Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez moves to protect seniors, veterans, and residents with real mobility needs by restoring integrity to a system that’s been exploited for too long
For years, Miamians have whispered about it in parking lots and grumbled under their breath outside grocery stores and medical offices: disabled parking permits being misused, borrowed, or outright faked. Now, Miami-Dade County is saying enough. Effective immediately, the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office has launched a full countywide audit of every disabled and temporary disabled parking permit application filed over the last 24 months—and they’re not playing around.
This decisive action aims to protect the people these disabled parking permits were designed for: seniors, veterans, and residents living with legitimate mobility disabilities. In a county as active and fast-paced as Miami-Dade—from Little Havana to Coral Gables—accessible parking isn’t a convenience. It’s a necessity.
Fraud isn’t a shortcut—it’s a crime, and we are enforcing the law.
Why this audit matters now
Under Florida law, disabled parking permits are official state documents issued through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and its authorized agents, including the Tax Collector’s Office. That authority comes with responsibility—and accountability.
The audit will review eligibility, medical certifications, and application documentation to identify patterns of abuse. Any confirmed fraud will result in immediate revocation, with cases referred for criminal prosecution when warranted. First-degree misdemeanors can carry up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Second-degree offenses apply to those unlawfully using or displaying permits that don’t belong to them.
Protecting access, restoring trust
Law enforcement and parking officials are empowered to confiscate expired, fraudulent, or improperly used permits on the spot. Every fraudulent permit represents a space stolen from someone who truly needs it—a veteran, a senior, or a resident managing daily mobility challenges.
This audit sends a clear message: Miami-Dade is restoring fairness, transparency, and trust. Abuse will be found. Fraud will be punished. And lawful access will be protected.
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