Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Mark D. Bogen
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution, the title of which is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, SUSPENDING THE ABANDONMENT OF CERTIFICATE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 22½-5 OF THE BROWARD COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(Sponsored by Vice-Mayor Mark D. Bogen)
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Why Action is Necessary
Formal approval by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners (“Board”) is necessary for the adoption of a Resolution.
What Action Accomplishes
Enables the adoption of the Resolution.
Goal Related Icon(s)
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Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
Chapter 22½ of the Broward County Code of Ordinances (“Code”) provides that motor carriers, including taxicabs, operating motor vehicles on the streets of Broward County must obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity ("Certificate") and a valid permit.
Section 22½-5(d) of the Code requires that Certificates not in use during any consecutive 180-day period be deemed abandoned and automatically terminated upon written notice from the Consumer Protection Division (“Division”). The Code provides that the Board, by resolution, may temporarily suspend this requirement upon a finding that doing so would be in the public’s best interest.
The taxi industry has reported that current market conditions have resulted in unusually low demand for taxicab service and difficulty finding drivers. However, demand is anticipated to increase in the coming year due to the continued expansion of the Broward County Paratransit Rider’s Choice Program and major upcoming tourism-related events, including the College Football Playoff National Championship, the opening of the Broward County Convention Center Hotel, and other large-scale events that will attract visitors to the County. The Division reports that approximately 115 Certificates, representing over ten percent (10%) of total Certificates, are currently subject to abandonment. Additionally, a large-scale termination of Certificates could unduly burden existing carriers, particularly those that have invested in hybrid or wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
This Resolution, if adopted, will suspend for a one-year period the abandonment provisions of Section 22½-5(d) of the Code for any Certificate eligible for abandonment provided annual permit fees regarding that Certificate were timely paid.
Source of Additional Information
Ron Lichtman, Chief of Staff, 954-357-7002
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
None.