Late Thursday April 14, ACRA became aware through one of its members that State Senator Margolis had inserted language in the State Transportation bill to restrict fees charged by rental car companies to rental car consumers who violate toll requirements and do not advise the rental company. The bill would limit the collection for all violations occurring during a rental to $2.50/day, to a maximum of $10 per contract, yet the rental car company remained liable to the State for the toll and a fine up to $100 per occurrence.
A grass roots effort was immediately undertaken by ACRA, its members, and the South Florida Car & Truck Rental Association. Lobbyists were engaged, letters were written, and phone calls made, and within a 48 hour window, we were successful in having the language removed by explaining this is not a profit center, but a cost recovery for actual labor incurred to chase down the violators and to pay the State.
Commenting on the effort, Bob Barton, President of ACRA, stated: “This is a perfect example of how effective we can be when we all work under the umbrella of ACRA. When Florida went to a cashless toll system, the State of Florida did not recognize or consider the burden this placed on rental companies, private felt companies, and other individuals using non-personal vehicles. We have the obligation as the owners of the vehicles for tolls, yet there is quite a significant labor effort in tracking down and collecting from the renter who actually incurred the violation. By consolidating our effort under the ACRA banner, we were able to convince the legislators that this language, while attempting to protect consumers, actually shifted a large cost burden to operators for the consumer’s lack of compliance with the law.”
ACRA will continue to take a leading role in driving sensible legislation as it relates to our industry.
Letter of Appreciation Received by ACRA
On behalf of all of us at HTA, thanks for your efforts last week with regard to the proposed legislation in Florida. This was shaping up to be a substantial undertaking, and I’m glad we were able to avoid expensive lobbyists and resources on fighting it.
Thanks again,
David Centner
President & CEO, Highway Toll Administration LLC