Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez today announced that his office has joined the Doral Police Department in an active investigation following the arrest of an individual accused of fraudulently obtaining a disabled parking permit.
Following the arrest, Doral Police contacted the Tax Collector’s Office and provided information developed during its investigation. The Tax Collector’s Office immediately began reviewing the permit application and all relevant records. The two agencies are now working jointly to determine how the permit was obtained and whether any additional wrongdoing occurred.
“This is exactly how interagency cooperation should work,” said Fernandez. “I commend Doral Mayor Christi Fraga and Doral Police Chief Matthew Castillo for their leadership in confronting disabled parking placard fraud head-on. The Doral Police Department made an arrest and promptly shared the information with our office. We acted immediately, and together we are following the evidence to determine the full extent of what occurred.”
“Every fraudulently obtained disabled parking permit takes access away from someone who genuinely needs it,” Fernandez continued. “This is not a victimless act. Anyone who lies or falsifies information to obtain a permit should expect to be investigated and held accountable. We do not look the other way. We act.”
Under the administration of Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez, the Tax Collector’s Office has expanded its efforts to identify and combat disabled parking permit fraud, including through its ongoing partnership with the Doral Police Department. Earlier this month, Fernandez joined Doral officers for specialized enforcement training focused on identifying disabled parking permit misuse, preventing fraud, and protecting spaces reserved for residents with disabilities.
Fernandez thanked Doral Mayor Christi Fraga, Doral Police Chief Matthew Castillo, and the men and women of the Doral Police Department for their leadership, vigilance, professionalism, and continued partnership.
“Our office will continue working closely with Doral Police and law enforcement agencies throughout Miami-Dade County,” Fernandez said. “When agencies share information and work together, we are better able to protect residents, strengthen accountability, and preserve the integrity of programs designed to serve people with disabilities.”
The investigation remains active. No additional information will be released at this time. The allegations have not been proven, and the arrested individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
