Safety and service: Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez leads with action in Miami-Dade

From stricter CDL rules to a new Hialeah Gardens office, Fernandez is modernizing services and prioritizing safety for all

Miami-Dade County is seeing bold new leadership in action. Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez has announced two major developments this October: a new policy pausing CDL/CLP access for temporary residents and the grand opening of a 9th Tax Collector’s Office in Hialeah Gardens. Together, these steps reflect Fernandez’s growing commitment to community safety and service access across the County.

Dariel Fernandez moves to tighten CDL access for public safety

Effective immediately, only U.S. citizens and green card holders are eligible for Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs) in Florida. The move follows federal guidance and comes after fatal crashes involving drivers with improperly issued licenses.

“This is about putting safety over politics,” said Dariel Fernandez. “Our roads carry families, workers, and children. We can’t risk that safety by cutting corners on who gets to operate large vehicles.”

The change impacts residents in commercial-heavy areas like Hialeah, Homestead, and Doral, where CDL oversight directly affects daily life. Fernandez says the shift will be enforced with clarity, fairness, and transparency.

Hialeah Gardens welcomes new Tax Collector’s Office

On Wednesday, October 8, at 11:00 a.m., the County will celebrate the grand opening of the new Hialeah Gardens Tax Collector’s Office at 11093 NW 138th Street, Suite 1-9. This marks the 9th office opened under Fernandez’s leadership.

“This branch is about fairness and accessibility,” Fernandez said. “Families in Hialeah Gardens now have direct access to services without traveling across the County. We’re cutting wait times and bringing government closer to the people.”

The expansion is part of a broader initiative that includes Saturday hours, Publix self-service kiosks, and mobile events, all designed to improve the resident’s experience.

From safety reform to improved service access, Dariel Fernandez continues to reshape how Miami-Dade County connects with its people.

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