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The authorities of Miami-Dade County announced a massive audit of parking permits for people with disabilities, aiming to curb what they describe as an "abusive" use of these authorizations.
The measure, which takes effect immediately, will cover all permanent and temporary applications issued in the last 24 months.
The county tax collector, Dariel Fernández, emphasized the seriousness of the process and reminded that each application is an official state document, making fraud a legally serious matter.
“Our office has the authority to issue, audit, and revoke fraudulent permits. Detected cases may be referred to the prosecutor’s office for criminal prosecution,” Fernández warned.
The audit will be conducted in coordination with the state, the County Sheriff's Office, and the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, led by Katherine Fernández Rundle, with the aim of identifying abuses and penalizing those who misuse the badges.
Under Florida law, providing false information to obtain a permit is a first-degree misdemeanor, with penalties that include fines of up to $1,000 and possible imprisonment. Even using someone else's permit can result in a $500 fine.
In Miami-Dade, permanent permits are free and are valid for four years, while temporary permits cost $15 and last up to six months. To obtain them, a medical certification, Florida identification, and proof of insurance are required.
The county has emphasized that this comprehensive audit is an immediate and thorough measure, aimed at ensuring that disabled parking permits are used solely by those who truly need them, thereby protecting the integrity of the system and the spaces designated for individuals with limited mobility.
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