Miami-Dade tax collector discusses property-tax aid, quarterly payments and Real ID options at Opa-locka event

Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dario Fernandez joined the Opa-locka roundtable to describe county services that can help residents who fall behind on property taxes and to advertise on-site services for IDs, driver licenses and local business tax questions.

Fernandez said the tax-collector’s office is coordinating with the property appraiser to identify ways to assist property owners at risk of auction because of unpaid taxes and that county officials are exploring options for payment arrangements; he noted that some remedies are limited by state law and that changes may require action in Tallahassee.

He said the county is working on options to allow property-tax quarterly payments and that, per a participant in the audience, the first quarterly payment period begins in June; Fernandez described the county’s effort to expand access to services by bringing mobile units and by placing kiosk machines in retail locations (Publix) so residents can print registration and renewals on the spot.

On identity documents, Fernandez explained the Real ID-related process and said obtaining a Real ID-compliant credential is required only for certain federal purposes such as boarding some domestic flights; the tax collector’s office offered to schedule appointments and assist residents with Real ID documentation.

Fernandez said he intends for the tax-collector’s office to make services more accessible: "Now it's time that our office come to you, to the people," he told the audience, and he encouraged residents to meet his staff at the information table after the event.