Miami-Dade, Orange County Sheriffs Seek Major Budget Increases Amid Funding Shortfalls

Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz is urging county commissioners to approve a significantly larger budget increase than the $50.4 million proposed by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, requesting a total boost of $93.8 million to address over 200 deputy vacancies, hire civilian staff, and prepare for major events like the World Cup. The sheriff warned that the proposed funding is insufficient and that anything less than her requested amount amounts to defunding the police, which could result in reduced sworn deputies and compromised public safety. Mayor Levine Cava acknowledged the county's financial challenges, citing a $402 million budget gap driven partly by new independent constitutional offices, and emphasized the need to keep property-tax rates flat despite the sheriff's funding shortfall. Commissioners expressed mixed reactions, with some surprised by the funding gaps and discussing possible tax rate increases, though they voted to maintain flat property-tax rates for now. Similarly, Orange County Sheriff John Mina requested a 12.5% budget increase to fund 25 additional deputies, but the county staff recommended a smaller increase, creating an $8 million shortfall. Both sheriffs underscore the growing need for expanded resources to maintain public safety amid population growth and rising demands.