Rosie Cordero-Stutz: Miami-Dade’s Trailblazing First Female and Latina Sheriff

Since January 2025, Rosie Cordero-Stutz has made history in Miami-Dade County as a groundbreaking figure in law enforcement leadership. She is the first elected Sheriff in the county since 1966, the county’s first female Sheriff, the first Hispanic American woman to serve as Sheriff anywhere in Florida, and notably, the first Latina Sheriff of Miami-Dade. Overseeing the seventh-largest county in the U.S. and the largest in the Southeast, Rosie has set a new standard for what law enforcement leadership can mean for community trust and safety.

Leading with Vision and Integrity

Rosie’s leadership vision centers on strengthening community safety through unwavering transparency, rigorous anti-corruption efforts, expanded mental health services, and comprehensive professional training for her team. Under her stewardship, the department is undergoing a significant transformation, moving from the Miami-Dade Police Department to an independent Sheriff’s Office — a pioneering shift designed to enhance operational effectiveness and accountability. Her commitment to public service is further demonstrated by her public endorsement of Republican Senator Ashley Moody in the upcoming 2026 Senate special election, reflecting her engagement with broader community issues beyond law enforcement.

A Career Built on Dedication and Expertise

Before becoming Sheriff, Rosie steadily rose through the ranks, bringing expertise and leadership to critical positions within Miami-Dade’s law enforcement ecosystem. Between 2024 and 2025, she served as Assistant Director of Investigative Services, overseeing vital units including Criminal Investigations, Government Affairs, and Forensic Services, as well as directing operations at Miami’s bustling Airport and Seaport. Prior to that, from 2022 to 2024, she managed Communications, Central Records, Personnel Management, and Cyber Crimes divisions as Assistant Director of Support Services.

Rosie’s deep operational background includes her role as Police Division Chief for North Operations from 2020, where she managed multiple districts covering large geographical areas and complex community dynamics. Her journey began in patrol within the Northside District and advanced through key leadership positions in Robbery, Homicide, and Internal Affairs bureaus. From Sergeant to Police Major, Lieutenant, and beyond, she earned respect for her hands-on investigative approach combined with strategic insight.

The Path to Sheriff: A Historic Electoral Victory

Rosie’s historic election in 2024 was marked by her winning 56% of the vote in a competitive field, ultimately prevailing over Democrat James Reyes after a spirited Republican primary with 11 contenders. Her campaign resonated deeply with voters, advocating for rebuilding trust between the police and the community, upholding law and order, applying expert use-of-force policies, and introducing systemic reforms to foster transparency and accountability throughout the Sheriff’s Office.

Academic Excellence and Professional Development

Balancing work with education, Rosie earned a Master of Public Administration from Florida International University, attending classes during night hours to advance her knowledge in governance and public service. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Marist College, complemented by meaningful internships in prosecutorial investigations and federal prison environments. Her commitment to continuous growth is further highlighted by prestigious graduations from the FBI National Academy and FBI National Executive Institute, alongside certifications in police leadership, human resources, and executive management.

In a historic achievement, Rosie was named the first Hispanic female president of the Florida FBI National Academy Associates in 2024, underscoring her influence and leadership beyond Miami-Dade.

Recognitions and Community Engagement

Rosie’s career has earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Woman of the Year honors from the Dominican Law Enforcement Officers of Florida and recognition from organizations such as the Crime Prevention Alliance of Florida and the South Florida Shomrim Society. She remains actively engaged in professional associations like the Miami-Dade Association of Chiefs of Police and the Hispanic Police Officers Association. Moreover, her leadership in co-chairing regional violence prevention initiatives demonstrates her dedication to fostering safer communities through collaborative efforts.

Connect with Miami-Dade’s Dedicated Law Enforcement Leader

With over 28 years of committed service in Miami-Dade law enforcement, Rosie Cordero-Stutz embodies the values of courage, integrity, and visionary leadership. Her historic tenure as Sheriff signals an exciting new chapter for Miami-Dade County, promising a safer community built on trust and progress.

For more information or to connect, reach out through the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and join a journey dedicated to exemplary public service and transformative leadership.