The Miami-Dade County Tax Collector says businesses engaged in unauthorized commerce with Cuba will face consequences as federal, state, and local authorities continue reviewing compliance requirements
Questions surrounding international trade compliance, federal regulations, and business accountability are once again drawing attention in Miami-Dade County following action by Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez. Fernandez announced that his office has revoked Local Business Tax Receipts associated with businesses identified by federal authorities as participating in unauthorized commercial activity involving Cuba. The action highlights the intersection of federal trade regulations, local business licensing, and ongoing community awareness surrounding commerce connected to the Cuban communist government.
According to information provided to the Tax Collector’s Office by a federal agency, Cargo Caribe LLC, utilizing a shipping terminal operated by Harkham Shipping LLC and MV Tinto Shipping LTD, exported cement from Miami to Cuba without proper authorization and in violation of federal laws and regulations. Federal authorities indicated the vessel traveled from the Miami River to the Port of Mariel, Cuba, where the cargo was unloaded. Following a review of the information and related records, the Tax Collector’s Office revoked the Local Business Tax Receipts associated with the businesses identified in the federal findings…