Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez Countywide Crackdown On Fraudulent Disabled Parking Permits: Update On Audit — Violators Face Up To One Year In Jail And $1,000 Fines

As the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector, I want to provide our residents with an updated status report on the countywide audit of Disabled Person Parking Permits. This audit is 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.

Our team has completed the initial review:
•⁠  ⁠2,340 applications total
•⁠  ⁠1,658 applications passed the initial review.
•⁠  ⁠682 applications were identified as requiring immediate, in-depth investigation and possible revocation.

Every application receives two full and independent reviews

The second review is now underway. Any application suspected of fraud will be referred to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.

As part of this process, letters are now being mailed to individuals whose disabled parking permits were improperly issued or fraudulently obtained. These letters 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 every temporary and permanent disabled parking permit application filed in the last year across all internal agencies and the 25 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 across Miami-Dade County. Our Enforcement Office is actively engaged in this effort, conducting field operations, verifying compliance in real time, and responding to reports of abuse. Their work is critical to ensuring that fraudulent permits are confiscated, violators are held accountable, and lawful residents are protected. 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 stolen 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. And let me send a clear message: 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, relentless commitment to the people we serve.

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

Dariel Fernandez

Tax Collector, Miami-Dade County