By Dexerto | Created at 2026-09-03 20:52:11 | Updated at 2026-09-03 21:24:01
2 hours ago
Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz is pushing back against a potential GTA 6 marketing campaign that could transform some of the county’s most recognizable public spaces into Vice City attractions.
“Miami-Dade County is not Vice City,” Cordero-Stutz said while opposing the proposal, which could bring GTA 6 branding to Miami International Airport, public transit, beaches, and other county-owned locations.
Rockstar Games and Miami-Dade officials have discussed a possible collaboration ahead of GTA 6’s November 19 release. However, county officials have stressed that nothing has been formally approved.
The plans were uncovered by The Miamian, which obtained a 19-page pitch deck through a public records request. The county presented the proposal to Rockstar on June 29.
Ideas included temporarily transforming parts of Miami International Airport into “Vice City Airport,” wrapping an aircraft and Metromover cars in GTA 6 branding, creating themed baggage claims, and installing custom manhole covers throughout Downtown Miami and Brickell.
A Local 10 report found mixed reactions to the idea in Miami. Some described the potential promotion as fun, while others expressed concern that it could reinforce stereotypes about the city.
GTA 6 returns the series to Vice City, Rockstar’s fictional interpretation of Miami. The developer recently provided its most extensive look at the setting yet during a nearly 30-minute gameplay presentation.
Cordero-Stutz joined County Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez in publicly opposing the proposal on September 3.
“Grand Theft Auto is a video game franchise built around criminal activity,” the sheriff said in a statement reported by NBC Miami.
She pointed to the franchise’s depictions of murder, robbery, drug trafficking, carjacking, and violence against police, arguing that these are the same offenses Miami-Dade deputies work to prevent.
Cordero-Stutz also questioned what message the county would send by using government property to promote a fictional identity built around those crimes.
“Miami-Dade County is a real community with real families, real neighborhoods, and real consequences when violent crime occurs,” she said. “Miami-Dade County is not Vice City.”
Bermudez separately called for greater transparency over the discussions and said he could not believe officials were considering temporarily rebranding major county assets, including Miami International Airport.
Despite the criticism, the mayor’s office remains open to the idea. A county spokesperson told Axios that the campaign could generate revenue while showcasing Miami-Dade to GTA’s enormous global audience.
Officials have stressed that nothing has been formally agreed upon and that any partnership would still need to complete the appropriate review and approval process.
