Miami-Dade County is the latest target in a drastic state investigation into local government spending led by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
On August 4, the Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) raised concerns to Miami-Dade Mayor Daniela Leviincava about the county’s $400 million budget shortfall. The letter cited a 29% increase in countywide property tax revenues from 2020 to 21 to 24. This marked more than $430 million in additional Adrocrem revenues, a 56% increase in local food and beverage tax collection over the same period.
“Therefore, we have made the following requests for additional information regarding county expenditures,” the letter said.
The inquiry calls for access to records, systems and personnel as part of its ongoing efforts by the Desantis administration and Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia to audit local financial management. Miami-Dade was not appointed in the governor’s first announcement earlier this month, focusing on Broward County and the city of Gainesville.
State officials are seeking documentation related to procurement and contract practices, employee compensation, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, energy and climate programs, grants and transportation expenditures.
Among the more detailed requests are those that focus on DEI and environmental efforts. The state is seeking a list of former DEI-related staff, dates and content of DEI training sessions, and a list of county grants awarded to organizations based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Certain climate-related spending is labelled as consistent with the “Green New Deal,” and it also calls for documentation on spending on electric vehicle infrastructure and leases, solar power systems and climate change training programs.
Transportation spending is also under scrutiny, with the state calling for records related to the installation of speed bumps and other traffic focus devices, along with costs for pedestrian and bicycle lane improvements since January 2020.
In a statement Tuesday, Levine Cava criticized the investigation as Miami-Dade will cooperate with the state review but is politically motivated.
“Miami-Dade operates on one of the most transparent and well-signed local systems in the country,” the mayor said, noting that the county is routinely subject to external audits and focuses on priorities such as infrastructure, public safety, housing and economic development.
“If we need to clarify items from the budget line that Doge has already clearly documented, we will help,” she added. “But there is no need to overlap, and there is no politically driven investigation that could potentially divert staff from critical services.”
