Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez today issued the following statement after the Cuban regime announced new rules allowing Cubans living abroad to own private businesses on the island:
“The Cuban dictatorship is once again trying to sell the world the illusion that it is changing. My message to our community is simple: don’t fall into the trap.
This is the same communist, socialist, murderous dictatorship that confiscated private property, destroyed businesses and forced generations of Cubans to flee their country. Now, after decades of taking from the Cuban people, the regime wants Cubans abroad to bring their money back.
Calling a business ‘private’ does not suddenly make Cuba a free market, and a decree issued in Havana does not determine what an American citizen or business is permitted to do under United States law.”
Under the new Cuban framework, Cubans residing outside the island may own private companies, hold interests in multiple businesses and expand their commercial activities. Certain activities, including direct imports and exports, remain subject to Cuban government authorization.
The United States sanctions framework involving Cuba remains in effect, and individuals and businesses subject to U.S. jurisdiction must continue to comply with applicable federal restrictions and licensing requirements.
Fernandez also expressed his support for the Trump administration’s continued actions targeting financial networks and entities connected to the Cuban government, including the recent designations of Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis, Banco Exterior de Cuba and other entities.
“I strongly support the actions taken by President Donald J. Trump’s administration and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to confront the financial networks that sustain Cuba’s communist regime while the Cuban people continue to suffer from repression and decades without freedom,” Fernandez said. “These designations send a clear message that those who sustain and profit from the dictatorship can face consequences under United States law. I thank President Trump and Secretary Rubio for standing with the Cuban people and confronting a regime that has exported repression and Marxist ideology throughout our hemisphere. Cuba must be free, and the United States must continue standing with those fighting for that freedom.”
Fernandez also reminded Miami-Dade business owners that Florida law directly addresses business activity with Cuba. Under Section 205.0532, Florida Statutes, a tax collector may require a sworn affidavit or declaration concerning whether an individual or business is doing business with Cuba in violation of federal law. Knowingly making a false declaration can carry criminal penalties.
“Our business owners need to understand what they are signing,” Fernandez said. “The attestation required under Florida law is real and we have implemented it. If you are considering investing in Cuba or entering into a commercial relationship there, know who you are doing business with, know where the money is going and make sure you understand your obligations under federal law before you act.
Cuba’s dictatorship has a long history of changing the rules when it benefits the regime and confiscating property when it does not. That history should matter to anyone being asked to invest their money there.”
The regime’s history of expropriating private businesses and the limited legal protections available to investors are longstanding concerns.
