Miami-Dade Expands For-Hire Mobility Access

Miami-Dade removes cap on luxury sedan limo licenses for qualified operators

Miami-Dade Opens Luxury Sedan Limo Licenses

Miami-Dade County's removing limits on luxury sedan limousine licenses, opening opportunities for qualified operators to enter the for-hire transportation market. Beginning September 1, 2022, the county began issuing new luxury sedan for-hire licenses with no limitations to qualified applicants, officials said. The change affects operators countywide under Chapter 31, Article VI of the County Code.

Background

Miami-Dade County regulates for-hire limousine services on a countywide basis, requiring all operators to obtain proper licenses before providing service. Unlike metered taxis, limousines must be pre-arranged through written, electronic or telephone reservations made in advance by the person requesting service. The county offers various limousine license categories including luxury sedans, SUVs, stretch vehicles, limo vans, and ancient, antique, and collectible vehicles. Officials said the licensing structure ensures quality standards while allowing different service types to operate throughout the county.

Requirements

Luxury sedan or SUV limousines must have a Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price of $45,000 or higher and can't be older than 10 model years of age. All vehicles placed into service must be inspected, and operators must first obtain a chauffeur's license prior to operating a for-hire limousine. Additional requirements include obtaining a Local Business Tax issued by Miami-Dade County, valid inspection and operating permit decals, and valid chauffeur registration for all drivers. The application review process typically takes two to four weeks depending on how complete the application is at time of submission.

Application Process

Applications are accepted Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with walk-in applications accepted and same-day decal issuance available for applications that meet all requirements. Officials said qualified applicants who submit complete documentation can receive their operating permits the same day they apply. The streamlined process aims to help operators get licensed vehicles on the road more quickly while maintaining safety and regulatory standards.

Impact

The unlimited licensing policy allows more operators to provide luxury sedan limousine service throughout Miami-Dade County, potentially increasing transportation options for residents and visitors. Operators must still meet all vehicle, driver, and business requirements to qualify for licenses. Riders can track limousine availability and plan trips using Moovit, which provides real-time updates for transportation options throughout the Miami area.