OUTSOURCING OR SELLING COUNTY DEBT

Board of County Commissioners · 2026-07-21 · report

Miami-Dade County is considering the feasibility of outsourcing or selling a portion of its outstanding debt, specifically identifying approximately $41 million out of a total of $525 million in outstanding debt (as of July 29, 2025) as potentially suitable for sale to third-party collection agencies or receivables buyers. The report, initiated by Resolution R-785-25 and sponsored by Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, analyzes the types and amounts of debt, potential buyers, market conditions, and financial implications. The recommendation is to sell a portion of the debt portfolio to generate cash flow, with specific criteria to minimize legal risks and costs. The report notes that selling citation-related debt is not recommended due to practical considerations for constituents and the County. Concerns raised include potential loss of ability to assist constituents, HIPAA compliance for ambulance billing, and potential legal risks under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) if private collectors are used. The County has prior experience with outside collection agencies, with a list of potential providers provided. The report will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners.