Miami has vowed to put an end to what officials describe as widespread “abuse” of the disabled parking permit system, announcing new enforcement measures that include a full countywide audit.
The decision is in effect immediately, according to a Tuesday post from Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez, who stressed that “every disabled parking permit application is an official state document.”
“The Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office is executing a full countywide audit of every disabled parking permit and temporary disabled parking permit application filed within the last 24 months,” Fernandez said.
Consequences for fraud
Under Florida law, both temporary and permanent disabled parking permits are issued through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) or its authorized agents, including the tax collector’s office.
Using its legal authority, the office can issue, audit, and revoke permits when fraud or abuse is identified.
“Widespread abuse has harmed seniors, veterans, and residents with legitimate mobility disabilities. A system created to protect the most vulnerable has been exploited for too long. That ends now,” Fernandez wrote.
The audit is designed to uncover false information intentionally submitted on fraudulent medical applications or certifications. These violations amount to a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida Statutes 775.082 and 775.083, punishable by up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.
“Any person who fraudulently obtains or unlawfully displays a disabled parking permit that does not belong to them, or who uses an unauthorized replica with intent to deceive, commits a second-degree misdemeanor. These are criminal acts, not technical errors,” Fernandez added.
The Tax Collector’s Office says that both law enforcement officers and parking enforcement specialists are authorized under Florida law to confiscate any disabled parking permit that is expired, fraudulent, reported lost or stolen, defaced, missing a personal identification number, or being unlawfully used.
Revocation of parking permits
Tuesday’s announcement makes clear that all fraudulent permits uncovered during the audit “will be revoked without exception.”
It also states that the compliance department “will work aggressively, in coordination with local and state law enforcement, to identify violators.”
The audit demands a comprehensive and strict review of application documents and legal requirements. Offenders may be referred directly for criminal prosecution.
“Every fraudulent permit represents a space stolen from a senior who cannot walk long distances, from a veteran who sacrificed for this country, and from a resident who lives daily with serious mobility limitations. This is not only illegal, it is morally wrong,” Fernandez said.
In Miami-Dade, disabled parking permits require form HSMV 83039, a medical certification, a Florida ID, and proof of insurance.
Permanent permits are valid for four years and are free. Temporary permits last up to six months and cost $15.
Applications can be submitted in person or by mail at any motor vehicle service center or Miami-Dade tax collector’s office.
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