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The Miami-Dade County announced an offensive "effective immediately" against the alleged abuse and fraud in the parking permit system for people with disabilities.
According to a report from El Nuevo Herald, the action includes a comprehensive audit of the applications submitted in the last 24 months and the possible revocation of improperly issued authorizations, as reported by the county tax collector, Dariel Fernández.
Fernández stated that “the widespread abuse has harmed elderly individuals, veterans, and residents with legitimate mobility disabilities” and assured that the county will take action to detect false information in applications or illegitimate medical certifications.
"A system created to protect the most vulnerable has been exploited for too long. That ends now," he stated in the cited communication.
According to the announcement, the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector's Office will review “countywide” all applications for disability parking permits —including temporary ones— processed over the last two years.
The official emphasized that "each request... is an official state document."
The office indicated that, by its legal authority, it can not only issue these permits but also audit and revoke them when it identifies fraud or abuse of the system.
Fernández stated that "all fraudulent permits identified through the audit will be revoked without exception."
Legal consequences and confiscation of permits
The New Herald also warned, based on Fernández's statement, about possible legal consequences.
The review aims to detect intentional false statements in requests or illegitimate medical certifications, a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida Statutes 775.082 and 775.083, with possible penalties of up to one year in jail, a fine of $1,000, or both.
Furthermore, the official pointed out that fraudulently obtaining or illegally displaying a permit that does not belong to the user, or using an unauthorized replica "with the intent to deceive," constitutes a second-degree misdemeanor, and emphasized: “These are criminal acts, not technical errors.”
How to obtain permits and what requirements are needed
The information from El Nuevo Herald recalls that Florida legislation grants 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 the HSMV 83039 form, a medical certification, Florida identification, and proof of insurance, as stated in the publication.
It also specifies that there are permanent permits (valid for four years, at no cost) and temporary ones (up to six months, 15 dollars), and that applications can be submitted in person or by mail at motor vehicle service centers or at the tax collector's office.
Fernández assured that the control department will work "aggressively" in coordination with local and state law enforcement to identify offenders, and warned that cases could be referred "directly" for criminal prosecution.
The audit, he added, aims for a "thorough and relentless" review of the documentation and legal requirements.
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