Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryJanuary 14, 2016

Since Uber began operating in the Tampa Bay area 21 months ago, it’s been essentially a love affair among drivers, passengers, and most lawmakers, who have battled with the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission and the taxi industry to promote the “disruptive” and innovative form of transportation. That love affair is ending on the part of […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 14, 2016

(UPDATE) Shortly after 8:30 a.m., the Oscar nominations will be announced from Hollywood, and yes, I actually give a fig. As an inveterate moviegoer, I still get excited about what the Establishment thinks about the product it puts out every year. Interestingly, while the Oscars are still among the most viewed television broadcasts globally every year, […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 13, 2016

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A bill that would create statewide regulations for transportation network companies (TNCs) passed through the House Economics Affairs Committee on Wednesday. This is the third year in a row that such legislation has come before Florida lawmakers. Cities and counties creating their own rules on dealing with companies such as Uber and Lyft are applying more […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 13, 2016

Will the Florida Legislature address the issue of Transportation Network Companies such as Uber and Lyft in the 2016 Session? That remains an open question this week as the Legislature returns to Tallahassee for the Regular Session. On Wednesday afternoon, the House Economic Affairs Committee will discuss legislation sponsored by Fort Walton Beach Republican Matt […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 13, 2016

It’s a new year, but the issue remains at Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission: What to do about Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Uber and Lyft that continue to operate outside of the agency’s rules. That prompted Commission Chairman Victor Crist to threaten on Wednesday a radical solution if the Legislature doesn’t act this Legislative Session. “If […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 12, 2016

Opening the 2016 Legislative Session Tuesday, Speaker Steve Crisafulli listed the priorities that he expects the House to focus on in 2016. That included an endorsement of Gov. Rick Scott‘s goal of cutting taxes by $1 billion, something that Senate members have expressed discomfort with. He also put in a good word for legislation that would regulate ridesharing […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 12, 2016

High-profile lawyer-lobbyist Sean Pittman, who formerly represented the Florida Limousine Association, is switching sides to Uber, the ride-sharing service. Pittman, one of INFLUENCE magazine’s “Top 100 Influencers,” is a big get for Uber, based in San Francisco. Pittman’s reach is statewide, with a presence in Tallahassee, Palm Beach County, and Miami. Expect Pittman and Uber to push lawmakers […]

Phil AmmannDecember 19, 2015

Uber is going social, with a new transportation update to the popular Facebook Messenger app. In an effort to provide safe, affordable and reliable transportation, the San Francisco-based ridesharing service is partnering with Facebook to allow users in select cities to call for a ride without leaving Messenger. With the touch of a button, Uber […]

Mitch PerryDecember 9, 2015

There is a story in Wednesday morning’s New York Times quoting a variety of police chiefs across the country bemoaning how the prevalence of video cameras are changing the way they do their jobs, and makes it harder for them – even when those cameras come from their own agencies. Since the fall of 2014 when […]

Mitch PerryDecember 8, 2015

The Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation spent hours (and hours) on Tuesday discussing proposed legislation that would bring ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft into compliance with the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission, but whether they actually moved the issue forward at the end of the day is dubious. The setting for the local group of state lawmakers […]

Tag: Uber

Tampa Uber drivers protest cut in pay

Mitch Perry Report for 1.14.16 — And the nominees are?

Ride-sharing bill advances in House Economics committee

AFP backs Matt Gaetz legislation on ride-sharing

Victor Crist hints at “radical” move in Hillsborough if Legislature doesn’t act on Uber, Lyft

Steve Crisafulli advocates for ride-sharing legislation in opening-day speech

Lobbyist Sean Pittman switches sides in ride-sharing wars

Uber gets social, with new transportation option in Facebook Messenger

Mitch Perry Report for 12.9.15 – Welcome to the new world of policing

Hillsborough Legislative Delegation OKs measure to regulate Uber and Lyft, but future unclear