Broward County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize the County Attorney’s Office to pursue legal action against Sheriff Gregory Tony’s office so the county can access and inspect county-owned facilities used by the Broward Sheriff’s Office. The motion, introduced by Mayor Mark Bogen, names the Research, Development and Training Center specifically.
The vote followed a confrontation Monday. Bogen and several commissioners, accompanied by members of the media, tried to enter the sheriff’s headquarters to inspect the training facility. A deputy told the group that any visit had to be scheduled through the sheriff’s office.
County leaders say they have the right to enter because the county owns the building. Tony says commissioners cannot walk into BSO facilities unannounced for an inspection or audit. He called the commission’s actions a political stunt. The county attorney has not yet filed a lawsuit, according to the resolution’s terms.
The dispute is part of a longer fight over how BSO spends public money. Bogen has directed the county auditor to investigate the sheriff’s spending. Commissioner Steve Geller said the county allocates about $885 million to the agency but does not know how much it receives from the state and federal government. Budget figures Geller cited show BSO funding rose 8.7% in 2025 and 6.4% for 2027, faster than other county agencies.
Tony said his office is waiting to see what the county does next and is in contact with attorneys at the Florida Sheriff’s Association. Broward County Attorney Annika Ashton said she was not aware of any criminal investigation involving commissioners or county staff, which Tony had referenced.
