Dariel Fernandez: New tax collector handling driver’s license administration

On Jan. 13, Dariel Fernandez was officially sworn in as the newly elected Miami-Dade County tax collector, documenting a historic occasion for the county.

The swearing-in of Mr. Fernandez represents a significant milestone in Miami-Dade County’s history. A 2018 amendment to the Florida Constitution required county voters to elect five key constitutional officers for the first time in over 60 years. This replaced the prior system in which the mayor of Miami-Dade appointed most of these officeholders.

Since his swearing-in ceremony, Mr. Fernandez has expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community and pledged to serve with transparency and diligence. 

As the county tax collector, Mr. Fernandez assumes responsibility for vital local government finance functions, including the collection of real and personal property taxes, issuance of local business tax receipts, and processing of motor vehicle transactions such as titles and registrations. 

Under his leadership, the Tax Collector’s Office will also take on the administration of Miami-Dade County’s driver’s license offices and state identification cards, services previously handled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

One of Mr. Fernandez’s key priorities is enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of services to all residents, especially vulnerable populations. 

“My goal is to make our services more accessible and customer-friendly for all. For too long, residents had to come to us, but now, for the first time, we will bring services to you,” he explained. “In the next year, we will take over the nine driver’s license offices in Miami-Dade County. These offices will be better staffed, with updated technology and shorter waiting times. We are also working on bringing services to our homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities, so they don’t have to travel far.”

Mr. Fernandez said the Miami-Dade Tax Collector’s Office is set to enter a new era of enhanced responsiveness and efficiency.

“With a focus on technological innovation, facility upgrades, and the expansion of office locations, residents of both incorporated and unincorporated Miami-Dade County will soon benefit from a safer, faster, and more efficient experience when conducting business with the tax collector’s office,” he added. 

Mr. Fernandez has made it his priority to personally visit the county’s driver’s license offices to assess operations, engage with employees, and hear directly from the residents about their experiences. His goal is to identify challenges and implement long-term solutions that improve the process for both the public and staff members.

“We’re working hard to bring real change to Miami-Dade County,” he said. “As the Miami-Dade County tax collector, I know how important it is to listen to the community and address their concerns.”

Many individuals expressed frustrations over long wait times and difficulty securing appointments, while others voiced concerns about the accessibility of services, he said.

“Since taking office five weeks ago, our focus has been on improving services, reducing waiting times, and making every service more accessible to our residents,” he added. “The transition of driver’s license offices from the state to our office is a critical moment, and we’re working tirelessly to ensure it benefits everyone. We’re taking action to meet the growing demand, and improvements are already underway.”

The full transition to take over all of the Department of Motor Vehicles offices will take time, he said, but the tax collector’s office is committed to implementing progressive changes, with certain offices already undergoing physical upgrades.

For example, the North Dade Justice Building is being renovated to include new furniture, improved technology, and enhanced facilities aimed at better serving both employees and the public.

“My goal is to ensure that every individual who walks through our doors is treated with respect and that our staff works in a safe, supportive environment,” Mr. Fernandez said. “We are addressing the root causes of these issues while prioritizing safety for all.”

To further ensure the safety and orderliness of operations, Mr. Fernandez has also secured an agreement with the Florida Highway Patrol to deploy patrol units at driver’s license offices across the county. Highway patrol officers will be tasked with maintaining order and intervening when individuals disrupt services or use violence or intimidation. This partnership aims to ensure that services continue smoothly and that both employees and customers are protected from disruptive behavior. 

“As we continue to work on improving services, we remain dedicated to providing a safe, respectful environment for all,” he said.

Miami-Dade County residents can expect continued progress as the tax collector’s office works to streamline operations and improve customer experiences at all driver’s license offices. Mr. Fernandez’s commitment to innovation and responsiveness is helping to shape a future where services are more efficient and accessible for all, he said.

Mr. Fernandez spoke with Miami Today reporter Abraham Galvan.

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