Dariel Fernández, the Tax Collector for Miami-Dade County, announced on Thursday the issuance of 50 new compliance notices directed at businesses whose activities may be linked to commercial operations with the Cuban regime.
In an official statement, Fernández explained that this action is part of an ongoing review initiated weeks ago to ensure that all businesses operating within the county adhere to the legal requirements necessary to obtain or maintain the Local Business Tax Receipt.
The notices demand essential information to determine whether these businesses are eligible, according to state law and county regulations, to receive or retain this license. Among the requested details is the confirmation that these businesses have the necessary federal authorization for their operations.
"These notices are mandatory. Businesses must respond and provide the requested information. Failure to respond or inability to demonstrate eligibility will result in actions... including the revocation or denial of the renewal of the Local Business Tax," Fernández warned.
This initiative continues from a previous phase where the Tax Collector's office contacted 75 businesses suspected of economic ties with Havana. According to Fernández, many of these companies proved they were operating legally or confirmed they had no connections with the Cuban regime, although some did not respond despite repeated notifications.
"My office will continue to fulfill this responsibility consistently, responsibly, and without exceptions," stated Fernández, reiterating that licenses will be revoked for those companies illegally engaged in trade with the Cuban regime.
Fernández also reminded that, under state statute 205.0532, local authorities have the power to revoke or deny license renewals when a business maintains commercial relations with the island's communist regime.
In a Facebook post, the Tax Collector emphasized that Miami-Dade "will not be used as a platform to finance or support a dictatorship that oppresses its people," and reiterated that his office will continue enforcing the law "firmly, responsibly, and without exceptions."