Bill aimed at ending debate over Miami-Dade Sheriff powers advancing

Legislation that would end debate over Sheriff powers in Miami-Dade is advancing.

Sen. Ileana Garcia and Rep. Juan Fernandez-Barquin are backing bills granting Sheriffs exclusive jurisdiction in a county’s unincorporated area and shared oversight in cities with local police.

Another measure by Fernandez-Barquin and Sen. Danny Burgess would bar counties from duplicating Sheriff powers.

Miami-Dade eliminated its Sheriff after a 1966 investigation uncovered rampant corruption. Since then, it’s had an appointed police director under the Mayor.

Florida voters approved a 2018 constitutional amendment requiring every county to have an elected Sheriff by 2024.

Some Miami-Dade officials have since fought the change.

– Jesse Scheckner, Florida Politics