Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez is all set to put people first in the coming year
Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez closed out 2025 by putting people first and modernizing services. In the coming year, he hopes to make county resources easier to reach than ever before. According to Fernandez, this year set the stage for a more accessible and resident-focused future.
Expanding access across the county
One of the biggest achievements of the year, Fernandez said, was transforming every DMV office in Miami-Dade County into a Tax Collector’s Office. The residents can now have access to multiple locations (from Hialeah Gardens to Florida City) without having to travel long distances.
“For the first time, the people of Miami-Dade County have different locations all around the county,” Fernandez said. “Now, the people don’t have to come to us. We go to them.”
The expansion makes it easier for residents to handle business registrations, car renewals, tax-related needs, and other essential services. Fernandez hopes to give people convenience, accessibility, and shorter wait times.
The office also added technology that allows residents to print car registration tickets in just two minutes at various locations. It’s one more step toward making everyday tasks faster and smoother.
Becoming a constitutional office for the first time in 67 years
In January 2025, the Tax Collector’s Office officially became a constitutional office, which is something Miami-Dade hadn’t seen in nearly seven decades.
With the change came a new structure. The county now has five constitutional offices:
- Elections
- Clerk of Courts & Controller
- Property Appraiser
- Sheriff
- Tax Collector
Furthermore, Dariel Fernandez’s office is the only fee-based constitutional office in the county. Instead of using county tax dollars, the office operates entirely on modest service fees.
He explained that from a $55 driver’s license renewal, only $6.25 stays with the county, and the rest goes to the state. Those small amounts fund staffing, technology upgrades, and new service locations.
“It allows us to reinvest directly into our operations,” he said, describing it as a system that encourages efficiency and innovation.
Improving transparency and supporting residents
Serving one of the most diverse counties in the country means adapting to the needs of different groups, especially older adults who usually struggle with digital systems. To address that, the office created Miami-Dade’s first-ever customer relations management system designed specifically to help residents navigate tax services.
“If someone calls saying they don’t know how to pay property taxes online, staff now guide them step by step. If you pay by e-check, you don’t pay any fee,” Dariel Fernandez said. It is one of many ways they help residents save money.
He also clarified that the Tax Collector’s Office does not set taxes or raise them. When residents have concerns about tax rates or assessments, his team connects them with the appropriate office, such as the Property Appraiser.
“Our job is to open doors and guide people,” he stressed.
Tech upgrades
Before 2025, it wasn’t uncommon for some people to charge residents $50 to $250 just to book appointments at county offices. Fernandez said this was unacceptable, and his office put an end to it. They introduced new AI-powered appointment systems that gave residents two easy options:
- Walk-in service with a QR code that assigns an estimated return time
- Online appointments where residents can pick the exact day they want to come in
These changes eliminated appointment scams and made access fair for everyone.
Upcoming services in 2026
Technology will continue to be a major focus in 2026. The county’s self-service kiosks (currently used for car registration renewals) will soon offer additional services as part of Phase Two.
“We’re working on more ways for people to get things done without waiting in line,” Fernandez said.
Moreover, Miami Beach is getting its own Tax Collector’s Office for the first time ever. Residents will no longer need to cross the bridge for services.
Cafecito and Conversations
Despite all the digital progress, Fernandez says he values face-to-face interaction most.
“I love having the human touch,” he said.
His office will continue hosting Cafecito with the Tax Collector, which is a casual event where residents can ask questions and learn about county services. He further said that many people still don’t know they need to visit the Tax Collector’s Office to open a business or get a local business tax receipt. Supporting small businesses is especially close to his heart.
“I came from the private sector,” he said. “Small businesses are one of the most important parts of our community because they create jobs and bring revenue to the county.”
Planning for Miami-Dade’s financial future
As Miami-Dade grows, so do its financial needs. Fernandez believes that property taxes remain essential for the county’s 34 municipalities, but many longtime homeowners, especially seniors, are feeling the strain. He said the county needs a fair solution that protects vulnerable residents without hurting city budgets.
He hopes that the 2026 legislative session will introduce measures that give voters a chance to approve relief.
“We need to find the balance,” he said, explaining that older adults who built Miami should not lose their homes due to rising taxes and insurance costs. At the same time, younger families need a fighting chance to afford homes in today’s market.
A final message
While Fernandez is passionate about his role, he says he doesn’t think in terms of personal legacy. “The best legacy is a government entity that works for the people,” he said.
He shared that faith and family motivate him daily. He is especially grateful to his wife, Carolina, and his daughters, Elisa and Anastasia. “Their support is what makes my work possible.” Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez
With 2026 inching closer, Fernandez only asks for one thing. “Pray for me, pray for Miami-Dade County, and pray for this beautiful country—the United States of America.” Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez
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