Miami-Dade cracks down on DMV scalpers — now let’s fix the entire system | Opinion

Anyone who has tried to book an appointment for a driver’s license or other service at one of Miami-Dade’s nine DMV offices knows the struggle. The experience is about as pleasant as a trip to the dentist but just as necessary.

Last month, newly elected Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez exposed an appointment scalping operation that had been making service at the soon-to-be abolished Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offices across the county even worse, he said.

Appointment slots were vanishing from the online portal quickly, hoarded by scalpers — driving schools — Fernandez said, whose employees were then reselling them to people who needed a quick spot in line. Most people need an appointment to be served. Walk-ins are allowed but that generally requires a predawn showing to make it inside the building.

People reportedly paid anywhere from $25 to $250 to get a same day appointment in line. According to Fernandez, this scheme was “collapsing” the system, making it even harder for everyday residents to secure a spot.

That shady practice is now illegal. On Tuesday, the Miami-Dade Commission unanimously passed a law making it a misdemeanor to sell DMV or other government service appointments. Sponsored by Commissioner Kevin Cabrera, the law carries a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail for violators.

This is a win for residents who just want a fair shot at getting their driver’s licenses without additional unnecessary hurdles — or worse, being forced to pay. The commission rightfully stepped in to level the playing field.

As Cabrera said, “No one should have to pay a third party just to access basic government service.” He’s right.

But Fernandez should keep the momentum of reform for our DMV offices. It’s perfect timing; the local DMV offices, run by the state for years, will now be run by Fernandez’s new, expanded tax collector office. Completing basic services like renewing your license or getting a new one shouldn’t turn into an all-day ordeal, with or without an appointment.

Banning scalping by driving schools is just one piece of the puzzle. The fact that this happened in the first place proves the DMV system is already broken.

It’s rare to see a DMV office without a huge line in front. Now, with the Real ID requirement on your driver’s license set to start in May, more people likely will be coming in to update their licenses.

Fernandez, a former tech entrepreneur, has promised to modernize a system that has long been the punch line for jokes about bad service.

So far, he has added an extra location in downtown Miami where people can get or renew their driver’s licenses. He’s already implemented technology that blocks multiple bookings from the same phone number. But he’s not stopping there — he’s pushing for more DMV services to be available online and working to make appointment scheduling faster and easier. He wants to give the DMV the overhaul it needs.

Those are steps in the right direction. The fact that scalping even became a business in the first place shows how badly the system has been failing residents for years.

We’re glad to see Fernandez, Cabrera and the county commission swiftly tackle this issue head-on.

The changes, of course, will cost money. In an opinion article that appeared in the Miami Herald last month, Fernandez warned the “initial improvements” of changing the county’s nine state-run driver’s license offices to be run by the county is roughly $40 million. As a constitutional officer, the tax collector sets his own budget, not the county mayor.

The new county law is a start. It sends a clear message that it’s a new day at the DMV, by reinforcing a basic rule: government services should be accessible to everyone — not just those who can afford to buy their way to the front of the line.

Click here

BEHIND THE STORY

MORE

What's an editorial?

Editorials are opinion pieces that reflect the views of the Miami Herald Editorial Board, a group of opinion journalists that operates separately from the Miami Herald newsroom. Miami Herald Editorial Board members are: opinion editor Amy Driscoll and editorial writers Isadora Rangel and Mary Anna Mancuso. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.

What's the difference between an op-ed and a column?

Op-Eds, short for “opposite the editorial page,” are opinion pieces written by contributors who are not affiliated with our Editorial Board.

Columns are recurring opinion pieces that represent the views of staff columnists that regularly appear on the op-ed page.

How does the Miami Herald Editorial Board decide what to write about?

The Editorial Board, made up of experienced opinion journalists, primarily addresses local and state issues that affect South Florida residents. Each board member has an area of focus, such as education, COVID or local government policy. Board members meet daily and bring up an array of topics for discussion. Once a topic is fully discussed, board members will further report the issue, interviewing stakeholders and others involved and affected, so that the board can present the most informed opinion possible. We strive to provide our community with thought leadership that advocates for policies and priorities that strengthen our communities. Our editorials promote social justice, fairness in economic, educational and social opportunities and an end to systemic racism and inequality. The Editorial Board is separate from the reporters and editors of the Miami Herald newsroom.

How can I contribute to the Miami Herald Opinion section?

The Editorial Board accepts op-ed submissions of 650-700 words from community members who want to argue a specific viewpoint or idea that is relevant to our area. You can email an op-ed submission to oped@miamiherald.com. We also accept 150-word letters to the editor from readers who want to offer their points of view on current issues. For more information on how to submit a letter, go here.