MIAMI — With a budget topping $1 billion and a countywide mandate from voters, Miami-Dade’s new sheriff, Rosie Cordero-Stutz, quickly became one of the most powerful figures in local government.
She also quickly learned how tough that power can be.
In her first budget fight in 2025, Cordero-Stutz asked for $93 million in additional funding but received $31 million. She calls it a lesson -- not a loss -- and says she’s ready for the next round.
“Last year, my very first budget was a difficult one,” she said. “We really had to show the things that I needed to keep this community just at the same level of service that I had previously. And that’s not where I plan to stay as a sheriff.”
The pressure comes as Miami-Dade continues to host major global events -- from the College Football Playoff National Championship and the Miami International Boat Show to the South Beach Wine and Food Festival -- without major security issues so far. But bigger events are ahead, including Formula One, the FIFA World Cup and the G20 Summit.
“Safety and security matters,” Cordero-Stutz said. “I plan on having a robust plan to make sure that we have the very best, safe events.”
She said that as the county grows on the global stage.
“We need the ability and the tools to be able to get it done,” she said. “My job is to make sure my deputies have what they need in order to get the work done.”
That push for funding puts her on a political collision course with Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who ultimately proposes the county budget before it goes to commissioners.
Beyond local politics, Cordero-Stutz says her role as a constitutional sheriff gives her influence in Tallahassee and Washington.
“That’s one of the differences of being a sheriff versus being a police chief,” she said. “I have a lot of authority in order to do very good for this county.”
She defended travel tied to legislative meetings, saying it helps her shape state and federal policy and bring benefits back to Miami-Dade.
“I get to impact legislation in Tallahassee, which I can then bring back to help protect our constituents, our citizens,” she said. “I get to impact at the federal level as well.”
On immigration enforcement, Cordero-Stutz said the department works alongside federal partners, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She said deputies check for administrative or criminal orders and notify ICE when required.
“We have our role to do and we’re doing it,” she said.
The sheriff also points to transparency efforts, including public records access and new technology, as part of modernizing the department.
Now more comfortable in both the law enforcement and political sides of the job, Cordero-Stutz says she expects a different outcome when she submits her next budget request in early May.
Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
