MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Miami-Dade County officials say the use of fake disabled parking permits has spiraled “out of control,” prompting a stepped-up crackdown aimed at drivers who abuse a system meant to help those who truly need it.
The county’s tax collector has joined law enforcement officers in an aggressive effort to identify and revoke fraudulent permits, which focuses on hotspots like Miami Beach, where entire blocks can appear filled with vehicles displaying disability decals.
Authorities say the problem has plagued the county for years.
They say officers have repeatedly caught drivers using permits that do not belong to them or that were obtained fraudulently.
Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez said the abuse has reached a breaking point and that they’re just getting started.
“It’s insane that we allow this for a long time in Miami-Dade County,” Fernandez told Local 10 News.
As a result, his office, which issues disabled parking permits in Miami-Dade, has launched a countywide audit of every handicap parking permit application issued over the past two years. The review looks for red flags in applications that require a medical certification and identification.
“So the process is the most easy process that you see in your life,” Fernandez said.
“Is that part of the problem -- that the process is so easy that it gets manipulated?” asked Local 10’s Christian De La Rosa.
“I believe so, yes,” said Fernandez. “Some bad actors use this as a business.”
In recent weeks, the tax collector’s office has sent out at least hundreds of letters revoking permits found to be questionable. Fernandez said more revocations are expected as the audit continues.
“We’re going after you,” he said.
Applications determined to be fraudulent are being referred to law enforcement for possible prosecution.
Under Florida law, drivers caught using a fake disabled parking permit can face a $1,000 fine and up to a year in jail. Police say those currently in possession of fraudulent permits can surrender them or stop using them to avoid further penalties.
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