Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is leading the charge to get Uber to relocate its headquarters from California to the Sunshine State.
Patronis met this week with Uber’s vice president of facilities to urge the company to move from Florida and escape “California’s burdensome regulations” which are “threatening to destroy their innovative business model.”
The CFO’s office showcased what Uber could be facing in the Golden State.
“Recent reports suggest that Uber and similar rideshare services could likely shut down for several months if a court does not overturn a recent lawsuit ruling spurred on by a new California state law. Discussions with Uber also highlighted the health and safety steps the rideshare company has taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the CFO’s office noted.
“Today, I was excited to talk with rideshare giant Uber and hear directly from their team on the benefits of doing business in Florida and issues related to grueling rideshare regulations currently plaguing them in California. It’s appalling how this innovative company is being treated by California regulators as a possible shutdown would irreparably harm the amazing people who rely on its rides operations as a vital mode of transportation and those that use it to generate income for themselves and their families during this unprecedented pandemic,” Patronis said on Thursday.
“By moving their headquarters to the Sunshine State, Uber can take full advantage of our business-friendly regulations that allow this innovative company to survive and thrive. At the end of the day, I’m convinced there is no better place to live, work, raise a family and run a business than right here in Florida,” Patronis added.
Patronis praised Uber’s efforts during the coronavirus pandemic including setting aside $50 million for drivers to have cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) and delivering 10 million free rides and deliveries for seniors, healthcare workers and the needy. In Florida, Uber has distributed more than 1.25 million masks during the pandemic.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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