Seeking Legal Help: Level the Playing Field in Saint Augustine’s Taxi Wars
A message from the owner of Abraxi Taxi
If you are a Florida lawyer or firm with the courage to take on corruption, chaos, and unfair competition, then we need to talk. Abraxi Taxi is searching for legal representation to challenge both non-compliant transportation companies and municipal inaction in the City of Saint Augustine.
We are not just looking for an attorney. We are looking for a modern-day knight—a champion who understands the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) and is willing to take this to court if necessary.
The Problem: Rampant Violations, No Enforcement
For years, most taxi-like services in downtown Saint Augustine—golf carts, pedicabs, buses, and out-of-town rideshare drivers—have been operating outside city code. Many do not have:
- Valid or updated taxi medallions
- Proper business licenses
- The required commercial insurance
- Certified mechanics’ documentation
Meanwhile, we at Abraxi Taxi have stayed 100% compliant. You will find our vehicles proudly displaying city-issued medallions. We have followed every rule—while others flaunt them.
And yet, city officials, despite countless notifications, refuse to act.
Our Due Diligence
We have done our homework—and then some:
- Appeared before the City Commission
- Notified Code Enforcement
- Consulted with past and present Assistant City Attorneys
- Communicated regularly with Cory (our unofficial taxi commissioner) at the Bridge Street Water Department
- Gathered documented violations and screenshots of noncompliant vehicles parked at high-traffic locations like:
- DoubleTree Hotel
- Plaza de la Constitución
- Downtown taxi stands now overrun by golf carts
What We Need From a Legal Team
We are asking for legal representation to:
- Enforce compliance with local taxi ordinances
- Hold the City accountable for non-enforcement of its own laws
- Pursue damages and penalties under FDUTPA
- Demand injunctive relief and, if needed, file suit in civil court
What We Can Provide
- A paper trail of documentation
- Testimony of years of non-enforcement
- Access to City Hall records (via public records requests)
- Proof of Abraxi Taxi’s compliance going back several years
- A clear paper trail of unfair financial damage to our business
We believe this constitutes both deceptive practice by competitors and breach of good-faith contract with the City.
Unsafe, Uninsured, and Out of Control
Beyond the unfair monetary impact, there are very real safety concerns. Vehicles operating without oversight are accidents waiting to happen—and in the chaos of Saint Augustine’s tourist season, that could mean serious injuries or worse.
The Bridge of Lions is already a traffic nightmare. Jaywalking drunk tourists, ride-hailing confusion, and noncompliant vehicles create a perfect storm—one that City Hall is refusing to acknowledge.
Records & Evidence
The keeper of scrolls (a.k.a. the city clerk) can confirm who is and is not playing by the rules. For example:
- Some competitors are listed on Sunbiz.org but lack corresponding local medallions.
- Many have failed to provide proof of insurance or safety certifications.
- Medallion renewal notices are sent annually—so ignorance is no excuse.
If we can access these public records, our case becomes even stronger.
We are Ready for a Legal Battle Royale
The transportation scene in Saint Augustine is a wild west—but we are done sitting quietly. We have tried diplomacy. We have tried paperwork. We have played by the rules while others ignored them.
Now, it is time to act.
If you are a legal professional ready to take on city government, illegal operators, and regulatory apathy, we want to hear from you.
Contact us: info@abraxitaxi.com
Or call: (904) 599-6666
Let us bring order back to the Ancient City and restore honor to the taxi profession.
