Today's sanctions expose how Cuba's communist dictatorship uses both its military apparatus and state-controlled industries to sustain a system that has failed the Cuban people for more than six decades.
The U.S. Department of State designated eight entities and three individuals, including military enterprises involved in weapons development, naval research, battlefield simulation, electronics, and communications, as well as state-owned companies connected to Cuba's nickel industry.
These designations matter here in Miami-Dade County. As Tax Collector, my office has the authority to revoke the Local Business Tax of any business doing business with Cuba in violation of federal law. We will continue reviewing information provided by the federal government and taking appropriate action within the authority of our office when necessary.
I commend President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for identifying and sanctioning the entities and officials the United States government says are supporting Cuba's military and state-controlled economic apparatus.
Cuba is a country rich in natural resources, yet generations of Cubans have been denied the opportunity to benefit from that wealth. These sanctions are not directed against the Cuban people. They target specific institutions and officials identified by the United States government.
Our position remains clear: Miami-Dade County should never become a financial or commercial safe harbor for entities that support Cuba's communist dictatorship. Our office will continue doing its part to protect our community, uphold the law, and ensure that those seeking to do business in Miami-Dade County are held to the standards required by law.
Dariel Fernandez
Tax Collector
Miami-Dade County
