The Miami-Dade Tax Collector, Dariel Fernandez, has revoked the licenses of 20 businesses suspected of having ties to the Cuban government. This decision, announced on Monday, is part of a broader initiative to enforce county regulations and federal laws that limit trade with Cuba. Fernandez, himself a Cuban emigrant, emphasized national security concerns as a key reason driving this action.
The enforcement effort began in October 2023, when the tax collector’s office reached out to 75 businesses, requesting documentation to confirm they were not involved in commercial activities with Cuba. Of those contacted, 48 businesses complied with the request. However, the 20 businesses that failed to respond have now had their licenses revoked, effectively preventing them from operating legally in Miami-Dade County.
Details on Revoked Licenses
Among the businesses affected by this crackdown are Havana Sky Travel Inc., Global Cargo Corp, and Yumuri Shipping & Travel LLC. The decision underscores the Miami-Dade County administration’s commitment to enforcing regulations against unregulated commerce with the Cuban government. These actions are in line with the longstanding trade restrictions imposed by the United States on Cuba.
Fernandez mentioned that further enforcement actions are on the horizon. “In the coming weeks, more businesses will be notified, and those that do not comply with the requirements will have their Local Business Tax revoked. This is just the beginning,” he stated, as reported by NBC Miami.
Implications for Local Businesses
Businesses operating in Miami-Dade may need to ensure that their trade practices align with federal restrictions to avoid facing similar sanctions. This situation serves as a reminder of the regulatory scrutiny that businesses with potential ties to Cuba may encounter. The Miami-Dade Tax Collector’s office is poised to continue its efforts in monitoring and enforcing compliance among local businesses.
The revocation of these licenses reflects a significant step in the ongoing scrutiny of commercial activities linked to Cuba. As these measures take effect, the implications for both the affected businesses and the broader community in Miami-Dade County will become clearer in the coming weeks.
