AMEND DRIVER REQUIREMENTS UNDER AMBASSADOR CAB PROGRAM

Aviation and Seaport Committee · 2026-07-13 · ordinance

Miami-Dade County is amending its ordinance related to for-hire motor vehicles, specifically the Ambassador Cab Program. The changes revise provisions for the temporary and permanent removal of chauffeurs, update eligibility requirements, and outline conditions under which removed chauffeurs can reapply. The ordinance aims to improve driver retention by eliminating overly punitive conditions. The Aviation and Seaport Committee recommended forwarding the ordinance to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) with a favorable recommendation after a public hearing on July 13, 2026. The BCC adopted the ordinance on first reading on June 2, 2026. Key amendments include increasing the allowable number of traffic violations in the preceding year from two to three before ineligibility, changing 'removed' to 'suspended' for certain offenses like failure to use established rates or refusal to transport a passenger, and changing 'permanently removed' to 'deemed ineligible' for more severe offenses. Chauffeurs deemed ineligible may regain eligibility after one year if they re-enroll and complete the required training program. The ordinance was introduced on October 16, 2025, and has an effective date 10 days after enactment.