Broward commissioners approve possible legal action to access sheriff’s headquarters

Broward County, Florida – Broward County commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to pursue any necessary legal action to gain access to the Broward Sheriff’s Office headquarters, adding another dispute to an ongoing disagreement over the agency’s budget.

The vote followed an attempted visit Monday by Mayor Mark Bogen and other commissioners. They said they were prevented from entering the headquarters when they arrived to tour the sheriff’s office training facility.

According to Bogen, the visit concerned a facility that a county auditor said had cost more than expected. Commissioners addressed the access dispute during an emergency meeting Tuesday.

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Bogen criticized Sheriff Gregory Tony’s handling of county requests for information and access.

“We have a sheriff who refuses to disclose things, fights our requests, locks his doors, hides in his office,” said Bogen at the meeting. “Everything stops if they just open their books and say, ‘Here’s what we’re spending our money on.’”

The mayor’s comments reflected the county’s concerns about obtaining spending information from the sheriff’s office. Tuesday’s vote authorized the pursuit of legal action if necessary to secure access to the headquarters.

The disagreement comes as budget negotiations between the county and the sheriff’s office remain stalled. Tony has argued that BSO needs additional funding to provide salary raises.

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Tony pushed back against the commission’s decision in a social media response. He called the vote a “foolish decision” and said it would cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

He also framed the dispute as a challenge to the authority of his office and said other Florida sheriffs would respond together.

“An attack on the Sheriff’s constitutional powers and authority will prompt a unified response from all 67 sheriffs,” said Tony.

The unanimous vote adds potential legal action over building access to the unresolved funding dispute. County officials are seeking access and greater disclosure of spending, while Tony maintains that his agency needs more money for employee raises.