Miami-Dade Expands For-Hire Mobility Options
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 vehicles providing limousine service to obtain proper licenses before operation. 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 didn't specify how many licenses were issued under the previous limited system or how many applications they've received since removing restrictions.
Requirements
Luxury sedan or SUV limousines must have a Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price of $45,000 or higher, and vehicles 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 can now obtain licenses without the previous limitations, though they didn't provide data on processing times or approval rates under the new system.
Impact
The policy change allows more operators to provide luxury sedan limousine service throughout Miami-Dade County, potentially expanding transportation options for residents and visitors who prefer pre-arranged rides. Operators must ensure all licensing, inspection, and chauffeur requirements are met before beginning service. Moovit provides real-time transit information and trip planning for Miami-Dade County's public transportation network.
