The massive Florida agency currently undergoing a historic structural transformation

Countries & Cities · Published 14 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The largest sheriff's office in the southeastern United States is returning to its roots. After decades of operating as a police department, a constitutional mandate is reshaping the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, moving away from an appointed director model back toward an elected official.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) is currently navigating a significant transition. For much of the late 20th century, the agency functioned as the Miami-Dade Police Department. Following a 1966 resolution to a controversy regarding how sheriffs were chosen, the role became an appointed position, with the county manager selecting a Director of Public Safety. However, a 2018 constitutional amendment, supported by 58% of Miami-Dade voters, mandated that Florida counties return to electing certain constitutional officers, including the sheriff.

This shift is part of a broader evolution that began in 1836, when the original Dade County Sheriff's Office was established to serve a massive territory that once included present-day Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin counties. Over time, the jurisdiction shrank to its current size of approximately 2,139 square miles. Although its title and organisation have shifted—previously acting as the Public Safety Department, managing everything from fire protection to animal control—the department now concentrates on airport and port security, courthouse protection, and local policing.

The leadership transition is already underway. Following the November 6, 2024, election, Assistant Director Rosie Cordero-Stutz defeated Chief of Public Safety James Reyes to become sheriff-elect. She assumed office on January 7, 2025. Under the provisions of House Bill 1595, the full transition of the agency into the MDSO is expected to be finalized by 2028.

The agency's history is marked by both service and intense periods of civil unrest. The 1980 Miami riots, triggered by the acquittal of officers in the death of Marine corporal Arthur McDuffie, resulted in at least 18 deaths and $100 million in property damage. Forty-three MDSO personnel have died whilst performing their duties since 1836.

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