Bill to eliminate

local regulation of Uber and Lyft headed to Gov. Rick Scott.

TALLAHASSEE — Orlando’s regulations and fees on ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft and their drivers may soon no longer apply.

The Florida Senate on Wednesday passed a bill nullifying all local regulations of such companies, giving them a legal basis to operate throughout the state.

The bill, HB 221, now heads to the desk of Gov. Rick Scott, who has expressed support for similar bills in the past.

Traditional taxicab and limousine companies, who have seen market share slip as phone apps like Uber and Lyft become more popular, have successfully fought off similar bills the past three years. Local governments have also tried to impose regulations on the apps like vehicle inspections or fees, setting off a series of lawsuits. The bill places all regulations of Uber and Lyft in the hands of the state.

“We go from a patchwork of local regulations that were in conflict with each to a statewide regime that provides harmony, stability and certainty for riders and drivers alike,” said Colin Tooze, Uber public affairs director.

Roger Chapin, vice president of Orlando-based Mears Transportation, said he wasn’t surprised the bill passed but it might not have much impact since Uber was already operating in Orlando and throughout the state.

Orlando passed an ordinance in 2015 imposing a $250 registration fee for ride-sharing vehicles. According to city data, 290 permits have been issued and 305 tickets for noncompliance have been issued since it was passed.

“The city was hoping Uber would comply but really took a hands-off approach,” Chapin said. “It’s almost impossible to enforce.”

The bill sets minimum insurance levels of $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person, $100,000 for death and bodily injury per accident and $25,000 for property damage. Uber and Lyft would have to conduct background checks for drivers.

In addition, the bill directs airport authorities to enter into deals with ride-sharing companies to operate on their property and apply equal fees to taxicabs and the app companies. That provision could open up Uber’s low-cost service, Uber X, to operate legally at Orlando International Airport.

The airport filed suit against Uber in 2014 for not paying fees. Uber eventually agreed to operate only its upscale service, Uber Black, at the airport.

“I’m sure Uber X will be operating out of OIA and paying fees that originally they weren’t paying,” Chapin said. “There’s going to be a lot of Uber X drivers circling around OIA.”

Tooze said Uber will begin talks with airport officials throughout the state “in the coming weeks.”

If signed into law by Scott, Florida would become the 49th state to have laws regulating ride-forhire app companies.

“It’s a new concept and sometimes new concepts have to marinate,” said bill sponsor Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg.