Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
November 3, 2021
On Second and Final Reading at their November 2, 2021 Regular Meeting, the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) unanimously approved Ordinance 2021-36, which repealed in its entirety Article III Taxicabs from Chapter 86 of the Code of Ordnances. There was no discussion and no public comment.
The City of Fernandina Beach Code of Ordinances has contained provisions regulating taxicabs since 1955 to ensure drivers meet proper safety and insurance requirements. The State of Florida recently pre-empted municipalities from enforcing such regulations on ridesharing services, Uber and Lyft and as such, the City may no longer regulate taxicabs operating within City limits. Further, the City Commission, at its September 21, 2021, Regular Meeting, removed registering taxicabs fees from the master fee schedule. This item was approved by the Commission at its October 5, 2021, meeting.