Miami-Dade County has become the latest target in a sweeping state investigation into local government spending led by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration.
On August 4, the Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) sent a letter to Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava raising concerns about the county’s $400 million budget shortfall. The letter cited a 29% increase in countywide property tax revenues between fiscal years 2020-21 and 2023-24—amounting to more than $430 million in additional ad valorem revenue—as well as a 56% increase in local food and beverage tax collections during the same period.
“We are therefore making the requests below for additional information about county expenditures,” the letter stated.
The inquiry requests access to records, systems, and personnel as part of an ongoing effort by the DeSantis administration and Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia to audit local fiscal management. Miami-Dade was not named in the governor’s initial announcement earlier this month, which focused on Broward County and the City of Gainesville.
State officials are seeking documentation related to procurement and contracting practices, employee compensation, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, energy and climate programs, grants, and transportation spending.
Among the more detailed requests are those focused on DEI and environmental efforts. The state is seeking records on former DEI-related staff, the dates and content of DEI training sessions, and a list of any county grants awarded to organizations based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Labeling certain climate-related spending as aligned with the “Green New Deal,” the letter also requests documentation regarding spending on electric vehicle infrastructure and leases, solar power systems, and climate change training programs.
Transportation expenditures are under scrutiny as well, with the state requesting records tied to the installation of speed bumps and other traffic-calming devices, along with the costs of pedestrian and bicycle lane improvements since January 2020.
In a statement Tuesday, Levine Cava said Miami-Dade would cooperate with the state’s review but criticized the investigation as politically motivated.
“Miami-Dade operates under one of the most transparent and well-governed local systems in the nation,” the mayor said, noting the county routinely undergoes external audits and remains focused on priorities such as infrastructure, public safety, housing, and economic development.
“If DOGE requires clarification on budget line items we have already clearly documented, we will help,” she added. “But there is no need for duplication, nor for politically driven investigations that could divert staff time away from critical services.”
