Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
So you want to be a Lyft, Uber driver...
Change in state law July 1 opens opportunities
South Florida residents who drive for Uber and Lyft say they signed up to be their own boss — setting their own work hours and earning extra money.
“Uber, it gave me the opportunity to change my life. I married my girlfriend, I have a baby, and a place to live,” said Victor Zapata, 31, of Fort Lauderdale, who drives a black 2012 Lincoln for Uber’s luxury service.
The road, though, wasn’t always smooth, as counties and cities erected obstacles that included barring airport pickups or imposing fees for ride-share services. Drivers faced citations if they failed to comply.
But July 1, those bumps will disappear. Under a new state law, regulations governing ride-share services will be standardized across Florida and local ordinances will be overturned. The law, passed in the Legislature’s spring session, mandates that drivers carry insurance and pass criminal background checks.
The uniform landscape means more opportunities for drivers, new service for communities and growth for Uber and Lyft.
“There’s more interest from drivers,” said Javier Correoso, public affairs manager for Uber in Florida, which has 40,000 drivers in the state. “Now that Uber has a permanent home in Florida, there are new markets Uber is going to be entering.”
Key West is among them. “Drivers in South Florida are interested in driving between Miami-Dade and Monroe counties,” Correoso said.
Samuel Cohen, general manager for Lyft in Florida, said Broward is that company’s fastest- growing county, more than tripling its drivers from over a year ago.
Most ride-share drivers work 20 hours a week or less. Drivers today often work for both Lyft and Uber to maximize their earnings.
“A lot of drivers sign up for a few months out of the year, just to earn supplemental income,” said Uber’s Correoso.
As independent contractors, they can legally work for any employer and set their own hours. But South Florida drivers say if they want to make more money, they have to drive during peak hours, such as rush hour, or during special events or holiday weekends.
Drivers must be at least 21 years old and in good standing with no suspended or revoked licenses in the past three years. They must pass a criminal background
“A lot of drivers sign up for a few months out of the year, just to earn supplemental income.” Javier Correoso, Uber public affairs manager
check. Cars must have four doors, can’t be older than 2007, and must pass safety inspections. Qualified drivers can lease cars from either company or its partners.
Each company has a different formula for pay, based on miles driven and time worked, but both take at least 25 percent of a fare.
Lyft drivers can accept tips through the app or in cash. Uber is designed as a cashless experience, though some passengers give cash tips.
Zapata has been driving for Uber since 2014. He said the job has made a big difference in his life. To make ends meet, he juggled several jobs, working as a lab technician, cleaner and parking valet. Now he mostly drives.
Still, Zapata said he earns less today than a few years ago as there are more Uber drivers in the region and fares are declining with increased competition. He drives as much as 70 hours in a week, making about $2,200 a month. Three months ago, he signed up to be a Lyft driver.
Both Uber and Lyft drivers like the fact they have the option of “instant pay” where their money goes directly into their checking accounts at the end of each day.
Stephen Surles, 65, of Fort Lauderdale, said he makes about $900 a month driving for Lyft. He also operates a “human sign” business where he advertises real estate open houses.
“My bank account looks a whole lot better these days,” Surles said.
Surles likes the bonuses he earns with Lyft, such as extra money for driving during rush hour — 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Uber gives spot incentives to drivers, such as an extra $20 for every 15 rides during the recent Memorial Day weekend.
Orel Letts, 41, of Sunny Isles Beach, is a flight attendant who started driving two years ago. Now he’s a Lyft Ambassador, making $300 for every new driver he recruits and $10 to $20 for referrals of new riders who use the app.
Some drivers say Lyft is a “driver’s company,” providing support and adjusting the fare when technical issues occur. But other drivers like Uber’s physical support center, the Greenlight Hub. Located in Miami’s Wynwood Art District, it is a place where existing and new drivers can get help.
Being a ride-share driver can be fun, drivers say, because they often meet interesting people.
But there are risks, ranging from drunken riders to accidents.
Surles said one man asked to be taken to a “gentleman’s club” in Hialeah. But the rider was so intoxicated that he couldn’t exit the car upon arrival. So Surles drove him home.
On St. Patrick’s Day, Surles’s Kia was hit by another car. Surles was off the road for three weeks while his car was fixed. Insurance covered the $3,000 in repairs. Under the new state law, the companies are required to carry $1 million in insurance for whenever their drivers are engaged in a ride. Drivers still buy their own insurance for personal driving time, and pay for their own gas and vehicle maintenance.