county for their trust and support. And we give thanks that in this nation, the rule of law guides us, protects us, and ensures justice for all.

God Bless Miami-Dade County, and God Bless the United States of America.

Dariel Fernandez

Tax Collector

Miami-Dade County