Opening a taxi business can be a rewarding way to make money and serve your community—but it’s no joyride. It takes planning, discipline, and a whole lot of hustle. If you’re thinking about hitting the road full-time or expanding beyond rideshare apps, this guide offers honest advice, practical tips, and some hard-earned lessons from someone who’s lived it.
Getting Started: The Basics
1. Do Your Research
Before you hit the road, know what you’re getting into. Check:
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Local demand and competition
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City and state regulations
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Licensing and insurance requirements
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Potential customer base (tourists, airport travelers, locals without cars)
If you’re already driving for Uber or Lyft, think about how you could transition to owning your own business with a direct customer base and higher profit margins.
Understand the Financial Reality
You’ll need to earn at least $20/day just to cover insurance and maintenance—not counting gas or your vehicle payment. A good rule of thumb?
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$2 per mile
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Or $50 per hour of driving
Example: Jacksonville Airport (50 miles away) takes an hour each way. We charge $90–100 to stay competitive, factoring in gas, time, and wear and tear.
If you’re quoting a trip to Orlando, remember to include tolls—ours total about $20, so we charge a flat rate of $225.
The Taxi Monk Life
Driving full-time is a lifestyle. It demands:
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Long hours
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Little routine
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Strong mental and physical health
No more fast food, skipped meals, or all-nighters. Healthy food, sleep, and exercise are non-negotiable if you want to avoid burnout. Cooking at home not only saves money but can replace bad habits that creep in with idle time and stress.
Clean Car, Clear Mind
Time management also means keeping your vehicle clean and presentable. Many car washes now offer unlimited monthly plans with vacuum stations included. Take advantage of these.
Plan for:
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Regular oil changes
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Tire rotations
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Transmission flushes
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The dreaded 30,000-mile checkup
Set aside $20/day toward long-term vehicle upkeep.
Get Legit
To run a real taxi service, you’ll need:
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A business license (check sunbiz.org if you’re in Florida)
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Local permits and medallions (in some cities)
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A registered LLC or sole proprietorship
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Commercial vehicle insurance
Talk to a CPA or small business advisor to stay compliant and reduce your tax burden.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
Buy or lease something that is:
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Fuel efficient
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Easy to maintain
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Comfortable and safe
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Big enough for luggage and groups
Minivans and hybrids are great choices.
Hiring (or Partnering) Wisely
If you’re not driving 24/7, consider hiring a night driver or partnering with a fellow taxi/rideshare driver to create a schedule that maximizes vehicle usage.
There’s no shame in teaming up with a traditional cabbie. In fact, helping each other out builds trust and consistency for customers.
Marketing and SEO: Get Found Online
You don’t need a huge ad budget. Start with these free or low-cost listings:
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Google My Business
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Yelp
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TripAdvisor
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Bing Places
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Facebook Page
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Instagram
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Twitter/X
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LinkedIn
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Your own website
Once your Google profile is live, consider using the free $500 ad credit for Google Ads. It can help get you noticed in local search results.
Tools & Apps You’ll Need
Navigation & Traffic:
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Google Maps, Waze
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INRIX or TomTom GO
Customer Communication:
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WhatsApp
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Google Voice
Rideshare + Dispatch:
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Uber / Lyft (for dual income)
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Your own booking platform or app
Money & Mileage:
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QuickBooks Self-Employed
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MileIQ
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Expensify
Safety & Emergencies:
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Noonlight
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AAA Mobile
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Life360
Other Useful Apps:
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GasBuddy (find cheap gas)
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Flightradar24 (for airport runs)
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Spotify, Audible (for downtime)
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Google Translate (for tourists)
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ParkMobile or SpotHero (urban parking)
Bonus Tip: Work-Life Balance Is the Secret Weapon
Use downtime to improve your business or your well-being. Instead of fast food and scrolling, try:
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Grocery shopping and meal prep
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Walking or stretching during breaks
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Listening to podcasts or learning something new
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Catching up on rest when you can
This lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but for the right person, it offers independence, flexibility, and a meaningful connection to your community.
Final Thoughts: From Rideshare to Road Warrior
Owning a taxi business isn’t about getting rich quick—it’s about building a real, local service with loyal customers who rely on you. Keep your standards high, stay legally protected, and always be improving.
Whether you’re “beaming them up” or hauling them to the airport, the goal is the same: be dependable, safe, and human.
Need a Sample Setup? Visit abraxitaxi.com
Or call 904-599-6666 for advice on starting your own small transportation service in St. Augustine or beyond.