Miami-Dade Corrections accomplishes major milestone as federal consent decree lifted

For the first time in 13 years, Miami-Dade County’s jail system is no longer under federal oversight.  On July 22, 2025, a federal judge terminated the Consent Agreement signed in 2013 that placed the County’s jail system under Department of Justice (DOJ) and federal court oversight. This followed the termination of the Settlement Agreement with DOJ in November 2024 after the County had remained in substantial compliance. The termination of federal oversight marks a major milestone in the County’s long-term reform efforts to improve jail conditions, medical and mental health care, and suicide prevention.

“From day one, I pledged to bring our jail system into compliance, not just to meet federal standards, but to meet the expectations of our residents,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Through tough oversight and relentless discipline, we’ve turned the page on a troubled chapter and have built a safer and more effective system where justice and dignity go hand in hand for inmates and public safety staff alike.”

In a final ruling nearly two years after the court first recognized Miami-Dade County’s full compliance with the 2013 Consent Decree, the Honorable Beth Bloom of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida has officially dismissed the case bringing closure to a long-standing federal matter. This milestone reflects extensive interdepartmental collaboration and the sustained and transformative leadership of Mayor Levine Cava.

"The department has made remarkable strides by adopting evidence-based policies that strengthen public safety while enhancing security and efficiency,” said Chief of Public Safety James Reyes. “This achievement is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire MDCR team, whose commitment helps keep our community safe every day."

The court’s decision validates the deep cultural shift within Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation (MDCR) that has been achieved by a team of committed reformers and professionals who have made a lasting change.

MDCR, in partnership with Jackson Health System’s Corrections Health Services (CHS), has implemented substantial reforms that led to the termination of the Consent and Settlement Agreements. These reforms include:

• Increased staffing and improved training, morale, and leadership to boost accountability
• Reduction in contraband due to targeted enforcement and law enforcement partnerships
• Expanded mental health care and suicide prevention protocols
• Incentive programs to reduce harm and improve inmate behavior
• Implementation of a new classification system for safer inmate housing, resulting in reduced violence and better care

“The safety and well-being of those in our custody remains our top priority,” said Miami-Dade Correction and Rehabilitation Director Sherea Green. “I am incredibly proud of the collaboration and leadership that brought us to this historic moment. This milestone reflects our commitment to reform and continued progress.”

With the conclusion of federal oversight, MDCR and CHS are now recognized as leaders in correctional operations statewide and nationally. Both departments remain committed to ongoing improvement and ensuring safe, humane, and effective correctional practices.