For Immediate Release:
 January 09, 2009

Media Contact:
Sonya M. Perez
soperez@miamidade.gov
 305-375-4942



2009 Taxicab Lottery Applications Now Available


(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department is now issuing applications for the 2009 Taxicab Lottery.  Forms may be downloaded from the department's website, www.miamidade.gov/csd, or picked up at the downtown office located at 140 W. Flagler Street, Suite 904, or the Vehicle Inspection Station at 2615 N.W. 10th Avenue.  Applications will be accepted starting Monday, January 12.  Please note this will be the only taxicab lottery held by the Consumer Services Department in 2009.

There will be 25 taxicab licenses, also referred to as medallions, in the drawing.  Fifteen of those will be issued to provide wheelchair accessible taxicab service.  Five will be given to chauffeurs to serve the North Miami-Dade Area and five to serve the South Miami-Dade Area (SMART).  The boundary restrictions for these areas are listed on the department's website under the heading, "Taxicab Driver Resources and Information."

The deadline to submit applications is Monday, March 2 at 4 p.m.  Information on the rules and requirements of the taxicab lottery are also posted on the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department website.

Miami-Dade taxicab chauffeurs who have continuously held a valid taxicab chauffeur's registration since January 12, 2004 or before are eligible to participate in this lottery.  Applicants may apply for one or all three categories and must submit their entries in person at the Consumer Services Department's downtown office, 140 W. Flagler Street, Suite 904.  They must also present a photo I.D. and pay a non-refundable $170 processing fee, plus $100 for each entry.

Applicants may pay with Visa, Master Card or a cashier's check or money order made payable to "Board of County Commissioners."  No business or personal checks are accepted.

For additional information, call Steven Bobes of the Consumer Services Department's Passenger Transportation Regulatory Division at (305) 375-2481, or visit www.miamidade.gov/csd.
About CSD
The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department (CSD) investigates and mediates consumer complaints, enforces the County's consumer protection laws and business regulations, and licenses certain businesses.  In addition, the department's Cooperative Extension Division provides technical assistance to commercial agricultural growers, backyard gardeners, homeowners, and manages youth and family development programs.  The department also educates consumers on issues that affect them and provides resources to the public to improve their quality of life. 
 

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CONSUMER SERVICES DEPARTMENT

 

It is the policy of Miami Dade County to comply with all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The facility is accessible. For sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices or materials in accessible format, please call 305-375-3677 at least five days in advance.