Sightseeing Vehicles Franchises

Operating a Sightseeing Vehicle in St. Augustine

Operating a Sightseeing Vehicle in St. Augustine Businesses that provide sightseeing transportation within the City of St. Augustine must have an approved City franchise before operating. The City's sightseeing franchise program helps provide safe, reliable and professional transportation while protecting the City's historic character and managing the use of public streets. Sightseeing franchises are regulated by City of St. Augustine Ordinance No. 2026-11. Applying for a franchise does not guarantee approval. Applications are reviewed according to the requirements of the ordinance and are subject to the number of franchises and vehicles the City allows. Types of Sightseeing Franchises Tier 1 Tier 1 franchises are for tractors, trailers, trailer trains, or trolleys that: Seat 12 or more passengers. Have an overall length of no more than 60 feet. The City may have no more than two Tier 1 franchise agreements. A Tier 1 franchise may operate no more than 16 sightseeing vehicles at one time. Tier 2 Tier 2 franchises are for motor vehicles or low-speed vehicles that: Seat no more than 11 passengers. The City may have no more than 15 Tier 2 franchise agreements. Generally, a Tier 2 franchise may operate no more than two vehicles at one time. Ordinance No. 2026-11 contains a grandfathering provision for certain existing, compliant operators with a third vehicle. Before you Apply Applicants should review Ordinance No. 2026-11 before submitting an application. The City Commission considers several factors when reviewing an application, including: The need for additional visitor transportation. The effect the proposed service may have on visitor safety and transportation within the historic district. The applicant's ability to follow City requirements and safely transport passengers. The potential effect on congestion. Whether the applicant proposes to serve an area that is not already served. The applicant's financial resources and ability to provide reliable service. Required background-check results. The City also limits the number of sightseeing franchises that may operate. Application Materials The Sightseeing Franchise Application Packet includes: Sightseeing Franchise Application. Background Check Authorization. Sample Vehicle Inspection Form. Ordinance No. 2026-11. Applicants must submit a complete application and all required supporting documents. Program Fees The following fees are due when the application is submitted: Application fee: $50, non-refundable. Annual vehicle inspection fee: $50 per vehicle. Annual enforcement fee: $1,200. This fee is refundable if the application is denied. Tier 2 annual franchise fee: $2,000. This fee is refundable if the application is denied. Tier 1 annual franchise fee: 2% of gross revenues, with a minimum annual fee of $10,000. Additional requirements and payment schedules are established by Ordinance No. 2026-11 and the franchise agreement. Vehicle Requirements Sightseeing vehicles must meet City requirements before they may operate. Requirements include: City approval of vehicle seating capacity. City approval of vehicle appearance and design. Required safety equipment. Inspection by City fleet maintenance staff or the City's designee at least annually. A valid City-issued medallion displayed as required. Compliance with applicable fleet-size limits. Exterior advertising or promotional material for other businesses or events is not permitted on sightseeing vehicles. City-approved identification of the vehicle and franchise holder is permitted. Driver Requirements Sightseeing vehicle drivers must meet City requirements. Among other requirements: Tier 1 drivers must have a current, valid Florida commercial driver's license (CDL). Tier 2 drivers must have a current, valid Florida driver's license. Drivers must meet the City's Certified Guide requirements. Drivers are subject to annual background checks. Drivers must register with the City. Drivers must have and display or make available the required City identification badge. Drivers are expected to be courteous, respectful, and professional. Additional driver requirements are provided in Ordinance No. 2026-11. Routes, Loading and Operations Sightseeing franchises must follow City requirements for routes, loading and unloading, and general operations. Tier 1 regular tour routes must be reviewed by the City Commission at a public hearing and approved by resolution before use. Sightseeing vehicles may load and unload passengers only in designated loading zones or at qualifying off-street locations. The City may also establish restricted areas where franchise operations are not allowed. Operators must publicly display their fares. Street solicitation, including the use of people or printed materials on public streets to solicit customers, is prohibited. Accessibility Franchise operators must comply with applicable accessibility laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. Tier 1 franchise operators must have at least one wheelchair-accessible sightseeing vehicle in their fleet within one year after the franchise is granted. The accessible vehicle must be available for sightseeing when the operator receives at least 24 hours' notice. Customers should contact the individual sightseeing operator directly to arrange use of an accessible vehicle. Insurance and Ongoing Requirements Approved franchise operators must maintain required insurance and continue to meet City requirements throughout the franchise term. Franchise operators are also responsible for requirements involving: Vehicle inspections and maintenance. Driver eligibility and registration. Franchise fees. Financial and operating records. Approved routes and loading areas. Safety and operating standards. City performance reviews. Failure to comply with City requirements may result in warnings, fines, suspension, revocation, or other enforcement action. How to Apply Submit the completed Sightseeing Franchise Application and all required supporting documents to: St. Augustine Police DepartmentAttention: Franchise Administrator151 King StreetSt. Augustine, FL 32084 A complete application helps the City review the request as efficiently as possible. Before applying, applicants are encouraged to read Ordinance No. 2026-11 for the complete legal requirements of the program. This webpage provides a general overview of the sightseeing franchise program. It does not replace or supersede the City Code, Ordinance No. 2026-11, an approved franchise agreement, or other applicable laws and regulations. NOTICE OF CUSTODIAN OF PUBLIC RECORDS: The City of St. Augustine has designated the City Clerk, Darlene Galambos, its Custodian of Public Records pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. Anyone wishing to inspect or copy public records consistent with Florida law should contact the Custodian of Public Records at: City of St. Augustine Custodian of Public Records Darlene Galambos, City Clerk 75 King Street, PO Box 210St. Augustine, FL 32085 Phone: 904-825-1007 Email the City Clerk Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. If you have a civil rights or Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaint regarding your ability to participate in a City program or activity please contact the City Clerk at: City of St. Augustine Darlene Galambos, City Clerk 75 King Street, PO Box 210 St. Augustine, FL 32085 Phone: 904-825-1007 Email the City Clerk For more information visit our Legal Notices & Disclaimers Page Si usted tiene una queja con respecto a su capacidad para participar en un programa o actividad de la Ciudad en acuerdo con la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades o sus derechos civiles, por favor llame al Secretario de la Ciudad al 904-825-1007.