MIAMI — Agreeing that taxicab drivers in Miami-Dade County should be treated fairly, Miami-Dade County Commissioners on July 3 approved a law making it illegal for cab companies to force drivers to sign unfair lease agreements as a precondition to driving a taxi.
The measure, which was sponsored by District 2 Commissioner Jean Monestime, was seen as a win for taxicab drivers in the county who sought to level the negotiating field between the cab companies and the taxicab operators who provide driving services to the county’s residents and tourists.
Under the new law, companies no longer can require a taxicab driver to lease, purchase or finance a vehicle from the company as a requirement in order to drive for that company.
More than 30 taxicab drivers turned out to the Board of County Commissioners meeting to lend their support for the new law as commissioners considered the legislation on July 3.
“This marks the beginning of a new relationship between the taxicab companies and drivers,” said Commissioner Monestime. “These drivers are small business owners and they provide a crucial and necessary service to our community.”
Photo: Jean Monestime
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