Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez Announces Over 2,000 Disabled Parking Permit Revocations in Countywide Audit

Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez today provided an update on Miami-Dade County’s ongoing audit of Disabled Person Parking Permits, the most comprehensive compliance effort of its kind in the county’s history. The initiative is aimed at protecting seniors, veterans, and residents with legitimate mobility disabilities by ensuring permits are issued and used lawfully.

To date, the Tax Collector’s Office has reviewed more than 33,000 applications as part of the audit. The vast majority have been confirmed as valid, while a significant number required additional review to verify eligibility and documentation.

Through multiple layers of verification, the office has identified a substantial number of permits that were improperly issued or could not be validated. As a result, approximately 2,000 disabled parking placards have been cancelled to date, with that number expected to increase as the audit continues.

As part of this ongoing effort, recent enforcement activity in Coral Gables has identified a number of improperly used or invalid disabled parking placards over the past week. Working in coordination with city enforcement personnel, these cases included individuals found in possession of placards that were falsified, expired, or being used unlawfully. These findings highlight the critical role of local enforcement and the strength of the partnership between Miami-Dade County and the City of Coral Gables.

“This audit is about accountability and protecting the integrity of a system that thousands of residents depend on every day,” said Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez. “What we are seeing is that some individuals obtained these permits illegally or misused them, taking advantage of a system designed to serve our most vulnerable residents. Let me be clear: this will not be tolerated. We will continue this audit, pursue every case that requires further review, and work with our law enforcement partners to ensure accountability.” Added Fernandez.

“This effort reflects exactly what we called for just a few months ago,” said Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago. “At a Coral Gables City Commission meeting, we challenged our staff to address the growing concerns around disabled parking in our city. Our team responded, and we were proud to work in partnership with the Tax Collector, who came before our commission, heard those concerns, and joined us in advancing this effort more broadly. These permits are intended for veterans, seniors, and residents with legitimate disabilities who rely on them every day. I want to thank our city staff and the Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez for their leadership in protecting these spaces and ensuring they are reserved for those who truly need them.” added Lago.

Under Florida law, fraudulent use of a disabled parking permit may result in up to one year in jail, fines of up to $1,000, or both, along with disqualification from obtaining a permit for up to four years.

This audit includes both temporary and permanent permits issued over the past two years, including those processed through partner agencies and license plate offices. All findings are being documented to ensure accountability and consistency.

The audit remains ongoing and will continue until every application has been reviewed and every improper permit has been addressed. The goal is to protect the integrity of the system and ensure it serves those who truly need it.