ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The St. Augustine City Commission approved changes this week to the city’s vehicles for hire and franchise ordinances.
The changes will take effect July 23, with warnings issued through Oct. 1. After the grace period ends, penalties can be imposed.
Recommended Videos
The city said a year-long staff review and public input informed the changes, which are necessary to “improve the city’s ability to regulate operations, improve public safety, provide means of enforcement, and better manage and protect the transportation and sightseeing industry.”
Key changes taking effect next week include:
- Creating a second-tier franchise for businesses providing tours with 11 passengers or fewer, the second-tier franchise has a 15-franchisee cap with up to two permitted vehicles per franchise
- Establishing a cap of 15 total pedicab operators, including a maximum of two pedicabs per operator
- Updating driver qualification requirements, including background checks and a Florida state driver’s license
- Improved rules and regulations for horse-drawn carriage operations focused on animal health, safety, and welfare
- Stronger penalties for violations, including an impoundment provision for operators without a license/permit
The city said everyone is expected to know and abide by the new rules by Oct. 1.
Assistant City Manager Reuben Franklin led the initiative to overhaul the ordinances, working with staff, hosting public meetings, and meeting individually with stakeholders.
“It’s been a long process, but it was something that we really needed to address,” Franklin said. “I believe we listened to the industry stakeholders, took into consideration feedback from our residents, and the outcome is a fair and balanced solution for everyone.”
The costs of enforcement should be covered by application fees, the city said.