South Florida Leaders Call for End to Luxury Goods Exports to Cuba Amid Fuel Crisis

Lawmakers and officials demand review of business licenses allowing shipments beyond basic humanitarian needs as Cuba faces worsening energy shortages.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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As the fuel crisis continues in Cuba, with drivers waiting months to fill up their cars, South Florida leaders have called for an end to spending on luxury goods being sent to the Cuban government. U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez and Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez allege that some businesses are exporting items beyond basic humanitarian needs, like medicine and food, and are instead shipping luxury items like Jet Skis and Ferraris to the communist regime.

Why it matters

The calls for action come as Cuba faces a worsening energy crisis, with the country cut off from a major oil supplier after the Trump administration threatened tariffs on nations shipping oil to the island. Cuban drivers have turned to a state-controlled app to buy scarce gasoline, while airlines can no longer refuel on the island. South Florida leaders argue that ending the export of luxury goods could help put pressure on the Cuban regime.

The details

A review by the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector's Office last year found that dozens of businesses were exporting beyond the parameters allowed for exports to Cuba. Since that review, 20 businesses have had their local licenses revoked. 'During our review, we identified that some federal licenses granted to certain companies authorized export of goods that go far beyond basic humanitarian needs,' said Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez.

  • In late January, Cuba was cut off from a major oil supplier after President Donald Trump signed an order threatening tariffs on nations that ship oil to the island.
  • Last year, the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector's Office conducted a review that found dozens of businesses were exporting beyond the parameters allowed for exports to Cuba.

The players

Carlos Gimenez

U.S. Representative from Florida's 26th congressional district.

Dariel Fernandez

Miami-Dade County Tax Collector.

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States.

Marco Rubio

U.S. Senator from Florida and Secretary of State.

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What they’re saying

“Every dollar that we send that benefits the Cuban regime is a dollar that we're sending to oppress the Cuban people.”

— Carlos Gimenez, U.S. Representative (WSVN)

“During our review, we identified that some federal licenses granted to certain companies authorized export of goods that go far beyond basic humanitarian needs.”

— Dariel Fernandez, Miami-Dade County Tax Collector (WSVN)

“For too long, due to short-sighted policies by previous administrations, the Castro regime has been allowed to create a support network of illegitimate businesses on US soil. It's time to close it down.”

— Carlos Gimenez, U.S. Representative (WSVN)

“Cuba is right now a failed nation. We're talking to Cuba right now, and [Sec. of State] Marco Rubio talking to Cuba right now, and they should absolutely make a deal, because it's really a humanitarian threat.”

— Donald Trump (WSVN)

“Cuba needs to allow 'more freedom' if it wants to avoid losing power.”

— Marco Rubio, U.S. Senator and Secretary of State (WSVN)

What’s next

The Trump administration has threatened tariffs on nations that ship oil to Cuba, worsening the existing energy crisis. Cuban officials and the United States are currently in talks, as Cuban Americans hope for regime change on the island.

The takeaway

This crisis highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, as South Florida leaders demand an end to the export of luxury goods that they say are propping up the communist regime. The fuel shortages in Cuba have led to widespread hardship, underscoring the need for a diplomatic solution that addresses the humanitarian needs of the Cuban people.