Uber in Miami with a Toddler without CarSeat

Question

Hello, I've been reading that in Florida, taxis and rideshares are exempt from car seat laws. Has anyone had experience requesting an Uber with a toddler who didn't have a car seat? We'd be looking mainly at going from the airport (MIA) to South Beach.

Answer

In Florida, as you’ve noted, rideshare services like Uber are exempt from the usual car seat laws for taxis and rideshares. This means that, legally, you aren’t required to have a car seat for a toddler when using Uber or other rideshare services. However, it’s important to note that safety experts strongly recommend that children under the age of 4 (and often up to age 8, depending on their size) use a car seat for safety, even in taxis or rideshares.

While Uber does allow rides without car seats for toddlers, they also offer a specific service called "Uber Car Seat" in some cities. However, this service is not available in all locations, including Miami. If you're looking to use Uber without a car seat, here's what you can expect:

Requesting a regular Uber ride: If you simply request a standard UberX, you may have to make do without a car seat, as Uber drivers are not required to have one for toddlers. It’s a good idea to bring your own portable car seat if you're uncomfortable with the lack of one in the vehicle.
Uber Car Seat Option (if available): In cities where Uber Car Seat is available, you can request a ride with a car seat for an additional fee. Unfortunately, Miami does not have this option, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Bringing your own car seat: A great option for peace of mind is to bring your own portable, lightweight car seat that you can install in an Uber. Many parents travel with a car seat, and this option ensures that your child is safely secured during the ride.
Taxi options: While taxis in Florida are exempt from car seat laws, they are not typically equipped with car seats either. If you prefer to take a taxi, you may also need to bring your own car seat.

In summary, while it’s legal to ride without a car seat in Florida taxis and Uber rideshares, it’s always safer to ensure your toddler has one. If you don’t want to carry a bulky car seat, consider using a portable, inflatable car seat designed for travel. If you're concerned about the lack of car seat options in Miami, you may want to plan ahead by either renting a car with a car seat or using a car service that provides them, though options can be more limited.

Uber in Miami with a Toddler without CarSeat

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