Miami-Dade Revokes Licenses of 20 Businesses Over Alleged Cuba Trade Violations

Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez announced Monday that his office has revoked the licenses of 20 local businesses accused of engaging in trade with Cuba in violation of federal law.

In a statement, Fernandez said county regulations allow the tax collector to revoke or deny renewal of a local business tax receipt for companies found to have prohibited ties to the Cuban regime. He emphasized that Miami-Dade would not serve as a financial pipeline for what he described as a hostile government.

“As a Cuban emigrant, I know firsthand the suffering inflicted by the Cuban communist regime,” Fernandez said. “That regime has been, is, and will continue to be a threat to U.S. national security.”

The enforcement action follows an October investigation in which the tax collector’s office contacted 75 businesses suspected of conducting commerce with Cuba. Forty-eight companies responded and provided documentation disputing the claims. The remaining businesses were sent follow-up notices but failed to respond.

As a result, the 20 businesses that did not comply are now prohibited from operating legally in Miami-Dade County. The list includes travel agencies, shipping services, cargo companies, and multi-service firms, some operating at multiple locations.

Fernandez warned that additional enforcement actions are forthcoming. “This is just the beginning,” he said, adding that more businesses will be notified in the coming weeks. Companies that fail to comply, he said, will also face license revocation.

“Our investigations will continue,” Fernandez stated. “We will act with firmness, responsibility, and unwavering respect for the rule of law.”