If You Hire Cabs In Hillsborough County, Know Your Rights

TAMPA, FL – Residents who occasionally take a limousine to the airport or call a taxi for a ride home from a bar should be aware of their rights.

When the county recently took over the regulation of taxicabs and limousines for hire, Hillsborough County Consumer Protection Services set new standards of service to ensure the safety and comfort of both passengers and drivers.

The new guidelines apply only to taxis, limos and other traditional vehicles for hire. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have their own regulations and standards.

Here’s some things you should know when using a taxi or limo:

• Drivers must accept cash, credit cards and debit cards
• Riders with disabilities may not be refused transportation because they are accompanied by a service animal.
• Abusive language and discourteous behavior by drivers is prohibited.
• Drivers must take the shortest route to a passenger's destination, unless the passenger requests a different one.
• Service providers only may charge rates established by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

Consumer Protection Services has a complete list of guidelines and standards for drivers and vehicles for hire in Hillsborough County.

Dissatisfied riders should first contact the vehicle-for-hire company to resolve minor issues. If a customer is not pleased with the company's response, or if a driver refuses service, overcharges, is reckless or unsafe, or is not licensed, they may contact or file a complaint with Consumer Protection Services.

Image via Hillsborough County Aviation Authority