Rosie Cordero-Stutz Sworn in as Miami-Dade’s First Sheriff in Over 60 Years

Miami-Dade County has officially welcomed its first elected sheriff in nearly six decades. Rosie Cordero-Stutz was sworn in on January 7, 2025, marking a historic moment as the first Hispanic woman to hold the position in Florida.

Cordero-Stutz, a Republican and 28-year law enforcement veteran, previously served as the assistant director of investigative services at the Miami-Dade Police Department. Her election victory in November saw her defeating Democratic candidate James Reyes with 56% of the vote, making her the county’s first elected sheriff since Florida voters reinstated the position through Amendment 10 in 2018.

A Community-Focused Vision

During her swearing-in ceremony at the Miami-Dade College School of Justice, Cordero-Stutz emphasized the importance of public trust, community engagement, and law enforcement transparency. She pledged to foster stronger relationships within Miami-Dade’s diverse communities, stating:

“The success of this new office must be rooted in community bonds that require nourishment through accessibility, transparency, constant dialogue, and honest feedback.”

Cordero-Stutz also reaffirmed her commitment to combatting crime, addressing illegal immigration, and ensuring public safety, while promising to collaborate with local leaders, including Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, despite their political differences.

Jewish Community Presence & A Stance Against Anti-Semitism

Miami’s Orthodox Jewish community had a strong presence at the ceremony, with over 20 prominent members in attendance, including Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, Rabbi Mordechai Palgon of Yeshiva Toras Chaim Toras Emes, and Rabbi Benzion Korf of Chabad Mid-Miami Beach.

Rabbi Yossi Harlig, police chaplain for the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, delivered a benediction, while Rabbi Mark Rosenberg, chief chaplain of multiple Florida law enforcement agencies, praised Cordero-Stutz’s dedication, fairness, and leadership.

During her speech, Cordero-Stutz referenced the October 7 terror attacks in Israel, condemning anti-Semitism and vowing to take a strong stance against hatred of any kind:

“Our Jewish community is deeply connected to Israel, and if it affects them, it affects all of us. We must stand united against bias and discrimination.”

A Historic Transition for Miami-Dade Law Enforcement

The swearing-in also marked the official transition from the Miami-Dade Police Department to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, with a flag retirement ceremony symbolizing the change.

Cordero-Stutz, backed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and President-elect Donald Trump, secured her Republican primary win in August against 11 other candidates. Reyes, her Democratic opponent, was supported by Mayor Levine Cava and former Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez.

As Miami-Dade’s first female sheriff, Cordero-Stutz now leads law enforcement in Florida’s most populous county, home to a 70% Hispanic population. With a commitment to safety, inclusion, and strong leadership, she embarks on this new chapter with a vision for a more connected and secure Miami-Dade