Regulation of Taxi Cabs - Orange County Comptroller

Vehicles For Hire 

In the 

Convention Center District 

November 3, 2009

Presentation Outline 

• Introduction 

• Overview 

• Options to Consider 

• Recommendations 

• Comments 

2



• Overview 



• Comments 

3

What is the 

“Client Advisory Board”? 

The CAB is a group of internationally 

recognized meeting planners and 

tradeshow owners/organizers who have 

volunteered to provide advice to the 

Convention Center regarding marketing, 

facilities, services and operations. 

4

Client Advisory Board Goals 

For the OCCC: 

- To obtain direct, unfiltered client input 

- To collaborate on “best practices” 

- To support our clients, and the clients of our 

clients… 

THE EXHIBITING COMPANIES AND 

ATTENDEES OF MAJOR MEETINGS 

AND TRADESHOWS. 

5

Client Advisory Board Goals 

For the clients: 

- To ensure the future viability of a major asset in a 

desirable destination 

- To collaborate with the destination’s suppliers on 

best practices 

- To collaborate with other event organizers on best 

practices 

6

Attractions 

Coordinator 

Entertainment 

Lodging 

Golf 

Courses 

Transportation 

to Site 

Community 


A 

Building 

Event 

Management 

Decorator Printing Flowers 

Food 

Functions 

Audio 

Visual 

Tee 

Shirts 

7

Attractions 

Coordinator 

Entertainment 

Lodging 

Golf 

Courses 


to Site 

Community 


A 

Building 

Event 

Management 

Decorator Printing Flowers 

Food 

Functions 

Audio 

Visual 

Tee 

Shirts 

8

Meeting Planners Select Sites 

Based on a Variety of Factors 

Availability of Hotels & Facilities 

Destination Affordability 

Transporting Attendees 

Transportation Costs 

Distance Traveled by Attendees 

Climate 

Entertainment 

Source: M&C Magazine’s Meetings Market Survey 

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 

Percentage Considered “Very Important” 

9

Client Advisory Board Member 

• American Heart 

Association 

Organizations 

• American Sportsfishing 

Association 

• Christian Booksellers Association


Organizations 

• American Academy of 

Family Physicians 

• AetherQuest Solutions 

• American Academy 

of Pediatrics 

11


Organizations 

• American Foundry Society 

• American Occupational Therapy 

Association 

• American Wind Energy Association


• COLLABORATE 

Organizations 

• Craft & Hobby Association 

• Florida Nursery, Growers 

& Landscape Association 

13


Organizations 

• Healthcare Information & Management 

Systems Society 

• InfoComm International 

• International Association of 

Amusement Parks & Attractions


Organizations 

• National Training 

and Simulation Association 

• Premiere Shows, Inc. 

• Risk & Insurance 

Management Society 

15

• AARP 


Organizations 

• International Association 

of Chiefs of Police 

• International Sign Association 

16


Organizations 

• National Automobile Dealers 

Association 

• The Florida Restaurant Show 

• Golf Course Superintendants 

Association of America 

17


Organizations 

• Reed Exhibitions / PGA 

Worldwide Golf Exhibitions 

• McDonald’s Corporation 

• American Osteopathic Association 

18


• SAPPHIRE 

Organizations 

• Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal & 

AC Contractors Association 

• National Society of Black Engineers 

19


Organizations 

• National Trade Productions/Coverings 

• Association of Peri-Operative 

Registered Nurses 

• Nielsen Business Media/VNU 

Expositions/Imprinted Sportswear 

20


Organizations 

• Orgill Dealers Market 

• Photo Marketing Association 

• Performance Racing Industry 

• American Association for 

Cancer Research 

21


• National Business 

Aviation Association 

Organizations 

• Pet Industry Distributors 

Association 

• North American Association of 

Food Equipment Manufacturers 

22


Organizations 

• American Rental Association 

• ASI Show, Inc. 

• Cygnus Business Media/Aviation Industry 

Week 

23


Organizations 

• Surf Expo/DMG World Media 

• National School Supply & 

Equipment Association 

• National School Boards Association


Organizations 

• Pittsburgh Conference on 

Analytical Chemistry and 

Applied Spectroscopy 

(PITTCON) 

• International Baking Industry 

Exposition 

• The True Value Company 

25

Client Advisory Board 

Events Attendance 

• Combined attendance for events 

produced by CAB Members: 

690,000 

26


Economic Impact 

• Combined economic impact for 

events produced by CAB 

Members: 

$1.3 BILLION 

27


Today’s Issues… 

- Short-haul Transportation Service 

- Unregulated Taxi Environment 

28



• Overview 



• Comments 

29

Taxi Overview 

• Inconsistent rates/rate gouging 

• Uninsured, unregistered and unregulated 

cabs operating in the unincorporated 

Convention Center area 

• Public safety 

• Negative impact to Central Florida 

tourist/convention business 

30

Taxi Complaints Received 

• Convention Center clients and OCCVB 

– Cab fares to and from the Convention Center 

– Cab fares to and from hotels/restaurants 

• Taxicab owners 

– Alleging there is too much regulation in the 

City, the Airport, theme parks, and hotels 

– Alleging improprieties of other drivers 

• Lack of statistical and anecdotal data in 

unincorporated Orange County 

31

Historical Perspective 

Task Force Established in 1995 

• Chaired by Commissioner Mary I. Johnson 

• Taxi industry representatives 

• Florida Limousine (Livery) Association 

• I-Drive hoteliers 

• City of Orlando 

• Orlando-Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau 

• Central Florida Hotel/Motel Association 

• County staff: Code Enforcement, Administration, 

Convention Center 

• GOAA 

• LYNX 

• Orange County Sheriff 

32



• Overview 



• Comments 

33

Taxi Options 

1. Countywide Ordinance 

2. Convention Area Ordinance 

3. Privatization at Convention Center via RFP 

4. Status Quo 

34





4. Status Quo 

35

Option 1 – Countywide Ordinance 

• County ordinance would apply to unincorporated 

Orange County 

• Ordinance would exclude municipalities who 

already have an ordinance such as City of Orlando 

• Issues to address: 

– Market entry - limitation to the total number of cabs 

– Open stands - affecting private property 

– Rate setting - per mile 

– Fees – registration, ongoing renewal, and inspection 

– Safety inspections 

– Types of vehicles regulated in addition to taxis 

– Types of regulation 

– Enforcement agency 

– Cost and funding source(s) 

36


Current City of Orlando Ordinance Model 

• Taxis regulated by in-house staff 

• Limits the number of taxis (market entry): 

1 cab per 1,000 residents 

• 548 taxis regulated (pick-up only) 

• Application Fee: $300/vehicle 

• Permit Fee: $200 with $200 renewal annually 

• Inspection Fee: $50 (contracted out) 

• A $220 fine is assessed to non-permitted 

taxis, additional fines are $420 each incident 

37


Advantages 

• Provides for a 

regulated, controlled 

operation Countywide 

• Improved quality of 

drivers and vehicles 

• Regulated rates for 

service 

Disadvantages 

• Lengthy process, 

difficult to implement 

• Costly to regulate: 

General Fund 

• Increased liability 

issues 

• May increase cost to 

cabs wishing to 

operate in both the 

City of Orlando and 

Orange County 

• No direct, focused 

oversight and 

regulation for the 


38


Concerns of Industry Representatives 

Industry Segment 

Large taxi firms & limo services 

Medium taxi firms 

Small taxi firms 

Independent taxis 

Livery and luxury van operators 

Theme parks, malls, and other 

private property owners 

Concerns 

Oppose regulation of private 

property and luxury vans/limos 

Cost to operate in City and 

County 


County 

Want open stands on all private 

property, the City of Orlando, 

and Orange County 





39




3. Privatization at the Convention Center via RFP 

4. Status Quo 

40

Option 2 - Convention Area 

Ordinance 

• Advantages 

– Provides for a 


operation in the 

geographical area of 

major concern 

– Improved quality of 

drivers and vehicles 

– Regulated rates for 

service 

• Disadvantages 

– Cost to regulate 

– Increased liability 

issues 

– Cost to taxi owners 

– Conflict w/existing 

contracts at hotels 

– No focused oversight 

and regulation for the 


– Lengthy process and 

difficult to implement 

42

Option 2 – Convention Area Ordinance 



Large taxi firms & limo services 

Medium taxi firms 

Concerns 




Convention area 

Small taxi firms 


Livery and luxury van operators 

Theme parks, malls, and other 

private property owners 


Convention area 

Want open stands on all private 

property, the City, OCCC, and 

tourist areas 





43




3. Privatization at the Convention Center via RFP 

4. Status Quo – Take No Action 

44

Option 3 – Privatization at the 

Convention Center via RFP 

• Privatize taxi service on Convention Center 

property via RFP 

• Consortium of three (3) or more companies 

– Taxicab consortium with services 

agreement 

– Lead firm handles dispatch, queues, access 

– Goal: minimum 24% M/WBE participation 

– 5 year contract, plus renewals 

• Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) 

model 

45



Current GOAA Model 

• GOAA has a consortium of six (6) taxi 

providers 

• One firm provides the dispatch personnel 

• 1 cab per 60 deplanements 

• Only consortium members have pick-up 

privileges 

• Must have City of Orlando permit 

46




• Designate locations for services to be 

provided 

• Marshaling location(s) for all vehicles to stage 

• Starter booths (provided by contractor) 

• Dispatchers (provided by contractor) 

• Controlled access to property (managed by 

contractor) 

47




• Initial application fee 

– $50 per company 

– $10 per vehicle 

• Assessment fees 

– Privilege Fee: ~$3/vehicle per trip for GOAA 

– Starter/Dispatch Fee: ~$1/member per trip to 

cover costs of the dispatch operation 

48



Advantages 

• Provides a regulated, 

controlled operation to meet 

immediate needs of OCCC 

• Improved quality of drivers 

and vehicles 

• Services privatized 

• Potential revenue source 

• Limited liability issues 

• Tracking of drivers and 

vehicles RE complaints and 

lost & found 

• More control over the needs 

for vehicles for after hours 

and special events 

• Faster implementation than 

ordinance 

Disadvantages 

• The total number of 

Independent taxis and small 

companies becomes reduced 

• Does not provide for a 


operation outside of the 

Convention Center property 

• Need to address additional 

number of cabs needed for 

large shows 

49





Small size taxi firms 

Medium size taxi firms 


OOCCVB 

Concerns 

Reduction in the number of small taxi 

firms. Costs may increase to operate in 

City and at Convention Center 

Costs may increase to operate in City 

and at Convention Center 

Reduction in the number of independent 

taxi firms. Want open stands at OCCC 

RFP would not result in regulating 

outside of Convention Center property. 

Need to assure sufficient taxis are 

available for large shows @ OCCC 

50



2. Tourist Area Ordinance 


4. Status Quo – Take No Action 

51

Option 4 – Status Quo 

Approx. Taxi Fares from OCCC 

• Zone 1: Epcot/Disney $37 

• Zone 2: Lake Buena Vista Area $23 

• Zone 3: World Gateway Area $30 

• Zone 4: Sea World/S. Intl. Drive $9 

• Zone 5: Sand Lake Rd./Rest. Row $10 

• Zone 6: N. Intl. Dr./Wet ‘n Wild/Outlets $13 

• Zone 7: Universal Studios Resort $16 

• Zone 8: Orlando Intl. Airport $35 

• Zone 9: Downtown Orlando/ Church St. $32 

52


Current Convention Center Taxi Standards 

• Vehicle permit - $150 

• Safety standards/ vehicle inspection 

• Driver background check 

• Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License) 

• Display company name 

• Dress code 

• Radio 

• Taxi stand queue 

• Insurance (liability and property) 

• Posting of rates, but OCCC has no rate restrictions 

• Meters are NOT regulated 

53


Current Convention Center Taxi Standards 

• 230 registered taxis 

• OCCC oversight of taxi operation very difficult 

– Independent taxi association monitors and governs 

themselves including oversight, supervision and 

dispatching 

– Taxis monitored by in-house (OCCC) security – staff 

limited 

– Off-duty deputies’ limited authority and limited 

personnel 

– Reports of misconduct by drivers 

54


Advantage 

• Current costs to 

register taxis 

remains constant 

Disadvantages 

• Retain some unprofessional 

drivers and potentially 

substandard service 

• Reputation of Convention 

Center and regional tourism 

potentially compromised 

• Inconsistent rates charged by 

taxi owners and rate gouging 

• Potential loss of revenue due 

to reduced OCCC bookings 

• Potential public safety issues 

55

Funding Sources for the 4 Options 

Options 

1. Countywide 

Ordinance 

2. Tourist Area 

Ordinance 

3. Privatization @ 

OCCC via RFP 

Possible Funding 

Source(s) 

Est. 1st Year 

Cost 

General Fund; Permits; ~$500K 

Fines 

General Fund, 

~$300K 

CRA/TDT; Permits; 

Fines 

Revenues; Permits 0 

4. Status Quo General Fund; Permits 0 

56


• Convention Center Client Advisory 

Board 

• Taxi Issues 



• Comments 

57

Taxi Recommendations 

1. Select Option 3: Privatize taxi service 

on Convention Center property via RFP 

2. Enlist cooperation of hoteliers and 

major property owners in the 

Convention area to establish standard 

rates to local destinations 

3. Implement and review after a two-year 

period to determine success, and 

whether or not to pursue Convention 

area ordinance or Countywide 

ordinance at that time 

58

Comments 

• Gary Sain 

President and CEO, O/OCCVB 

• Tom Ackert 

Executive Director, OCCC 

• Client Advisory Board Members 

59

Karen Malone 

Vice President of Meeting Services 

Healthcare Information & Management 

Systems Society 

– Healthcare information technology and management systems 

– Offices across the U.S. and the world 

– 23,000 members with over 380 corporate members employing millions 

of people 

– Active in all forums addressing healthcare public policy, industry 

practices, educational and development initiatives to ensure quality 

patient care 

– 25,000 attendees and 900 exhibitors attend the conference 

60

Stephen Pitt 

Vice President, Conventions & Expositions 

National Automobile Dealers Association 

– Represents more than 20,000 new car and truck dealers 

– 43,000 separate domestic and import franchises 

– Develops and publishes research data 

– Operates training and service programs 

– Provides counsel on legal, regulatory and governmental issues 

– Annual convention and exposition attracts over 25,000 

– Also conducts the NADA American Truck Dealers Division Expo 

61

Tracey Wilson 

Show Manager – Special Events & Marketing 

American Pet Products Association 

– Pet industry's largest annual trade show 

– Pet ownership in the United States is estimated at 71.4 million 

– Industry supporting pet owners and caregivers generated over $43.2 

billion in sales in 2008 

– Global Pet Expo 2009, which took place in February here in Orlando 

featured 779 exhibiting companies, 2,306 booths and hosted more than 

11,000 attendees, including more than 4,100 buyers (up 2% from prior 

year) 

– 85% of domestic pets sleep with their owners! 

62

Geoffrey Cassidy 

Vice President, Meetings and Convention Operations 

National Association of Home Builders 

– A federation of more than 800 state and local associations 

– 200,000 members 

– Approximately 66,000 are home builders and/or remodelers 

– Others are associates working in closely related fields 

– The International Builders’ Show is the world’s largest annual 

residential construction trade show 

– Orange County has hosted the IBS four times, each a record-setter 

– The 2005 IBS hosted more than 105,000 for its four-day tradeshow 

63

Linda Still 

Director of Meetings & Exhibits 

American Association for Cancer Research 

– Fosters research in cancer and related biomedical sciences 

– Accelerates the dissemination of new research findings 

– Promotes science education and training 

– Advances the understanding of cancer etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment 

– Oldest and largest scientific organization in the world focused on cancer research 

– Attracts premier researchers, fostering the exchange of knowledge and ideas 

– Provides training opportunities for the next generation of cancer researchers 

– Increases public understanding of cancer 

64

Barbara McDaniel 

Director of Conferences and Programs 

The National Training and Simulation 

Association (NTSA) 

– Inter-Service Industry Technology Simulation Education Conference 

– The premiere conference and tradeshow related to the use of modeling and simulation devices in 

the training and education industry 

– Provides a forum for collaboration among training, modeling and simulation industry professionals 

and their peers in educational environments 

– Involves the five branches of the U.S. military, the Department of Defense, and 

other national and local governmental agencies 

– Provides a “breeding ground” for training and technology advances in emerging areas such as in 

the medical profession and the entertainment industry 

– I/ITSEC attracts more than 15,000 people from over 50 countries 

– Central Florida is home to the largest concentration of modeling and simulation companies in 

America 

65

Barbara Stroup 

Vice President, Operations 

Nielsen Business Media 

– Nielsen Business Media produces print publications, web sites and trade shows 

– A source of industry analysis, market intelligence and data 

– 32 trade publications, 75 trade shows and conferences 

– More than 100 digital products serving the entertainment, media and marketing, 

retail, travel and design industries 

– Imprinted Sportswear Show focuses on technology and techniques for the 

decorated apparel industry 

– Covers embroidery, screen printing, sublimation & direct-to-garment printing 

– Educational sessions, workshops, top industry speakers 

66

Howard Britt 

President 

Premiere Shows, Inc. 

– Premiere Shows conducts three tradeshows annually for the hair care, 

salon and spa industries 

– An estimated 259,982 salons, spas, and barber shops operate in the 

U.S., generating a total spend of approximately $7 billion 

– The Premiere Orlando Beauty Show is one of the “Fastest 50” 

growing tradeshows in the U.S.…45,000+ in 2009 

– Expo for all products related to the industry 

– Basic and advanced education for the entire industry 

67

Taxi Recommendations 

1. Select Option 3: Privatization via RFP 

2. Enlist cooperation of hoteliers in tourist 

area to establish standard rates from 

hotels to local destinations 

3. Implement and review after a two-year 

period to determine whether or not to 

pursue tourist area ordinance or 

Countywide ordinance 

68

Vehicles For Hire 

In the 

Convention Center District 

November 3, 2009 

69

“Gypsy” Cab Defined 

• Unregulated 

• No cab name on side of vehicle 

• No posted rates 

• Often no meter 

• Sign/light on top states “For Hire” or 

“Vacancy” 

• No company name or phone number 

• No/little liability or property insurance 

• No occupational license

Market Entry 

Market Entry includes the restriction of 

the number of taxicab companies able 

to operate in the county and the 

number of cabs each company can 

operate. 

Note: The City of Orlando ordinance limits 

market entry.

Rate Setting 

Rate Setting includes establishing a 

specific $ range within which taxis can 

charge customers. 

Note: The City of Orlando ordinance includes 

rate restrictions.

Rate Setting Issues 

• Inconsistent (different) rates within County 

and City 

• Monitoring the rates charged, posting and 

meter calibration necessitates strict 

enforcement 

– Staffing 

– Resources 

• Rate-gouging cannot be prevented without 

rate restrictions and meter inspections

Regulation 

Regulation includes the following to 

assure adherence to the ordinance: 

• Mandatory initial permit inspection 

• Periodic inspection 

• Spot inspection

Regulation Enforcement 

• Enforcement of safety standards and other 

ordinance regulations requires staffing and 

funding 

• Options: 

– City of Orlando 

– Establish a County enforcement division 

• Code Enforcement 

• Convention Center 

• Consumer Fraud 

• Separate Division

Public Safety Issues: Unregulated Taxis 

• Safety of our citizens and tourist community is 

always a primary concern. 

• Getting into a car with a stranger driving presents 

certain hazards. 

• We can’t assume that every taxi driver is a danger 

to the community. 

• No compelling evidence that riders of cabs in 

Orange County are being placed in harm’s way. 

• Safety issues are generally addressed 

– City of Orlando via ordinance 

– Private property (hotels, theme parks, malls, etc.) via 

contract directly with cab companies 

– OCCC via internal standards 

– Residents call cabs from phone book or by previous use

Regulation of Taxi Cabs - Orange County Comptroller

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