Residents of South Florida now have a new tool to combat fraud. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office has launched a digital portal to make it easier to report fraudulent activities related to homeowners' associations and condominiums in the county.
This initiative arises in response to the increasing complaints from residents who have reported financial irregularities and acts of corruption in the boards of their associations.
Local media have been frequently documenting cases of fraud in various communities in South Florida, highlighting the urgency of taking more decisive action.
The new website, backed by the Miami-Dade Office of Organized Crime, will allow residents to report when they have suspicions or evidence of fraud in their associations.
This specialized unit has been strengthened by order of Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, who has focused on protecting homeowners from financial threats that compromise the stability and transparency of their communities.
"My priority is to protect homeowners from fraudulent activities that threaten their communities and financial well-being. This specialized unit brings together investigators and resources to vigorously investigate those who commit fraud against homeowner associations and condominiums," stated Sheriff Cordero-Stutz in a statement.
"Homeowners deserve transparency and accountability, and there is no place for this type of corruption in our county," he added.
What types of complaints can be made?
The portal is designed exclusively for reporting fraud in homeowners' associations and condominiums.
However, the Sheriff's Office has clarified that it does not investigate contractual disputes, cases of mismanagement of funds, or regulatory violations, matters that fall under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
To file a report, citizens should visit the page How to Report HOA and Condo Fraud, where they can submit information directly to the Office against Organized Crime, which has committed to responding within 72 hours.
A growing problem
Fraud in homeowners' associations and condominiums has alarmingly increased in Miami-Dade County, affecting both small communities and large residential complexes.
In light of this situation, Sheriff Cordero-Stutz has elevated the fight against this type of crime to a priority of her administration, providing the specialized unit with additional resources and trained personnel to tackle these investigations.
The sheriff has emphasized her commitment to combating corruption that directly impacts the quality of life and the assets of thousands of residents in South Florida.
Citizens concerned about these types of crimes now have a direct way to take action and protect their communities from potential fraud, thereby strengthening trust in the institutions responsible for safeguarding legality in the county.
For more details on how to file a complaint or regarding the jurisdiction of each involved agency, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation or to directly access the complaint portal set up by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Digital Portal for Reporting Fraud in Miami-Dade
What is the new digital portal launched by Miami-Dade?
The new digital portal is a tool created by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office for residents to report fraudulent activities in homeowner associations and condominiums. This platform addresses the growing concern over financial irregularities in these organizations.
How can residents report fraud in Miami-Dade?
Residents can report fraud by visiting the page "How to Report HOA and Condo Fraud". The portal allows you to submit information directly to the Organized Crime Office, which is committed to responding within 72 hours.
What types of complaints are not investigated by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office?
The Sheriff's Office does not investigate contractual disputes, mismanagement of funds, or regulatory violations, as these matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Why is fraud in homeowners' associations and condominiums an increasing problem in Miami-Dade?
Fraud in homeowners' associations and condominiums has alarmingly increased due to a lack of transparency and accountability in the boards of directors, impacting the quality of life and financial well-being of the residents. Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz has prioritized the fight against these crimes.
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