BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Broward County has threatened to file a lawsuit against ride-sharing services, Uber and Lyft if they continue to operate illegally in the county, the Sun Sentinel first reported.
The county sent the companies a letter Friday, threatening to file the already prepared 21-page lawsuit if drivers continue to serve passengers "at the airport, port, and anywhere else on the streets of Broward County.''
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Earlier this month, both companies announced they would be suspending services Friday because they could not reach an agreement with Broward County commissioners.
Uber said that while drivers will no longer pick up passengers in Broward County, they will still drop off passengers.
But the letter, sent by assistant county attorney Rene Harrod, warned that even dropping off passengers in Broward County who were picked up in another county is "in violation of Broward County regulations."
A spokesman for Uber said the lawsuit will not be necessary.
"This threatened litigation is a waste of taxpayer money and government staff time that could be devoted to saving thousands of local jobs and ensuring access to safe, reliable transportation options throughout the region," Uber spokesman Bill Gibbons said in a statement.
Despite the warning, Harrod told the companies that the county is hopeful that Uber and Lyft will once again operate in the area if they file the appropriate applications and agree to the stricter regulations proposed by the commission.
Broward County commissioners have insisted that Uber and Lyft drivers have chauffeur registration, a vehicle permit and commercial insurance. The county also wants to conduct its own background check on drivers and vehicle inspections, something Uber said it already does.
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