The Florida House recently passed a bill regulating “transportation network companies” such as Uber and Lyft, mandating insurance and various other requirements.
Included in the legislation is also a provision that may prove to be an obstacle in the Senate. The bill vests the regulatory power overseeing these services solely with the state, and leaves no room for input from local authorities or transportation commissions.
The proposed law requires auto insurance of “at least $1 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage while the driver is on duty with passengers. This means that Uber and other services will have “adequate insurance coverage from the time the app is turned on until the app is turned off.” This is done to help close the so-called gap that occurs when a driver is on the way to pick up a passenger, but no passenger is actually riding in the vehicle.
The proposed bill is based on model legislation that has been passed in some similar fashion by 29 other states.
Some may argue matter that companies like Uber and Lyft, are here to stay. With lower prices, technologically convenient usage expedient pickup and drive times, and now stricter requirements to protect passengers, many find these services to be a viable option when in need of transportation.
For further discussion on this topic or any other, please contact the experienced attorneys at the Schulman Law Group at (954) 349-3300 or at info@www.schulaw.com
