Car Sharing: An Idea Whose Time Has Come
BY JOSEPH “JOE” GIBBONS
I have been a proud citizen of Florida for the last 25 years. As a four-term State Representative and former Hallandale Beach City Commissioner, I have had the privilege of watching the Sunshine State flourish and welcome innovative technology. However, the impact of COVID-19 has been destructive to both the Florida economy and its citizens. It was recently reported that Florida overtook California as the U.S. state with the most weekly unemployment claims. My heart breaks for all those recently unemployed and who are trying to make ends meet during this global pandemic.
Joseph “Joe” Gibbons
This is why I am frustrated to see our local airport, Fort-Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, working with Broward County to pass an ordinance (File 20-963 and File 20-964) that limits peer-to-peer car sharing, an economic opportunity for Broward residents who own vehicles. With cars sitting idly in driveways 95.8% of the time, thousands of Floridians have turned to peer-to peer car sharing to earn some much needed extra income. Sharing their personal vehicles allows others to borrow their unused cars for running essential errands or caring for family members. Travelers are able to find a more affordable vehicle that fits their needs, and hosts are able to offset the costs of car ownership or other personal expenses in the process — a critical benefit during unprecedented times. Most importantly, Floridians are able to support other Floridians by keeping spending local, rather than put their money with large rental car companies out of state.
Commission Considering Car Sharing
The ordinances being considered by the Broward County Commission would hit Broward residents hard, classifying peer-to-peer car sharing as a rental car company and implementing hefty taxes without any of the benefits.
I ask that the Broward County Commission postpone hearing these ordinances and urge the Airport to re-evaluate this proposition. They should engage with their constituents to create a policy that supports Broward County peer-to-peer car sharing users. COVID-19 has forced us all to adapt to new economic territory, so it’s only fair to give each person a fighting chance.
(Joseph “Joe” Gibbons was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2014, representing the 105th District from 2006 to 2012 and the 100th District, which includes eastern Broward County and eastern Miami-Dade County, from 2012 to 2014. Gibbons’ is president of the Gibbons Consulting Group.)
XXXXX
NOTE: This piece was run solely because the idea of car sharing is intriguing and deserves a chance in Broward County.
June 2nd, 2020 at 9:25 am
So your saying if u car pool or lease out your car etc the county wants to charge u a fee .These local governments county,city etc if they can make a buck off u ,they will..
June 3rd, 2020 at 10:46 am
The old bartering system has been there long before money was invented. Then big business and big government came along and dominated everything. With the on slaughter of Uber, Lyft, private vacation home rentals, the establishment is desperately trying to protect their turf and tax base. It is good to rattle the status quo every now and then just to keep them honest and to encourage innovation during trying times.
June 3rd, 2020 at 12:46 pm
I feel that the Broward County Commission should not limit individuals ability to make a living during these tough times.
These issues can be visited at a later date when the time is more appropriate and the ability to make a living widens with more and better opportunities.
This is just not the time.
June 6th, 2020 at 9:08 am
never heard of time sharing with cars, I guess, im out of it
FROM BUDDY:
Think of it as Airbnb for vehicles.