Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez Applauds Passage of Legislation Strengthening Oversight of Commercial Driving Schools

Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez applauded the passage of SB 584, legislation he strongly supported to protect the integrity of Florida’s driver license process, crack down on fraudulent activity tied to commercial driving schools, and strengthen accountability across the system. 

Sponsored by State Senator Bryan Avila and State Representative Omar Blanco, the legislation authorizes the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to enter into interagency agreements with tax collectors, allowing tax collectors to enforce commercial driving school laws, restrict bad actors from tax collector premises, stop fraudulent or deceptive conduct, and address practices that undermine the integrity of the driver license issuance process. 

Fernandez has made combating fraud, corruption, and exploitation a central priority since taking office. Under his leadership, the Tax Collector’s Office has taken decisive action to dismantle illegal appointment scalping operations that preyed on residents seeking driver license services, implemented stricter internal controls to prevent manipulation and abuse of the system, and launched targeted efforts to identify and disrupt organized fraud schemes operating in and around tax collector facilities. 

Working in close coordination with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office, Fernandez has supported investigations that have led to arrests and enforcement actions against individuals engaged in fraud, scams, and other criminal activity targeting residents. His administration has also taken steps to confront complex fraud networks, including schemes exploiting vulnerable communities, and has referred cases for prosecution where appropriate. These efforts reflect a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and a commitment to holding bad actors accountable. 

“We will not allow anyone in Miami-Dade County to commit fraud and endanger the lives of our residents on the roads. This bill is about protecting the public and protecting the integrity of the driver license system,” said Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez. “The overwhelming majority of commercial driving schools work hard, follow the law, and provide an important service to residents every single day. This legislation helps protect those good actors while giving us stronger tools to go after the bad actors who exploit residents, manipulate the system, and undermine public trust.” 

The legislation also allows tax collectors, through an agreement with FLHSMV, to require commercial driving school operators and agents to present proper licenses, identification cards, and certificates upon demand, and to enter commercial driving school premises to ensure compliance with state and local law. 

“Thank you to State Senator Bryan Avila and State Representative Omar Blanco for championing this legislation and recognizing the importance of protecting the integrity of Florida’s driver license system,” Fernandez added. “This bill gives local offices stronger tools to stop fraud, improve accountability, and better protect the residents we serve every day.” 

“Modernization is not just about faster service,” Fernandez said. “It is also about accountability and public safety. We will not tolerate fraud, price-gouging, or criminal schemes that exploit our residents or compromise the integrity of our system. This bill strengthens our ability to take enforcement action, protect honest businesses, and ensure the process remains fair, secure, and safe for everyone.”