Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez backs ordinance to protect residents from illegal scalping of public service appointments at the DMV
In a bold move to safeguard equitable access to public services, Miami-Dade County is cracking down on a disturbing trend—appointment scalping. These unethical resellers target vulnerable residents, charging steep fees for government appointments that should be free. At the forefront of this fight, Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez and Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera are pushing forward an ordinance that not only seeks justice but also restores fairness in the system. This decisive action stands as a rallying cry against digital exploitation in public service.
The Miami-Dade County Commission has unanimously passed legislation introduced by Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to ban the illegal resale of public service appointments, such as DMV visits. This ordinance, developed in partnership with Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez, aims to protect residents—especially vulnerable communities—from predatory scalping practices that charge excessive fees for free government services. The new law prohibits the sale or promotion of appointments without written consent from the Tax Collector’s Office, imposing fines up to $500 per violation.
Unethical appointment resellers targeting vulnerable communities
Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez appeared before the County Commission this week to throw his full support behind an ordinance introduced by Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera. The ordinance seeks to eliminate a growing issue in the county: the illegal resale of public service appointments, a practice commonly referred to as appointment scalping.
“Right now, bad actors are exploiting the appointment system, charging residents outrageous fees for something that should be free and accessible to all,” Fernandez stated during the meeting. “These predatory practices are unfair, unethical, and harm our most vulnerable communities.”
The proposed legislation would ban individuals and platforms from listing, promoting, or selling appointments for public services—like DMV visits or tax office consultations—without written consent from the Tax Collector's Office. Offenders of scalping would face fines up to $500 per violation as outlined in the Miami-Dade County Code.
A united front to protect public access
Commissioner Cabrera’s ordinance passed unanimously on first reading, signaling broad support from the County Commission. Fernandez emphasized the county's commitment to backing up the ordinance with technological improvements and enhanced internal processes, stating, “We are taking proactive steps to combat this issue—but we also need the legal tools to penalize and deter these bad actors.”
Residents and community leaders praised the move as a necessary step toward fair access to essential government services, especially for lower-income and underserved residents who are most affected by exploitative appointment resellers.
Stay informed. Support local solutions.
For more updates on local government initiatives, community news, and stories that impact your neighborhood, subscribe to the Calle Ocho News newsletter today.
Are you a business looking to reach Miami-Dade’s diverse and engaged audience? Contact Pressnet Corp. to learn about advertising opportunities with Calle Ocho News — where Miami comes together.
Add Comment