Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez has announced the revocation of licenses for 20 businesses suspected of having connections to the Cuban government. This decision, made public on October 23, 2023, is part of a broader initiative to enforce both county regulations and federal laws that restrict trade with Cuba.
The crackdown on businesses began last month when the tax collector’s office reached out to 75 companies, requesting documentation to verify that they were not engaged in any commercial activities with Cuba. Of those businesses, 48 complied with the request, while the remaining firms did not respond adequately. As a result, those 20 businesses faced license revocation, preventing them from legally operating in Miami-Dade County.
Among the companies affected are Havana Sky Travel Inc., Global Cargo Corp, and Yumuri Shipping & Travel LLC. This action underscores Miami-Dade County’s ongoing commitment to enforcing regulations against unauthorized commerce with the Cuban regime, reflecting longstanding U.S. trade restrictions.
Enforcement Actions Continue
Fernandez, who is a Cuban emigrant, cited national security concerns as a critical factor in the decision to revoke these licenses. He emphasized that the actions taken align with federal policies aimed at regulating trade with Cuba and are part of a comprehensive enforcement strategy.
In his statement to the press, Fernandez indicated that further actions are imminent. “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,” he said, as reported by NBC Miami.
Businesses operating in Miami-Dade are now urged to review their trade practices to ensure compliance with federal restrictions. Failure to do so could lead to similar sanctions, impacting their ability to operate legally within the county.
The recent revocations highlight the increasing scrutiny faced by businesses with potential ties to Cuba, as local authorities intensify efforts to uphold legal standards and safeguard national interests.
