Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez Applauds Legislative Approval of Driving School Oversight Bill as Measure Heads to Governor’s Desk
The Florida Legislature has approved SB 584, legislation sponsored by Senator Bryan Avila and Representative Omar Blanco, after the Florida House of Representatives adopted the Senate version of the bill and passed the measure on the House floor. The legislation has now passed both chambers of the Florida Legislature and is heading to the Governor’s desk for final consideration.
The measure authorizes the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to enter into interagency agreements delegating certain enforcement authority to county Tax Collectors. The legislation reflects ongoing efforts to address oversight gaps involving commercial driving schools operating in connection with driver license services, ensuring stronger accountability and protections for residents navigating the licensing process.
“Public safety must always come first,” said Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez. “Many driving schools operate with professionalism and serve as valued partners in helping residents navigate the licensing process. However, when bad actors exploit gaps in oversight, mislead customers, or interfere with operations at our facilities, we must have the authority to act. This legislation strengthens integrity, protects residents from exploitation, and ensures we can work collaboratively with responsible driving schools to maintain a driver license system that is fair, secure, and worthy of the public’s trust. I am grateful to Senator Bryan Avila and Representative Omar Blanco for their leadership in advancing this important reform through the Legislature.”
“This legislation ensures consistent, statewide enforcement while allowing local offices flexibility to address issues occurring directly on their premises,” Senator Bryan Avila said. “We want to make sure that every driver on Florida’s roadways is properly trained, qualified, and lawfully licensed.” added Avila.
“This bill is more than oversight; it is about public safety,” said Representative Omar Blanco. “Driving is a privilege, and Floridians deserve confidence that those receiving a driver license have earned it lawfully and are prepared to operate safely on our roads. When fraud enters the process, public safety suffers. This bill helps protect the integrity of license issuance and helps keep our streets safer.” Added Blanco.
If signed by the Governor, SB 584 would allow optional agreements between FLHSMV and individual Tax Collector offices, promoting collaboration while maintaining clear lines of authority. The Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office stands ready to work with state partners to implement the measure responsibly, with a continued focus on accountability, consumer protection, and roadway safety.
