Lawmakers Lift Major Road Block And Pass Florida Chamber-Backed Ridesharing Legislation
TALLAHASSEE (April 19, 2017) – Florida lawmakers today removed a major road block to ridesharing technologies by passing Florida Chamber of Commerce-backed legislation that embraces innovation, strengthens job growth and provides ridesharing opportunities for Floridians and the 112+ million annual visitors to Florida.
“Today’s passage of meaningful ridesharing legislation is a victory for the business community and a strong signal to innovative companies that they are welcome in Florida,” said DAVID HART, Executive Vice President for the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “The Florida Chamber of Commerce knows first-hand that innovation leads to economic development and competition. Statewide access to ridesharing increases transportation options in our communities and transforms the way they move and do business.”
Sponsored by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) and Representative Chris Sprowls (R-Clearwater), HB 221 establishes consistent and responsible statewide regulations for transportation network companies. By setting reasonable insurance standards, the bill not only helps ensure safety for riders and the public in general, it encourages innovation in the growing ridesharing sector – and the jobs and economic activity they bring with them – to move to Florida.
Florida Chamber Foundation research shows that by 2030, Florida’s population will grow to approximately 26 million, an addition of six million new residents, and long-term forecasts predict Florida will have more than 160 million annual visitors by 2025. Consistent regulations like those provided by the passage of this bill are an important step toward ensuring Florida’s transportation infrastructure can accommodate population growth and help the state remain economically competitive well into the future.
“The Florida Chamber congratulates lawmakers, as well as our Transportation Network Company partners Uber and Lyft for helping to make Florida more competitive,” HART said.
HB 221 now travels to Governor Rick Scott’s desk.
# # #