The Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), established by Governor Ron DeSantis to oversee local public spending, has initiated a comprehensive audit of fund usage in Miami-Dade County. In a letter dated August 4 to Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, DOGE requested documentation and justifications related to managing a budget that, despite substantial revenue growth, is facing a deficit exceeding $400 million.
As the most populous and financially robust county in Florida, Miami-Dade manages nearly $13 billion, making it a prime focus for DOGE's scrutiny.
Understanding DOGE's Motivation
DOGE has justified its audit by highlighting a financial paradox: while the county's revenues significantly increased between 2020 and 2024, a projected deficit of over $400 million looms for the fiscal year 2025-2026.
Key points raised by DOGE include:
- A 29% rise in property tax revenues, equating to more than $430 million additional funds.
- A 56% increase in food and beverage taxes, contributing nearly $3 billion extra.
- Expenditures on initiatives like the Green New Deal and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, which DOGE deems essential to review.
- Technical specifics concerning traffic-calming devices, bicycle, and pedestrian projects, with demands for detailed documentation on their costs and justification.
Additionally, DOGE has requested details on salaries, leases, real estate transactions, and allocations related to sustainability and social equity. The county must respond by August 13, facing potential financial penalties for non-compliance.
Mayor Levine Cava's Response
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has addressed DOGE's notification concerning the county's finances. She emphasized her administration's commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency.
"I have governed with strong fiscal accountability, ensuring that Miami-Dade operates under one of the most transparent and well-managed local systems in the nation," she stated.
She highlighted that the county undergoes regular external audits and that financial information is accessible online in real-time for public scrutiny. Additionally, she noted reductions in administrative expenses and achieving the "lowest combined tax rate since 1982" for two consecutive years without compromising essential services.
"We have opened our doors to transparency with the state and our community, and we trust in the integrity of our operations," she added.
Although willing to cooperate with DOGE if the review proves helpful and non-intrusive to local governance, Mayor Levine Cava warned against unnecessary duplications or politically motivated investigations that could divert staff from providing essential services.
"Our priorities remain focused on delivering results to residents... without engaging in political theater," she concluded.
Political Divisions: Support, Criticism, and Local Tensions
DOGE's review has sparked a significant political debate within the county. While Levine Cava questions the motivations behind the audit, Republican voices, such as Commissioner Roberto González, support the state's examination. González even admitted to personally requesting DOGE's intervention.
"We need to see what's happening, how we got to this deficit, and how we can fix it, but without examining line by line how taxpayer money is being spent, we won't be able to do it," he stated in local press comments.
Former county mayor and current federal congressman Carlos Giménez publicly endorsed the audit via social media, claiming that Mayor Levine's administration transformed sound management into a substantial deficit.
These endorsements fuel the political rivalry between the local Democratic administration and the Republican state government, intertwining fiscal oversight with electoral interests and partisan rivalries.
What's at Stake?
DOGE's investigation comes at a critical time. Miami-Dade faces tough decisions to close the deficit: the proposed budget by the mayor includes cuts to social grants, senior programs, and charitable funding, along with increases in transportation and parking fees and the county gas tax.
Moreover, as reported by the Miami Herald, during recent public hearings, the mayor sought community support to maintain a stable property tax rate, warning that lowering it in 2026 would necessitate "further service cuts."
Meanwhile, the scope of the state audit is expanding: other counties like Broward, Jacksonville, and Manatee are also under review, suggesting DOGE is part of a broader state fiscal oversight plan.
DOGE's audit of Miami-Dade is not merely an administrative exercise; it's a political narrative battle over efficiency, transparency, and public spending control in one of Florida's most complex and politically significant counties. Levine Cava's administration insists the scrutiny is unnecessary and a form of "political theater." However, with a deficit surpassing $400 million and a climate of growing polarization, DOGE's review will test not only the county's finances but also the institutional resilience and political legitimacy of its current leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miami-Dade's Financial Audit
Why is DOGE auditing Miami-Dade County?
DOGE is auditing Miami-Dade County to investigate the management of funds in light of a projected deficit exceeding $400 million, despite significant revenue growth in recent years.
What are some key areas DOGE is focusing on in the audit?
DOGE is focusing on increased revenues from property and food and beverage taxes, expenditures on initiatives like the Green New Deal, and technical specifics of traffic-calming projects, among other areas.
How has Mayor Daniella Levine Cava responded to the audit?
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has defended the transparency and fiscal responsibility of her administration, expressing willingness to cooperate with DOGE as long as the review is helpful and not politically motivated.