In a significant escalation of an ongoing dispute, Broward Mayor Mark Bogen, along with Commissioners Lamar Fisher and Michael Udine, has instructed the county auditor to scrutinize how Sheriff Gregory Tony manages the sheriff's office (BSO) budget, which amounts to approximately $870 million.
According to NBC Miami, the initial step involves formally requesting the budget documents. Mayor Bogen plans to personally visit the training center next Monday. Should the BSO fail to provide the documents by then, the county might pursue legal action to obtain them.
Allegations Against Sheriff Tony
Mayor Bogen directly challenged Sheriff Tony, asking, "What is he hiding? Why isn't he cooperating? Why won't he provide the information that taxpayers deserve? We demand accountability, transparency, and assurance that funds are being spent appropriately."
Furthermore, Bogen questioned whether the new Research, Development, and Training Center (RDTC) includes amenities such as massage tables, a sauna, a spa, and a cold plunge pool. Initially budgeted at $34 million in 2019, the center's costs soared to almost $73.7 million—an overrun of nearly $40 million.
A county audit conducted in 2024 revealed approximately $500,000 spent on branded items featuring Tony's name and image, around $7.5 million in project changes related to wellness facilities, and roughly $1.4 million in potential overpayments to contractor ANF Group.
Commissioner Fisher questioned, "How do you manage accountability and transparency when you’re not even engaging with us? That is the big question."
Sheriff Tony's Defense
Sheriff Gregory Tony quickly responded. In a video posted on social media, he refuted claims about the RDTC, asserting that no funds are being allocated to a spa, a cold plunge pool, or any wellness center.
The sheriff's office clarified that over $8 million of the cost overrun resulted from county-imposed requirements: $6 million for drainage changes, $1.1 million for HVAC systems, and $1 million for permits. They also noted that the 2024 audit highlighted deficiencies in the county's oversight of the project.
“Nevertheless, the conversation remains fixated on the facility while the issue that sparked this conflict remains unresolved: competitive salaries for BSO employees,” Tony stated on Facebook.
The sheriff's office emphasized that their deputies continue to deliver results for Broward, with crime rates, violent crime, and property crime all declining by 23%.
“Ninety-three percent of residents feel safe from crime, and 77% support competitive wages for BSO employees. County Commissioners, it’s time to stop spinning in circles and focus on those who protect our community,” Sheriff Tony declared.
Background: ICE and Political Pressure
This isn't Sheriff Tony’s first political confrontation. In June 2025, he publicly stated his preference to focus on combating crime rather than directly addressing illegal immigration.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a formal letter warning him that state law mandates cooperation with federal immigration authorities and that non-compliance might lead to his removal by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Tony subsequently reaffirmed the BSO’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with which it already had two agreements in place since 2019 and 2025.
Understanding the Broward Sheriff's Office Budget Controversy
Why is Broward County auditing the Sheriff's Office budget?
Broward County officials are auditing the Sheriff's Office budget to investigate allegations of mismanagement and lack of transparency in handling approximately $870 million, amid concerns over significant cost overruns in new facilities.
What are the main allegations against Sheriff Gregory Tony?
Sheriff Gregory Tony is accused of not being transparent about the budget, particularly regarding the cost overruns in the new RDTC. There are also questions about unnecessary expenditures on amenities such as a sauna and spa.
How has Sheriff Tony responded to these allegations?
Sheriff Tony has denied the allegations, stating that the cost overruns were due to county-imposed requirements. He emphasized that no funds were used for a spa or similar amenities.