Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Bertha Henry
Department: County Administration
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO DISCUSS potential expansion of private auto tag services to include automated kiosks.
body
Why Action is Necessary
Required to permit Board discussion of the potential expansion of private auto tag services to include automated kiosks at locations in Broward County.
What Action Accomplishes
Allows Board discussion of the potential expansion of private auto tag services.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
For more than 20 years, the County has partnered with various private third parties to operate auto tag agencies in the County, whereby these firms are able to provide tag and title services to residents, automobile dealerships, and others in our community.
The County currently has agreements with seven providers who operate private tag agency offices in the following geographic areas: (a) Fort Lauderdale Area; (b) Northeastern Deerfield/Pompano Area; (c) Southwest Pembroke Pines/Miramar Area; (d) Sunrise/Lauderhill Area; (e) Northwestern Coral Springs/Tamarac Area; (f) Southeastern Hollywood Area; and (g) Western Davie/Weston Area.
A representative of the private tag agencies operating in the Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise/Lauderhill, Southeastern Hollywood, and Western Davie/Weston Areas has approached County staff regarding the potential expansion of private tag agency services to include automated kiosks at locations throughout the County where individuals can conduct standard auto tag renewals. This individual has represented that he has an agreement with a company authorized by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to operate these kiosks and can place them at various locations in the County. The fees charged at these kiosks are typically higher than the amounts charged at the private auto tag offices, and typically include “convenience fee” charges for allowing payment cards.
In response to the request, on February 25, 2021, County staff met virtually with the principals of all seven private tag agencies to determine if there was consensus on expanding auto tag services to include automated kiosks. At the meeting, there was no consensus among the principals, but they did agree to continue discussions among themselves to see if a resolution could be reached. On March 29, 2021, staff was advised that a resolution could not be reached.
The County Attorney’s Office has advised that the County has no obligation to allow the expansion of auto tag services to allow these automated kiosks. The County agreements with each of the private tag agencies provide for some geographic exclusivity, as generally described in (a) through (g) above. If kiosks are permitted, there could similarly be limitations on the locations where kiosks can be placed, unless the private tag agency operating in the area allows operation in that area by another operator. The amount of fees charged could be negotiated to ensure that the fees are consistent with fees charged elsewhere.
In addition, auto tag services are being performed by the County through its Records, Taxes and Treasury Division. In November 2024, a County Tax Collector will be elected, and in January 2025, the administration of automobile tag and title services in Broward County will be transferred to the Office of the County Tax Collector.
This agenda item permits discussion of issues relating to the potential expansion of private tag agency services to include automated kiosks and enables the Board to provide direction to the County Administrator relating to this issue.
Source of Additional Information
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
None