A collaborative effort spearheaded by the Bay County Sheriff's Office (BCSO), alongside state and federal entities, has dismantled a criminal network involved in issuing fraudulent driver's licenses in Florida. This operation has implicated Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) personnel, private intermediaries, and the Panama City-based company, CubaMax.
The investigation kicked off on May 20, 2025, when suspicious activities linked to the Bay County Tax Collector's Office, which operates on behalf of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), were identified. Authorities uncovered that at least two state employees were issuing licenses without applicants meeting legal prerequisites, such as written exams and driving tests.
How the Fraudulent Scheme Functioned
Individuals from various regions of Florida traveled to Bay County to procure these illicit licenses. The process was facilitated by intermediaries who charged for the service and distributed payments to involved public employees using platforms like Cash App. The scheme was reportedly driven by CubaMax offices, which authorities claim served as a point of reference for clients seeking illegal licenses.
Arrests Made
DMV Employees:
Bancelie Velazco (37) – 9 counts of fraudulent license issuance and 9 of official misconduct.
Demetrius Smith II (30) – 8 counts of fraudulent issuance and 8 of official misconduct.
Authorities seized $120,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds from the illegal activities.
CubaMax and Associates:
Niurbis Rosales (37) – Owner of CubaMax; faces 24 counts of leading fraudulent activities and official misconduct.
Leonardo Gutiérrez (32) – 7 counts in both crimes.
Hung Du (58) – 36 counts.
Isbrieta Parra (44) – 7 counts.
Zoila González-Peña (38) – 12 counts.
An unidentified CubaMax employee is also implicated.
Beneficiaries:
Mirna Fernández (34) – Arrested for illegal license possession; suspected of paying for a fraudulent exam approval.
CubaMax Under Investigation
CubaMax, a company providing immigration documentation and logistical services to the Cuban community, was raided by authorities searching for evidence. Operating in Callaway (Bay County), the business allegedly served as a platform to channel clients into the illegal license scheme.
Current Status of the Case
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities examining physical evidence and electronic transactions. More arrests are expected as the probe suggests a coordinated statewide network with potential additional ramifications.
Upcoming Ban on Selling Driver's License Appointments in Florida
Florida officials are implementing measures to outlaw the sale of appointments at driver's license offices, a practice that has long frustrated residents with prolonged waits and misuse. On June 5, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 961, criminalizing the sale of appointment slots for DHSMV services. The law will take effect on July 1, 2026, imposing penalties that may include jail time for offenders.
Local Ordinances Already in Place
While state legislation is pending, several counties have independently taken action. Broward County recently passed Ordinance 2025-20, unanimously approved by the County Commission, banning the advertisement, sale, or trade of public service appointments related to driver's licenses, as reported by Local 10 News. Violators face a $250 fine for a first offense and $500 for repeat offenses.
The wave of new regulations addresses a genuine issue: individuals monopolizing free DMV appointments to resell online for up to $250 each, disadvantaging citizens in legitimate need. Earlier this year, Miami-Dade County introduced a similar ordinance following the exposure of a large-scale appointment resale network affecting thousands.
FAQs on Driver's License Fraud in Florida
What prompted the investigation into the fraudulent driver's license scheme?
The investigation began when suspicious transactions were detected at the Bay County Tax Collector's Office linked to the issuance of driver's licenses without proper legal requirements being met.
Who are the main parties involved in the license fraud?
The scheme involved DMV employees, intermediaries, and the company CubaMax, with several individuals facing numerous charges related to fraudulent activities and official misconduct.
What measures are being taken to prevent future license appointment fraud?
Florida has passed legislation to criminalize the sale of appointment slots for driver's licenses, effective July 1, 2026, with local ordinances also being implemented to curb the resale of these appointments.