Earlier this year, the Florida Legislature passed a law that banned local governments from regulating ridesharing companies.
This opened the door for the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority to approve a contract this week with Uber, Lyft and Wingz allowing them to pick up customers curbside at the airport. But they'll pay for the privilege.
Janet Zink, the Vice President of Communications for the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, said ridesharing companies are now paying fees just like taxi cabs, limousines and other transportation services.
"They're paying their fair share to maintain and operate the airport that they benefit from,” Zink said.
These transportation companies will pay a $3 per-trip fee over the next year. That fee will rise each year, up to $5 in the third year.
Before the agreement, ridesharing companies were not allowed to drop off or pick up customers from the airport. They often did, and were fined when caught.
Other major airports across the country and state -including the Jacksonville international and Orlando International airports - have similar contracts.
“We know that’s a mode of transportation that our passengers want,” Zink said. “They use it all over the country and all over the world and we were really eager to be able to offer that at the airport.”
