Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez Supports Legislation to Stop Appointment Scalping for Driver License Services

Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez appeared before the Miami-Dade County Commission on March 18,  to express strong support for an ordinance introduced by Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera.

The ordinance aims to combat the illegal resale of public service
appointments, also known as appointment scalping, which has been taking advantage of residents in Miami-Dade County. “Right now, bad actors are exploiting the appointment system, charging residents outrageous fees for something that should be free and accessible to all,” said Fernandez. “These predatory practices are unfair, unethical, and harm our most vulnerable communities."

I want to thank Commissioner Cabrera for bringing this important measure forward, and I urge everyone to support it.” The proposed ordinance prohibits any person, entity, or platform from listing, posting, selling, or promoting the sale of public service appointments without express written consent from the Miami-Dade County Office of the Tax Collector.

Violators will face fines in accordance with the Miami-Dade County Code, with penalties of up to $500 per violation. “We are taking proactive steps to enhance our technology and processes to combat this issue,” added Fernandez. “However, it is imperative that we have the legal framework in place to penalize bad actors and deter this practice altogether.”

The ordinance, sponsored by Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera, passed unanimously on first reading, and the Miami-Dade County Commission is expected to review it for a second reading and final approval, at the next commission meeting in early April.

For further updates and information, please contact the Tax Collector's Press Office.