Permit Application Information
(Not for use by applicants for Taxicab permits)

The City of Orlando Vehicle for Hire Administrator or designee considers requests for Vehicle for Hire permits. The following items must be submitted, in typewritten form, to the Vehicles for Hire Section:

Please be advised that the name of business, occupational license and the name of the insured on the certificate of insurance (#4) must be submitted as the same in same format for items 1 and 2.

1. Completed application and supplemental vehicle listing forms. (Attached)

2. Copy of Occupational License from the county/city in which your business is based.

3. Inspection Certificate issued by one of the approved inspection facilities. (Certificate must not have been issued more than thirty(30) days prior to date submitted). Inspection fee is $50.00. Inspection fee may be waived for those vehicles manufactured within the last 365 days AND with less than 10,000 miles.

4. Certificate of Insurance showing commercial automobile liability insurance minimum coverage of $125,000/$300,000/$50,000 for vehicles equipped to carry six (6) passengers or less including the driver and One Million Dollars Combined Single Limit or equivalent for those vehicles equipped to carry seven (7) passengers or more including the driver. Any separate policy acquired in order to achieve the higher level of coverage must have the same expiration date as the main policy. The City of Orlando is to be named as additional insured and thirty(30) days cancellation notice is required. All vehicles for which permits are issued to a permit-holder shall be covered under one master policy held by that permit-holder.

5. Color photo of Shuttle Van(s) to be permitted.

6. Photocopy of State of Florida vehicle registration(s).

7. Copy of rate schedule (See Samples here).

8. Use of business and/or trade name documents (a) if the business is a partnership you must file a copy of the partnership papers (b) if the business is to be a corporation you must file a copy of the articles of corporation (c) if the business if under any other name other than your own legal name such as "JOHN SMITH TRANSPORTATION OR TRANSPORTATION BY JOHN SMITH" you must file a fictitious name with the State of Florida, Division of Corporations. Name shall not include the word limousine and/or limo unless vehicle(s) to be permitted meet the definition for limousines. (See definition of limousine)

9. The type, make and serial number of radios and/or communication devices that each vehicle will be equipped with (e.g. cellular car phone). CB radios and pagers do not meet this requirement.

10. A written factual statement and documentation indicating the portion(s) of the Vehicle For Hire market to be served (who will you be transporting ?? and how will you be getting that business??) and such other pertinent information as the applicant may desire to present.

11. Pay $300.00 filing fee. $200.00 is refundable if/when the permit-holder goes out of business  within one (1) year of date when original permit was issued and returns ALL current vehicle permit decals.

Permit fee of $200.00 per vehicle is payable to City of Orlando after permits are approved. Each vehicle permit shall be valid for one (1) year from the month issued.

Every company holding vehicle permits receives driver permit information and shall be responsible to ensure that each driver secures a driver permit as required. Driver permits are valid for three (3) years.

Only properly permitted taxicabs may display roof lights and be equipped with a taximeter. "For hire" vehicles other than taxicabs are prohibited from displaying signs stating "Taxicab, Taxi, Cab," and from being equipped with a taximeter.

Printed schedules of "For Hire" rates must be available at all times for inspection. (To be kept inside vehicle).

Passenger must be given receipts upon request.

Trip reports shall be available for inspection and must contain the following: name of company, name of driver, unit #, date, time, origin of trip, destination of trip, number of passengers and fare charged.

Trade name must be permanently and conspicuously displayed in six inch (6") letters on each Shuttle Van. Luxury Passenger Vehicles (all) must display trade name on front tag. Each for hire vehicle must have unit number displayed on front and rear bumper in figures 2-3" in height.

No driver may operate a permitted vehicle for more than twelve(12) hours in any twenty-four (24) hour period.

DEFINITIONS

SHUTTLE SERVICE Definition- Sec. 55.02(22)- A chauffeur-driven passenger vehicle providing scheduled Vehicle-For-Hire service. Scheduled is defined by 55.02(22) as "operating on a time schedule and/or a fixed route." Sec. 55.08 (4e) further requires that the  rates be based on a per capita basis and not by a meter or mileage.

LUXURY PASSENGER VEHICLE Definition-Sec. 55.02(10) A chauffeur-driven passenger vehicle recognized by the industry as a full-sized luxury passenger vehicle including vintage or classic passenger vehicles, and seating a maximum of eight (8) passengers including the driver. Sec. 55.08 (4c) further requires that the vehicle be leased, rented or charged upon for a minimum time period of one hour (60 minutes) and with the fare determined on an hourly basis and not by a meter or mileage for the use of the vehicle. Minimum $25.00 1st.hr.usage)

LIMOUSINE Definition-Sec. 55.02(8) A chauffeur-driven, passenger vehicle, built or modified-for-the-purpose as a limousine. Sec. 55.02(17) defines passenger vehicle as "a motor vehicle used for the transportation of persons." Sec. 55.08(4b) further requires the vehicle be leased, rented or charged upon for a minimum time period of one hour (60 minutes) and with the fare determined on an hourly basis and not by a meter or mileage for the use of the vehicle.

LUXURY/CUSTOM VAN Definition-Sec. 55.02(10) A chauffeur-driven full-sized, customized (not assembly line produced) van type passenger vehicle, outfitted with luxury amenities, as recognized by the industry. Sec. 55.02(28) defines van as "a passenger vehicle recognized as either a mini-van, full-size van, or less than full-sized sport utility vehicle. The term shall not include a cargo or panel van. Sec.55.08(4d) further requires that the luxury custom van be leased, rented or charged upon for a minimum time period of one hour (60 minutes) and the fare be determined on an hourly basis and not by a meter or mileage for the use of the vehicle.

NOTE: Luxury Passenger Vehicles (all classes) must be pre-arranged or arranged through a third party (eg. guest service desk or concierge desk)

It is recommended that you contact the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Landside Operations Office (825-2633) for licensing requirements to do business at the Orlando International Airport.

Each new applicant will be given an information packet which includes a copy of Chapter 55 ("Vehicles For Hire") ordinance.

Should you need further assistance, please contact:

City of Orlando
Vehicles for Hire Section
100 S. Hughey Ave
Orlando, FL 32801
407-246-2845
FAX 407-246-3445