Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez Personally Assesses Operations at Various Driver License Offices

Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez is making it a priority to personally visit the county’s Driver License Offices to assess operations, engage with employees, and hear directly from customers about their experiences. His goal is to identify challenges and implement long-term solutions that improve the process for both the public and staff members.

"We’re working hard to bring real change to Miami-Dade County!" Fernandez stated. "This morning, we visited the Driver License Office at Mall of the Americas to support the staff and speak with residents. As Miami-Dade County Tax Collector, I know how important it is to listen to the community and address their concerns."

Fernandez recently visited both the Central Office and the Mall of the Americas Driver License Office, where he spoke with a large crowd of residents waiting in long lines under the scorching Florida sun. Many of the individuals expressed frustrations over long wait times and difficulty securing appointments, while others voiced concerns about the accessibility of services. At the same time, Fernandez engaged with dedicated staff members, recognizing their efforts to accommodate a rising influx of customers, especially in light of heightened demand.

"Since taking office four weeks ago, our focus has been on improving services, reducing wait times, and making every service more accessible to our residents," said Fernandez. "The transition of Driver License Offices from the state to our office is a critical moment, and we’re working tirelessly to ensure it benefits everyone. We’re taking action to meet the growing demand, and improvements are already underway."

The Miami-Dade County Office of the Tax Collector is in the process of absorbing the administration of Driver License Offices, which were previously managed by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) Department. Though the full transition will take time, the Tax Collector’s Office is committed to implementing progressive changes, with certain offices already undergoing physical upgrades.

For instance, the North Dade Justice Building is being renovated to include new furniture, improved technology, and enhanced facilities aimed at better serving both employees and the public. "My goal is to ensure that every individual who walks through our doors is treated with respect and that our staff works in a safe, supportive environment," Fernandez emphasized. “We are addressing the root causes of these issues while prioritizing safety for all.”

To further ensure the safety and orderliness of operations, Fernandez has also secured an agreement with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) to deploy patrol units at Driver License Offices across the county. FHP officers will be tasked with maintaining order and intervening when individuals disrupt services or use violence or intimidation. This partnership aims to ensure that services continue smoothly and that both employees and customers are protected from disruptive behavior. "As we continue to work on improving services, we remain dedicated to providing a safe, respectful environment for all," Fernandez concluded.

Miami-Dade County residents can expect continued progress as the Tax Collector’s office works to streamline operations and improve customer experiences at the Driver License Offices. Fernandez’s commitment to innovation and responsiveness is helping to shape a future where services are more efficient and accessible for all.