Miami-Dade County has launched an "immediate effect" crackdown on suspected misuse and fraud within the disabled parking permit system.
According to a report by El Nuevo Herald, the initiative involves a thorough audit of applications submitted over the past two years and the potential revocation of permits that were incorrectly issued. This was confirmed by the county’s tax collector, Dariel Fernández.
Fernández highlighted that "widespread misuse has negatively impacted seniors, veterans, and residents with legitimate mobility disabilities," and emphasized the county's commitment to identifying false information in applications or unauthorized medical certifications.
"A system designed to protect the most vulnerable has been exploited for too long. That stops now," he declared in the statement.
The announcement detailed that the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector's Office will conduct a county-wide review of all disabled parking permit applications—including temporary ones—processed in the last 24 months.
The official stressed that "each application is an official state document."
The office stated that, with its legal authority, it can not only issue these permits but also audit and revoke them when fraud or abuse of the system is detected.
Fernández asserted that "all fraudulent permits identified through the audit will be revoked without exception."
Legal Ramifications and Permit Confiscation
El Nuevo Herald also noted, based on Fernández's statement, that there could be criminal consequences.
The audit aims to uncover intentionally false declarations in applications or unauthorized medical certifications, a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida Statutes sections 775.082 and 775.083, with potential penalties of up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.
Additionally, the official mentioned that fraudulently obtaining or illegally displaying a permit not belonging to the user, or using an unauthorized replica "with intent to deceive," constitutes a second-degree misdemeanor, emphasizing: "These are criminal acts, not technical errors."
How to Obtain Permits and Required Criteria
El Nuevo Herald outlines that Florida law provides for temporary or permanent permits through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) or its authorized agents, including the tax collector’s office.
In Miami-Dade, permits are processed by submitting form HSMV 83039, a medical certification, Florida ID, and proof of insurance, as noted by the publication.
It also specifies that permanent permits (valid for four years, free of charge) and temporary permits (valid for up to six months, $15 fee) can be applied for in person or by mail at motor vehicle service centers or the tax collector's office.
Fernández assured that the department will work "aggressively" in coordination with local and state law enforcement to identify violators, warning that cases could be referred "directly" for criminal prosecution.
The audit, he added, aims for a "comprehensive and relentless" review of documentation and legal requirements.
Understanding the Crackdown on Disabled Parking Permit Abuse in Miami
What prompted Miami-Dade County to audit disabled parking permits?
The audit was prompted by widespread misuse and fraud in the disabled parking permit system, which has negatively affected legitimate users, such as seniors and veterans.
What are the potential penalties for permit fraud in Miami?
Potential penalties include up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both for first-degree misdemeanors, and second-degree misdemeanors involve additional legal consequences.
How are legitimate permits obtained in Miami-Dade?
Legitimate permits can be obtained by submitting the required form, medical certification, ID, and proof of insurance to the FLHSMV or the tax collector’s office.