• General Information
• Rates
• Fuel Surcharge
• Taxicab Passenger Bill of Rights
• Taxicab Chauffeur Incentive Program
• Wheelchair Accessible Taxicabs
• 2006 Taxicab Ridership Study
• Taxicab Advisory Group

General Information
A taxicab is a for-hire motor vehicle which transports eight passengers or less (exclusive of the driver) and provides either street hail or pre-arranged taxicab service. It is equipped with a taximeter, and the passenger controls the route and destination. The drivers of such vehicles must have a chauffeur's registration, and the vehicles must be inspected.

Passengers should make sure that the driver is registered and vehicle is licensed. There must be a decal and/or license number on the vehicle and the driver must display a registration with a picture and the driver's registration number.

Taxis in Miami-Dade County are required to have a Sunpass transponder. The resolution allows taxicab drivers, for the first time, to add tolls to the fares, but at the discounted Sunpass rate.

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Rates
Except where  flat rates are operational, fares are determined by the taximeters which are inspected and sealed at the Consumer Services Department's Vehicle Inspection Station.

The metered rate is calculated at:

• $2.50 for first 1/6 of a mile
    
• $0.40 for each additional 1/6 mile
    
• $0.40 per minute ($24 per hour) wait charge
    
• Road tolls are in addition to the metered fare. The passenger pays the lower Sunpass rate.
   
• For trips originating at Miami International Airport or the Port of Miami a $2 surcharge will be added to the meter fare.

Tipping is optional but customary. The passenger is entitled to receive a receipt.

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Fuel Surcharge
There is currently no fuel surcharge in effect.  However, a law was passed in June 2008 to allow taxicab drivers to add a fuel surcharge to fares if the price of gas rises to a determined amount. The rate schedule calls for a fuel surcharge of one dollar when the price of regular unleaded gasoline remains at an average of $3.50 a gallon for three consecutive weeks. Surcharges in increments of $0.50 kick in for every $0.50 increase in gas prices thereafter. The average weekly price of gas is based on data gathered by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Energy.

• If the fuel surcharge goes back into effect, notice of the surcharge will be posted in each taxicab. 
• The driver will add the surcharge using the "extra" button on the taximeter.
• On flat fare trips where the taximeter is not used, and on a small number of meters that do not have an "extra" button, the driver will manually add the surcharge to the fare.
• If the average price of gas drops, so will the fuel surcharge according to the rate schedule above.

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Taxicab Passenger Bill of Rights
As a for-hire passenger you have the right to:

• Outstanding service.
   
• Air conditioning as soon as you enter the vehicle unless you request otherwise.
   
• The chauffeur taking the most direct route unless you request a different route.
   
• Be transported without fear or refusal.
   
• A chauffeur who knows and obeys all traffic laws.
   
• A child restraint seat if needed.
   
• A radio free (silent) trip.
   
• Smoke and incense free air.
   
• A courteous, English-speaking chauffeur who knows the streets of Miami-Dade County.
   
• A receipt offered for the fare charged.
   
• A clean passenger and trunk compartment and vehicle exterior.
   
• Know the chauffeur registration number
    
• Be transported in compliance with the standards set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Taxicab Chauffeur Incentive Program
The Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department (CSD) operates a Taxicab Chauffeur Incentive Program (TCIP), which recognizes and rewards taxicab drivers for outstanding service to tourists, visitors and residents of Miami-Dade.

Four times a year a Chauffeur of the Quarter is selected from a pool of drivers recommended by members of the public. From among these nominees, a Chauffeur of the Year is also named.

The Chauffeur of the Quarter receives a commemorative plaque and a $500 cash award, while the runners-up receive $50 each and a certificate.

The Chauffeur of the Year is awarded a commemorate plaque and $2,500. The Consumer Services Department also waives the winners two year chauffeur's registration renewal fee, a value of $110.

The TCIP was started by the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners as part of an overall program to improve customer service within the industry and to recognize outstanding chauffeurs.

Any member of the public who wishes to recommend a taxicab driver for a Chauffeur of the Quarter award should email the Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department at consumer@miamidade.gov or download a nomination form. The form should be filled out and mailed to the Consumer Services Department, Passenger Transportation Regulatory Division, 140 West Flagler Street, Suite 904, Miami, Florida 33130.

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Note*: To download and fill out a permit and/or license application, visit the permits page and view a listing of permits and licenses separated by division.

The 2006 Taxicab Ridership Study (Phase I , Phase II , Final Report) is a report on the findings of Miami-Dade County taxi surveys, secret shoppers, airport taxi usage, underserved areas, and interviews with taxi industry members.  The purpose of the study is to devise an equitable formula for the introduction of additional taxi licenses as the community of Miami-Dade County requires them.
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Taxicab Advisory Group (TAG)

Established by the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department, TAG provides input on various issues relating to the taxicab industry.  TAG is comprised of consumer and industry representatives, transportation-related interests, municipalities and public interest organizations.  Duties include developing, implementing and evaluating new innovative taxicab services, service expansion and improvements.
TAG rules
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Video PSA

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Taxicab Riders' Rights