Miami-Dade cracks down on disabled parking permit fraud with full countywide audit
Miami has pledged to swiftly put an end to what it calls the “abuse” of the disabled parking permit system and has announced strong measures toward that goal, including a “full countywide” audit.
The decision is “effective immediately,” according to a Tuesday post from Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez, who emphasized 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 warned.
Consequences for fraud
Under Florida law, disabled parking permits — temporary or permanent — are issued through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) or its authorized agents, including the tax collector’s office.
Using the legal authority granted to it, the office can not only issue permits but also audit and revoke them when fraud or abuse is found.
“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 seeks to identify false information intentionally submitted in fraudulent medical applications or certifications. These actions constitute 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.
According to the Tax Collector’s Office, 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, does not display a personal identification number, or is being unlawfully used.”
Revocation of parking permits
Tuesday’s announcement makes clear that all fraudulent permits identified during the audit “will be revoked without exception.”
It also notes that the compliance department “will work aggressively, in coordination with local and state law enforcement, to identify violators.”
The audit requires a “comprehensive and uncompromising” review of application documentation 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 stated.
In Miami-Dade, disabled parking permits are obtained by submitting form HSMV 83039, a medical certification, Florida ID, and proof of insurance.
Permanent permits are valid for four years and are free of charge, while 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.
