Florida CFO Ingoglia Reports $1.2B Overspending in Local Governments Including Miami-Dade

Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia has sharply criticized Miami-Dade County for overspending by approximately $302 million beyond what is necessary when adjusted for inflation and population growth, according to a recent audit of the county's 2024-25 general fund budget. Since 2019, Miami-Dade's budget has increased roughly 50%, from $1.68 billion to $2.5 billion, outpacing population growth and inflation, with significant expansion in government staffing mostly in bureaucratic roles rather than public safety positions. Ingoglia has characterized this trend as fiscal irresponsibility and overtaxation, highlighting that for every new resident, Miami-Dade is spending $13,000 more, which he argues is unsustainable and inefficient compared to private sector norms. The CFO's broader Government Accountability Tour has identified $1.2 billion in wasteful spending across eight local governments, with Miami-Dade representing the largest dollar amount. Ingoglia's efforts aim to pressure local governments to rein in spending and manage budgets more responsibly, though some municipal officials have contested his analysis as lacking context. The state initiative reflects growing scrutiny on how municipalities utilize rising revenues, particularly from property value increases, to expand government beyond justified levels.