Uber, Lyft Aren't Illegal Anymore In Miami-Dade County
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft from this day forward are operating legally in Miami-Dade County.
The day marks the end to a three-year battle between the ride-sharing companies and the county which earlier this month gave them the okay to operate.
Related: Miami-Dade Commission Says Yes To Uber & Lyft
Before that, both companies had been operating illegally in Miami-Dade, racking up an estimated $4 million in fines but that all changed after commissioners voted to approve it on May 3rd.
The vote meant:
- Uber and Lyft would operate legally starting May 13th.
- Taxi cabs will now be able to charge less than the rates posted on the door so they can compete.
- Uber and Lyft will have to settle the nearly $4 million in fines for operating illegally.
Much of the battle was also fueled by the taxi cab industry in the county that had a firm grip on the market - something they argued to keep but lost.
Related: Taxi Owners Sue Dade County After Ride-Sharing Vote
Owners of 2,100 county taxi permits, known as medallions, have filed a lawsuit against Miami-Dade County. The lawsuit accuses the county of violating the property rights of the cabbies, who spent thousands of dollars for the medallions, which grant a limited number of people the right to drive a taxi.
They are asking for $1 billion for what they say is the loss of value of the medallions, and loss of business while Uber and Lyft operated illegally. The lawsuit also seeks to have the court stop the ride-sharing companies from continuing operation in the county.
