MIAMI — Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez is being sued by a local travel agency over his efforts to target businesses he claims are doing business with the Cuban government.
Fernandez has said his office can review or revoke local business tax receipts and in recent months, posted a list on social media of companies he suspected lacked federal authorization to operate in Cuba.
One of those businesses, Xael Charter Inc., which helps customers book travel to the island, filed suit on Friday.
The lawsuit accuses Fernandez of abusing his authority and unlawfully intruding into an area governed by federal law.
The company says it is fully compliant with regulations and is also seeking damages for defamation and legal costs.
The legal dispute prompted debate at the Miami City Commission over whether to support a resolution backing the tax collector’s actions.
City officials and the mayor raised concerns about potential liability and the risk of targeting lawful businesses.
Despite those concerns, the commission voted unanimously to support Fernandez, saying the move was intended to ensure compliance with existing laws.
Mayor Eileen Higgins opposed the resolution, warning it could lead to costly lawsuits.
“We promised the residents we would not be involved in wasting their tax dollars on lawsuits when we could be working on projects to keep their streets from flooding,” she said.
Fernandez responded to the lawsuit saying:
“We respect the judicial process and welcome the opportunity to present facts. We are confident that the truth will prevail.”
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