At its May 22, 2018, and January 29, 2019, meetings, the Board of County Commissioners ("Board") directed the Office of the County Attorney to draft an ordinance amending the applicable provisions of the Broward County Code of Ordinances ("Code") to increase fines for violations of the Code related to illegal ride solicitation in the vehicle-for-hire industry. Section 162.09, Florida Statutes, permits large counties like Broward County to increase fines for Code violations to up to $1,000 for an initial violation and up to $5,000 for each repeat violation. To implement this increase, the Board must adopt the increased fines by a vote of at least a majority plus one of the entire Board (thus, six affirmative votes are required).
The proposed Ordinance increases fines for Code violations related to illegal ride solicitation to $1,000 for an initial violation and $5,000 for each repeat violation. The proposed Ordinance is being finalized, and will be distributed as additional material. This item would merely set a public hearing for February 26, so there will be ample opportunity for review and preparation of any requested amendments.
We are continuing to work with staff to analyze and draft other proposed measures to combat illegal ride solicitation, including empowering the County to tow vehicles used to illegally solicit rides.
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