Opposition to GOAA access fee increases
Dear Senator,
Our great state of Florida isn't known just for its theme parks, beaches, and beautiful weather. We are also known as one of the greatest places for businesses to thrive and for individuals to live the American Dream. We have a reputation for low taxes and minimal government regulations which help businesses and communities prosper. Unfortunately this is a distant reality for the hundreds of private transportation companies that call Orlando home and operate at the Orlando International Airport.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is waging an all out war on private transportation companies and raising access fees to unsustainable levels which are substantially higher than most other airports in the country.
Most private transportation companies are small businesses owned and operated by minorities. We are women, people of color, and immigrants alike that have worked hard to build a successful business that serves our community and all of its visitors.
The actions of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority are putting all of this at risk. We already struggle with increasing fuel prices, vehicle prices, interest rates, and skyrocketing insurance rates. The last thing we thought we'd have to worry is our own government reaching deeper and deeper into our pockets to fund executive bonuses and pet projects.
At the beginning of 2023 Vehicle For Hire operators were assessed a fee (tax) of $5.80 per trip originating at the Orlando International Airport. In the Fall of 2023 that amount was raised to $7.00 per trip. A proposal has been made to increase that amount to $9.10 due to a combination of increases well above CPI and a new "security fee". In addition, operators will be charged an additional $3.95 for each 30 minutes if a driver is at the airport with a customer above the initially allotted 30 minutes.
If an airline loses a customers luggage? We are charged more. If the airport luggage carousel breaks down? We are charged more. If inclement weather prevents the unloading of baggage from an airplane? We are charged more. There are times where delays happen and we are forced to wait at the airport for periods as high as 2 hours with a customer who hasn't received their luggage. This will result in an access fee (tax) of nearly $25 for just that single customer.
The distance between the Orlando International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center is 12 miles and many transportation companies charge a fare between $75 and $100. We can't possibly operate a successful business if the government is taking up to 25% of our revenue right off the top.
Compared to other airports across the country the access fees (tax) at the Orlando International Airport are already substantially higher.
Access fees at other major airports include:
Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport - $3.85 for pickup only
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport - $4.43 for pickup only
Los Angele International Airport - $5.00 for pickup only
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport - $2.40 for pickup only
John F. Kennedy International Airport - $2.50 for pickup and dropoff
How can we truly say that Florida is a great place for businesses if the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority wants to charge private transportation companies fees that are up to 400% higher than many other large airports do? This is the equivalent of having 30% sales tax when most states charge 6-9% in sales tax.
We are asking for a statement in opposition of this latest proposal by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. We are also asking for your support of legislation to cap access fees charged by public Florida airports and seaports if the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority doesn't reverse their proposed fee increases. Don't let "Free State of Florida" be just a slogan.
Your support on this matter can mean the difference between dozens of small businesses thriving or shutting their doors permanently.
Thank you
Simone Cerasa Contact the author of the petition