Miami-Dade Taxi Medallion System Controls Fleet Access
Miami-Dade controls taxi supply through medallion lottery and auction system
Miami-Dade Taxi Medallion System Explained
Miami-Dade County operates a taxicab medallion system that controls how many cabs can legally operate on county streets. The county treats for-hire licenses as intangible property, and new taxicab licenses are only issued through a lottery or auction process after approval by the Board of County Commissioners. Licenses are valid for one year, running from February 1 to January 31, though officials haven't said how many medallions are currently in circulation or how often new licenses become available.
Strict Vehicle and Safety Requirements
Taxicabs must obtain valid inspection and operating permit decals from the Vehicle Inspection Station before starting operations, according to county regulations. Vehicle inspections check for compliance with safety standards including brakes, tires, lights, and cleanliness. Vehicles are scheduled for annual, semi-annual, or quarterly inspections based on vehicle age. Decorative or advertising decals and complete window wrapping are prohibited on regulated vehicles. Vehicles that fail safety inspections can't operate until deficiencies are corrected and they pass re-inspection.
License Application and Fee Structure
All regulatory and application fees are non-refundable and must be paid by check, money order, cashier's check, or credit card - cash isn't accepted. License renewal forms are mailed to operators at least 60 days before expiration. Officials didn't specify the exact fee amounts for initial applications, renewals, or inspection permits. The county requires that taxicabs transport no more than eight passengers and be equipped with a taximeter, with passengers deciding on the route and destination.
Lottery and Auction Process
New taxicab for-hire licenses become available only through a lottery or auction process, but the county hasn't released information about when the next lottery or auction will occur. The Board of County Commissioners must approve any new license issuance before the lottery or auction takes place. Officials didn't provide details about how many applicants typically compete for new medallions or what auction prices have been in recent years.
What Taxi Operators Need to Know
Taxi operators must ensure their vehicles meet all safety and regulatory requirements before the annual license period begins each February 1. The medallion system means only licensed vehicles can legally provide taxi service in Miami-Dade County. Riders can use Moovit to plan trips and find real-time transit options throughout Miami-Dade County, including connections to areas served by regulated taxi services.
