Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez has revoked the licenses of 20 businesses suspected of having connections to the Cuban government, according to a Monday announcement. The action is part of efforts to enforce county regulations and federal laws restricting trade with Cuba. Fernandez, a Cuban emigrant, cited national security concerns as a factor in the decision, according to NBC Miami.
The crackdown began in October when the tax collector’s office contacted 75 businesses, requesting proof that they were not engaged in commercial activities with Cuba. While 48 businesses complied, the remaining companies received a second notice. The 20 businesses that did not respond had their licenses revoked, barring them from legally operating in Miami-Dade County. Among the affected businesses are Havana Sky Travel Inc., Global Cargo Corp, and Yumuri Shipping & Travel LLC, as per Instagram post by News Alert.
The measures by Fernandez reinforce Miami-Dade County’s enforcement of regulations against unregulated commerce with the Cuban government. The actions align with longstanding U.S.-Cuba trade restrictions and reflect ongoing regulatory scrutiny for businesses with potential ties to Cuba.
The tax collector’s office indicated that further enforcement actions are planned. “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,” Fernandez stated, as reported by NBC Miami. Businesses in Miami-Dade may need to confirm that their trade practices comply with federal restrictions to avoid similar sanctions.
