Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez Countywide Crackdown On Fraudulent Disabled Parking Permits: Nearly 1,000 Placards Revoked.
As the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector, I want to provide our residents with an update on the countywide audit of Disabled Person Parking Permits. This audit represents the most comprehensive compliance effort ever conducted in Miami-Dade County to protect our seniors, our veterans, and every resident with a legitimate mobility disability.
Let me be absolutely clear: any bad actor who abuses this system, exploits vulnerable individuals, or attempts to defraud the people of Miami-Dade County will face immediate investigation, enforcement, and full consequences under the law.
As a result of this aggressive enforcement initiative, we have revoked nearly 1,000 disabled parking placards pending full review and final determination. Every application undergoes a thorough and independent review process. Any application suspected of fraud is referred to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office for further action.
Letters are being mailed to individuals whose disabled parking permits were improperly issued or fraudulently obtained. These notices clearly state that the permits have been cancelled and must be surrendered immediately. Under Florida law, fraudulent permits can result in up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both, and individuals may be prohibited from obtaining a permit for four years. This audit covers temporary and permanent disabled parking permit applications filed within the last year across all internal agencies and License Plate Agents. All findings are being documented and tracked to ensure transparency and accountability.
We continue working closely with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, and municipal police departments throughout the county. Our Enforcement Office is actively engaged in this effort, conducting field operations, verifying compliance in real time, and responding to reports of abuse. This is a coordinated, countywide enforcement initiative with zero tolerance for fraud or misuse.
Disabled parking permits are lifelines. Every fraudulent permit represents a space taken from a senior, a veteran, or a resident with serious mobility limitations. We will continue enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to protect those who depend on this program.Miami-Dade County residents deserve fairness, honesty, and a system they can trust. Anyone who attempts to deceive, manipulate, or take advantage of that trust will be met with firm action. Our office will continue this work with unwavering integrity, strong professionalism, and a full commitment to the people we serve.
God Bless Miami-Dade County, and God Bless the United States of America.
