Broward County officials demand audit of $870 million Sheriff's budget

Broward County officials have launched an investigation into the management of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) budget, which totals approximately $870 million. Mayor Mark Bogen, alongside Commissioners Lamar Fisher and Michael Udine, has instructed the county auditor to scrutinize spending following concerns regarding transparency and cost overruns.

A primary focus of the probe is the Research, Development, and Training Center (RDTC). Originally budgeted at $34 million in 2019, the center’s costs have risen to nearly $73.7 million. A 2024 audit revealed approximately $500,000 spent on branded items featuring Sheriff Gregory Tony’s name and image, $7.5 million in project changes related to wellness facilities, and roughly $1.4 million in potential overpayments to contractor ANF Group.

Mayor Bogen has announced plans to personally inspect the training center to investigate allegations of excessive amenities, such as saunas or spas. The Mayor noted that the county owns the building while the Sheriff is a tenant. If the BSO refuses access to the facility, county leaders have scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss potential legal action.

Sheriff Gregory Tony has denied allegations of misappropriation, stating in a social media video that no funds are being allocated to a spa or wellness center. He asserted that significant cost overruns were driven by county-imposed requirements, including $6 million for drainage changes and $1.1 million for HVAC systems.