Latest news with #DarielFernández
Miami Herald
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
‘Historic day for Kendall': New office aims to end lines for driver's licenses and IDs
A new office opened Monday in Kendall with the promise of delivering faster, more efficient service to residents seeking driver's licenses, state-issued IDs compliant with REAL ID requirements, and other essential transactions. The new location offers both walk-in service and the option to schedule appointments online, according to Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernández, who announced the opening on social media. Fernández called it a 'historic day for Kendall' expressing gratitude to his team for their dedication and to state officials for supporting the transition. DMV office changes hands As of this week, the Kendall office previously run by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is now part of the network managed by the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector. This important transition brings faster service, shorter lines, and a better experience for everyone,' Fernández said. Residents can now make appointments online or walk in by visiting The office remains at its longtime location: 11735 SW 147th Ave., Miami, FL 33196. With this shift, the Kendall branch joins other offices operated by the Tax Collector, including locations in Florida City, Midway Crossings, Miami Central, and Downtown Miami. 'At this new location, we'll be providing services like Florida driver licenses, vehicle registrations, property tax payments, and more,' Fernández added. Read more: New relief for international travelers to the U.S. amid Trump-era restrictions A necessary transition? The Tax Collector's office has pledged to improve accessibility and streamline the appointment process in response to widespread complaints about DMV services, including long wait times and reports of illegally resold appointments. As part of its broader plan, the Tax Collector's office announced it will gradually assume control of all nine DMV offices in Miami-Dade over the coming months. The revamped offices will allow residents to handle most driver's license-related procedures, with the exception of commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and driving tests, which will remain under state jurisdiction.
Miami Herald
12-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
These DMV services will soon be available in Coral Gables. It's a ‘major step'
Miami-Dade County is celebrating what local officials are calling a 'major step' with the launch of several essential services in Coral Gables — for the first time ever. Residents will be able to access these services 'without leaving their community,' announced Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernández on social media Tuesday. From his X account, Fernández thanked Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago and the City Commission 'for their support and collaboration in making this possible.' New office offering driver's licenses and more 'For the first time in history, the Miami-Dade Tax Collector's Office will open a permanent location in the City of Coral Gables,' Fernández said. The new office will allow Coral Gables residents and businesses to access a range of essential services currently provided by the County Tax Collector's Office, including: ▪ Issuance of driver's licenses and REAL ID cards ▪ Vehicle tag and registration renewals ▪ Property and business tax payments 'We are committed to providing efficient and accessible public service — and this new office is a big step forward,' said Fernández, who has consistently expressed interest in expanding these services to areas of Miami-Dade where they are not yet available. According to a press release, following the approval of a lease agreement, the office will be located at 224 Minorca Ave., Coral Gables, FL 33134. The lease and office build-out are expected to begin soon, the release stated. Read more: Traveling in the U.S. will change in 2025: You can't fly from Miami without this document Other tax collector locations in Miami In late May, Fernández also announced plans to open another new office 'very soon' in Miami Beach, offering several key services for residents. He has also championed measures to reduce chaos at Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations, including the introduction of legislation that would fine individuals for scalping driver's license and ID appointments. Additionally, his office has taken over the management of some former DMV-operated sites — such as the busy Mall of the Americas center, which had drawn complaints about long wait times and inadequate service.
