Statement from Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez on Proposed County Budget

(Miami-Dade, FL) — Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez has released an official video statement in both English and Spanish addressing the proposed FY 2025–26 County budget. In his remarks, Tax Collector Fernandez raises serious concerns about the County’s fiscal management, calls out misplaced blame on newly independent constitutional offices, and outlines how years of overspending—not revenue shortfalls—have led to the current crisis.
“Miami-Dade County had seven full years to prepare for this transition—to plan, budget, and make sure everything was ready. But they failed to act,” said Tax Collector Fernandez, referring to the County’s lack of preparation following the voter-mandated transition to constitutional offices.
He continued: “Miami-Dade County does not have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem.”
In the videos, Fernandez breaks down the consequences of unchecked budget growth, explains how his office is delivering real savings to taxpayers, and reaffirms his commitment to efficient, accountable government that puts residents first.