With no funding from the County, the office is expanding services, returning millions, and setting a new standard for transparency and efficiency in public service
Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez has outlined a bold vision for local government that is independent, efficient, and entirely self-sustaining. In a recent statement, Fernandez emphasized the constitutional independence of his office, clarified its funding model, and highlighted how his team is expanding services while returning billions to local governments—all without drawing a single dollar from the County’s general fund.
“Our independence ensures we focus on what matters—delivering results for the public, not navigating politics,” Fernandez stated. “Every decision we make is rooted in accountability and public trust.”
Not funded by the County — and proud of it
Fernandez made it clear that the Tax Collector’s Office is not a department of the County. Rather, it operates under Florida’s Constitution and laws, relying on statutory service fees and a 2 percent commission authorized by state statute—completely bypassing County budget allocations. Budgets are reviewed directly by the Florida Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Oversight Program, eliminating potential conflicts of interest from local taxing authorities…