The late 1970s saw a shift from the early Cuban mob (Castro refugees), to the younger "Scarface" generation.

The older Cuban mobsters (like Humberto Trueba, Raul Jerez, and Evaristos Garcia) ran bookmaking and bolita with the Trafficantes and partnered with the Mafia figures operating down there. By the late 70s most had died or retired.

Also you saw a large move of the Mafia out of Miami and up into Broward and Palm Beach County. Operation Cherokee, that targeted the Lucchese, Gambino, BUffalo, Bufalino, Philly, and Cleveland families, was primarily overseen by the Broward County Sheriff.

By 1990 it was estimated that over 600 mobsters and associates were active in South Florida.