Three developments from the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office highlight county finances, services for local businesses and the preservation of an important part of South Florida’s history
Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez is moving on three fronts: pledging an additional $20 million for Sheriff’s Office deputy payroll and overtime, reminding businesses that their Local Business Tax Receipt renewals require both payment and a Cuba-trade declaration, and participating in a ceremony at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting honoring individuals and institutions connected to the cause of Cuban freedom.
The developments reflect different aspects of Fernandez’s work and public role in Miami-Dade, from the county budget and services for businesses to recognizing a history that remains deeply connected to many families in South Florida.
Tax Collector Offers Additional Support for Sheriff’s Office Budget
Fernandez told commissioners that his office would commit another $20 million from its budget to protect deputy payroll and overtime during the county’s budget process. The commitment must receive approval from the Florida Department of Revenue before the money can be transferred and incorporated into the final spending plan.
The new $20 million is separate from another $20 million early payment Fernandez had already pledged to advance to Miami-Dade County for 2027, marking the second consecutive year the office has advanced funds ahead of schedule.
“This year, for the second time, our administration advanced $20 million ahead of schedule because the County needed it,” Fernandez told commissioners. “Tonight, we are doing that again, and going further, because our deputies cannot wait on a budget dispute to get paid.”
The Tax Collector’s Office said employees identified additional operational efficiencies and savings in the days and hours leading up to the hearing. Fernandez said the money was found without eliminating services residents rely upon.
The office projects that it will return approximately $84 million to Miami-Dade as the current fiscal year closes. It also reports $13 million in fiscal year 2026–27 savings resulting from the decision to waive Tax Collector commissions on voter-approved school millages.
Additional figures provided by the office include $43 million in waived fees for municipalities and the Unincorporated Municipal Service Area. Fernandez also said his office will not request a $24 million advance it is legally authorized to seek during October and November.
Since Fernandez took office, his administration says approximately $10.2 billion in collected taxes has been distributed to Miami-Dade County, its municipalities, the School Board and other taxing authorities. The financial figures remain subject to the government accounting, budget and approval processes applicable to the funds.
“I ask this Commission to use this money to protect what matters: lower taxes, police, fire rescue and emergency response,” Fernandez said. “Put it where residents can see it.”
The proposed additional $20 million commitment remains contingent on approval from the Florida Department of Revenue.
September 30 Business-Tax Renewal Deadline Approaches
Miami-Dade business owners face a September 30 deadline to renew their Local Business Tax Receipts. The receipts are issued for one year, beginning October 1 and ending September 30.
Renewal requires two separate actions. Business owners must pay the Local Business Tax and complete the Tax Collector Consent declaration. The renewed receipt will not be available to print until both requirements have been satisfied.
Payment can be made through BTExpress at mdctaxcollector.gov, by mail or in person at one of the Tax Collector’s 13 Miami-Dade locations. The separate declaration can be completed through the Tax Collector’s consent portal.
The declaration asks owners to attest that neither the business nor its parent company is doing business with Cuba in violation of federal law. The requirement is connected to Section 205.0532 of the Florida Statutes, which authorizes local authorities to revoke or refuse to renew a business tax receipt under those circumstances.
“I come from small business. I know what the end of the month feels like when you are trying to close out, pay vendors and keep the lights on,” Fernandez said. “Pay the Local Business Tax. Complete the consent declaration. Print your receipt.”
The Tax Collector’s Office advises owners to allow up to three business days after submitting the declaration before attempting to print the renewed receipt. Businesses operating inside a municipality may also need a separate receipt from that city because the county document does not replace municipal requirements.
Fernandez Honors Cuban Freedom Legacy at Office of Cuba Broadcasting
Earlier this month, Fernandez attended a special ceremony hosted by the Office of Cuba Broadcasting recognizing individuals and institutions whose service has helped preserve the history of Cuba and advance the mission of Radio and Television Martí.
The ceremony brought together members of the Cuban exile community, public officials and supporters of freedom to reflect on the sacrifices made in the pursuit of a free and democratic Cuba.
Commemorative plaques were dedicated in honor of Enrique Ros, Pedro Roig and Brigade 2506, creating a permanent tribute to their service, sacrifice and commitment to the cause of Cuban freedom.
“As your Miami-Dade County Tax Collector, I believe preserving this history is also a responsibility,” Fernandez said. “For those of us who understand what it means to leave Cuba in search of freedom, these stories are deeply personal. We cannot allow the sacrifices of those who stood against communism and fought for a free Cuba to be forgotten.”
Fernandez also highlighted the role of Radio and Television Martí in preserving information about Cuba and providing a platform for voices on the island. He said remembering the experiences of previous generations is important both to honor those who came before and to help future generations understand the history of the Cuban exile community.
Fernandez thanked the Office of Cuba Broadcasting for organizing the ceremony and for its work preserving the history of individuals who dedicated their lives to the cause of Cuban freedom. Together, the three developments span county finances, business services and community history: the additional police funding remains subject to state approval, businesses must complete both renewal requirements by September 30, and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting ceremony recognized individuals whose legacy remains significant to Miami-Dade’s Cuban exile community.
Subscribe to Calle Ocho News for weekly Miami-Dade updates. Contact Pressnet Corp. for advertising, sponsorship and partnership opportunities.