More than 6,000 disabled parking permit applications fail Miami-Dade audit
Key Points(5)
- More than 6,000 disabled parking permit applications have failed a final audit in Miami-Dade County as officials step up efforts to combat fraud and misuse of permits, the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector's Office announced Thursday.
- Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez said the office has reviewed more than 75,000 applications as part of a countywide audit aimed at protecting access to disabled parking spaces for seniors, veterans and residents with legitimate mobility disabilities.
- Of the applications that have undergone a final audit, 6,190 have failed the review process, while thousands of additional applications remain subject to review and verification.
- “This audit is producing results,” Fernandez said.
- “More than 6,000 applications have failed our final audit.
More than 6,000 disabled parking permit applications have failed a final audit in Miami-Dade County as officials step up efforts to combat fraud and misuse of permits, the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector's Office announced Thursday.
Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez said the office has reviewed more than 75,000 applications as part of a countywide audit aimed at protecting access to disabled parking spaces for seniors, veterans and residents with legitimate mobility disabilities.
Of the applications that have undergone a final audit, 6,190 have failed the review process, while thousands of additional applications remain subject to review and verification.
“This audit is producing results,” Fernandez said. “More than 6,000 applications have failed our final audit. Behind every permit that is improperly obtained or used is a parking space that could be taken away from someone with a legitimate disability. We are going to continue protecting this program and the residents who depend on it.”
The Tax Collector's Office has also expanded its coordination with law enforcement as part of its efforts to combat disabled parking permit fraud and misuse.
Fernandez has recently joined enforcement efforts with the Doral Police Department and Coral Gables Police Department. The office also continues to work with the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies.
Officials said the partnerships combine the Tax Collector's auditing and verification efforts with law enforcement activity in communities across the county, helping identify potential misuse and hold violators accountable.
Under Florida law, fraudulent use of a disabled parking permit can result in up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Violators may also be disqualified from obtaining a disabled parking permit for up to four years.
