Make sure that the driver and vehicle are licensed. There must be a decal and/or license number on the vehicle and the driver must display a registration with a picture and the driver’s number.
Except where flat rates are operational, taxicab fares are determined by the taximeters which display the charge for the cab ride, not a "per person" fee. For detailed information on taxicab service.
Miami-Dade County visitors and residents also have the option of using our expanding Wheelchair Accessible Cab Service.
If you hire a luxury sedan vehicle or a luxury limousine, you must call at least one hour in advance to prearrange the transportation service. The driver must charge a minimum rate. Van service is by prearrangement.
Tourist Traps
Salespeople who ask you where you are from or how long you are going to be in town may be setting you up for a scam on the premise that you won’t be around long enough to complain. Be wary if a salesperson asks to see your passport or airline ticket.
Before You Buy....- Compare prices and quality. Prices are not regulated and there may be wide variation from store to store. It’s illegal to represent that you are getting a discount or sale price when that is not true. Find out the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price before you buy.
- Request a written refund or exchange policy.
- Get warranties or guarantees in writing.
- Inquire about electrical and/or format compatibility, i.e. VHS vs. NTSC/PAL, for use in other countries.
- Get an itemized receipt that includes the price, brand name and description of the item purchased, tax, date, name and address of the store. Check the receipt for accuracy.
- Inspect packages thoroughly for correct contents.
- Beware of additional credit card fees. It is illegal to charge extra for using a credit card.
Store refund policies
You have the right to know a store’s refund policy before you buy. If there is no posted policy, you have the right to a full refund if you return the item within 7 days, unless the merchant is not allowed to resell the product as a matter of law or the product is perishable, custom made, or the product has been used and the packaging removed.
Car Rentals
When renting a car in Miami-Dade County, you have the right to receive a Visitor Information Map, your gas tank must be at least half full, your car must be free of any marks identifying it as a rental car, and a child restraint seat must be available to rent. Florida requires children under five years of age to be in a child restraint seat.
The price of accommodations
You have the right to pay only the advertised rate of the motel, hotel, apartment, rooming house or any other room accommodation, plus applicable taxes. If your arrangements were part of a travel or convention package, your confirmed rate applies.
The advertised price of a product or service
The price that is advertised must be the complete price, including all charges, except taxes levied at the retail level.
Used or reconditioned merchandise
You have the right to know exactly what you’re purchasing. If an item is "used" or "reconditioned," it must be disclosed to you before you buy the item.
Sales tax is not refundable
Unlike the VAT in Europe, tourists do not get a refund on Florida sales tax paid when leaving the country.