Matthew Mincone | February 16, 2025 | Car Accident
Driving for Uber or Lyft in Florida offers flexibility and the chance to earn extra income. However, both companies have specific requirements for drivers and their vehicles. Meeting these standards is essential to ensure safety and compliance.
Uber And Lyft Driver Requirements In Florida
Florida’s rideshare law requires transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft to conduct driver background checks. The check must include the sex offender registry, criminal history, and driving record. The law also prohibits drivers from engaging in discriminatory behavior.
Both Uber and Lyft have driver requirements that exceed the Florida minimum requirements.
Driver Age And Experience
Uber requires drivers to be at least 21 years old, or 23 years old to transport passengers (for new drivers who sign up after June 27, 2024). Drivers who are under 25 must have at least three years of driving experience. Drivers 25 and older must have at least one year of experience.
Lyft drivers must be at least 25 years old. There is no specified minimum driving experience required.
License And Insurance Requirements
A valid driver’s license is mandatory. Temporary or out-of-state licenses are acceptable for Lyft, but Uber requires a Florida driver’s license.
You must have valid vehicle registration and insurance. For Uber, the vehicle does not need to be registered in your name.
Background Checks
Both companies conduct background checks that review your driving history and criminal record.
Lyft performs background checks through Checkr, Inc. and driving record checks through Safety Holdings Inc. Uber may use other companies for background checks.
You may be ineligible if either check check reveals:
- Disqualifying violent crime, sexual offense, or act of terror
- Disqualifying theft, fraud, property damage, or drug-related offense in the past seven years
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the past seven years
- Suspended, expired, surrendered, or otherwise invalid license
- Four or more moving violations in the past three years such as running a red light or speeding
- One major moving violation in the past three years such as reckless driving
- One serious driving-related conviction in the past seven years such as hit and run
Drivers are ineligible for Lyft and Uber if they are on the sex offender registry.
Both platforms conduct continuous driving record and criminal background checks on active drivers.
Other Documentation
Uber requires proof of residency in your city or state. Lyft specifies a Social Security number that is at least six months old to pass the Identify Verification.
Uber and Lyft both require a valid driver profile photo.
Uber And Lyft Vehicle Requirements In Florida
Lyft and Uber have specific standards for vehicles that are acceptable for rideshare drivers. Below are general requirements and additional requirements for premium ride types.
To drive for Uber in Florida, your vehicle must meet these requirements:
- 16-year-old model or newer
- Four doors
- Good condition without cosmetic damage
- No commercial branding
You must have valid registration, which does not need to be in your name, and your own insurance policy.
You can earn extra money through premium ride services such as UberX (requires five seats) and UberXL (requires seven seats). Electric and hybrid vehicles can qualify for Uber Green. Vehicles that qualify for UberX also qualify for Uber Pet, UberX Share, and Uber Connect.
Uber Premier, Uber Black, and Uber Comfort have additional driver and vehicle requirements.
You can see eligible vehicles in Orlando listed with the oldest model year allowed.
To drive for Lyft in Florida, your vehicle must meet these basic requirements:
- Model year 2009 or newer
- 5 to 8 seats, including the driver’s seat, with seat belts
- Four doors (no two-door hatchbacks or pickup trucks)
- Title cannot be salvage, rebuilt, non-repairable, or equivalent
- Vehicle cannot be a stretch limousine or taxi cab
- Rental vehicles are only allowed through the Lyft Express Drive program
- Valid license plate (does not need to be a Florida plate)
You will need to maintain proof of valid registration and vehicle insurance.
Qualifying drivers who have a higher-end qualifying vehicle can earn more money through premium ride types including the following.
- XL: You must have at least seven seat belts.
- Extra Comfort: You must have a qualifying newer, roomier vehicle, a minimum rating of 4.85, and meet other driver requirements
- Black and Black SUV: You must meet driver requirements and have a qualifying black vehicle, 2018 model or newer, with black leather interior.
In Orlando, only professional drivers with a permit to operate a commercial livery vehicle and a commercial auto insurance policy qualify for Lyft Black.
Florida law requires Uber and Lyft to inspect rideshare vehicles once a year.
Uber And Lyft Insurance Coverage
Uber and Lyft both require drivers to have their own personal auto insurance. They provide commercial liability insurance that is active when a driver has accepted a ride request and is driving to a rider or has a passenger in the vehicle. This commercial policy provides reduced third-party coverage when a driver is logged into the rideshare app but does not have a passenger or an accepted request.
These commercial rideshare policies cover passengers in the event of a Lyft or Uber accident. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and other injured motorists can also be protected by the rideshare policy in an accident.
Contact the Tampa Car Accident Lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Accidents involving rideshare drivers can be complex due to overlapping personal and commercial policies, and coverage that depends on the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the crash. If you are hurt in a car accident with a rideshare driver, Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Call our law office for a free consultation with a Tampa car accident lawyer to discuss your options.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County and its surrounding areas:
Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers
1925 E 6th Ave Ste 10
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 800-0810
About The Author
Attorney Matthew Mincone is the founder of Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers. He earned his law degree while attending night programs in New York and is licensed to practice in Florida and New York. With over 15 years of legal experience, Matthew focuses on personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents involving cars, commercial trucks, and motorcycles. His commitment to personally handling each case ensures clients receive dedicated representation. Click here to view some of the remarkable case results that Matthew has successfully achieved.
Location: Tampa, FL
