For-hire drivers can apply online for financial assistance

Miami-Dade County taxicab, jitney, and limousine drivers with a valid chauffeur’s registration as of March 1, 2020 who have been impacted by novel coronavirus (COVID-19) may be eligible to receive financial assistance from the Emergency Fund Program (EFP) that comes from $10 million from the federal CARES Act.

Priority will be given to licensed for-hire drivers who have NOT been approved or received funds from any institution under the Paycheck Protection Program Loan (PPP) or other federal or state assisted business loan program.

The $10 million from the program will be distributed based on individual percentages of eligible costs incurred, with a maximum award of $5,000 per driver, based on program updates made Oct. 28, 2020. Each licensed taxicab, jitney, and limousine driver who submits a new application or has already applied will receive a $550 basic needs grant.

The application is available in English, Spanish and Creole.

These funds can provide relief for COVID-19 impacts by covering eligible expenses in four categories:

• Reimbursable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) costs
• Reimbursable vehicle operation expenses
• Reimbursable business expenses needed to keep the business operational
• Reimbursable rent or mortgage

These eligible costs must occur between March 1, 2020 and Dec. 30, 2020 and all fund allocations will need to be substantiated by documentation provided by the applicant.

For questions regarding the EFP or the application process, please contact the Passenger Transportation Regulatory Division at [email protected].

• Read the news release
• Emergency Fund Program FAQs
• Emergency Fund Program FAQs in Spanish
• Emergency Fund Program FAQs in Creole