Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Beam Furr
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO DIRECT Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance amending Chapter 22 1/2 of the Broward County Code of Ordinances ("Motor Carriers") pertaining to minimum vehicle standards and updated terms and taximeter rates. (Mayor Furr)
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Why Action is Necessary
Board direction is required for the Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance amending the Broward County Code of Ordinances.
What Action Accomplishes
Provides the required direction to the Office of the County Attorney.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
At the December 12, 2023, meeting (Agenda Item No. 97), the Board adopted a Resolution amending the Broward County Administrative Code thereby increasing taximeter rates by 20%.
At the April 22, 2025, meeting (Agenda Item No. 48), the Board enacted an Ordinance amending the Broward County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 22 ½, updating definitions, minimum vehicle requirements, taxicab fare payment methods, and penalties. At the same meeting, the Board requested additional information to further discuss this item.
Pursuant to Board discussion of Agenda Item No. 48 on April 22, 2025, staff met with representatives from the hospitality and taxi industries regarding taxi vehicle age, standards, and taximeter rate updates. In addition, hospitality industry representatives provided industry-specific recommendations which are included in Exhibit 1.
Hospitality industry representatives included hotel and restaurant owners, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, and TravelHost FTL, among others. Taxi industry representatives included large fleet operators (Yellow Cab, United Cab, Intercity Taxi) and independent taxi owners and taxi drivers (the Broward Taxi Association). Staff also met with Port Everglades and Broward County Aviation Department staff.
There was not a consensus among these groups on creating vehicle age limitations, changes to vehicle standards, or the need for increases in taxicab rates.
In addition, the Consumer Protection Division completed its bi-annual review of taximeter rates in August 2025, pursuant to Section 22 ½ -11(c)(1). Based on its review, the Division does not recommend an increase at this time. The rationale for this recommendation includes: (1) the Board of County Commissioners adopted a Resolution providing for a 20% increase in December 2023; (2) our current ranking of seventh out of the 19 compared jurisdictions puts us in the top third pricewise, above locations such as San Francisco and Boston; (3) observed parity between current taxi rates and rideshare rates, with taxis at times the more expensive option and rideshare the more expensive option at other times; and (4) the large taxi operators expressed concerns that an increase in taxicab rates might price taxicabs out of the market.
A staff memo submitted to the County Administrator dated Sept. 24, 2025 (Exhibit 1) summarizes these efforts, and includes the following back-up documentation:
Attachment 1 - Tourism Industry Vehicle Standards Recommendations
Attachment 2 - Broward Taxi Association Proposal for Adjustments of Taxi Fares
Attachment 3 - Vehicle-for-Hire Ages in Broward County
Attachment 4 - Multijurisdictional Ordinance Vehicle Standards Comparison
Attachment 5 - Taximeter Rate Review
This item is intended to provide direction to the County Attorney on the drafting of this ordinance and potential resolution of the outstanding issues.
Source of Additional Information
Leonard Vialpando, Director of Resilient Environment - 954-357-6677
Clay Miller, Legislative Director to Beam Furr, Mayor District 6 - 954-357-7339
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
To be determined by the Office of Management and Budget upon presentation of a draft Ordinance.