Florida Targets Scalpers Selling DMV Appointments for $250 | Carscoops

      New legislation in Florida may impose fines of up to $500 per violation on appointment scalpers.

      Florida's DMV appointment scalpers utilize bots to secure slots, which they then sell for prices reaching $250. This practice leads to delays and increased costs, making it more difficult for residents to schedule appointments.

      Dariel Fernandez, the Tax Collector for Miami-Dade, is determined to put a stop to this, aiming to provide fair access to services for everyone.

      Consider this: you need a DMV appointment to resolve an issue, only to find no available slots. This has been the reality for many residents in Florida lately. Consequently, some have opted to pay hundreds of dollars to guarantee an appointment, benefiting the scalpers in the process, who are now beginning to face scrutiny.

      This scrutiny isn't merely the result of the Florida heat. It comes from Dariel Fernandez, who claims to have uncovered the entire operation. “We know who they are and how they operate. We will not accept any appointments acquired through system abuse,” Fernandez stated. “Our office is dedicated to ensuring all residents have fair and equal access to services without interference from those exploiting the system.”

      According to the Miami Herald, “Lines outside state-run DMV offices can form the night before for walk-in slots, and individuals report having to wait months for an appointment.” This makes my own two-hour walk-in-only DMV experience in Arkansas seem more bearable, especially knowing how the scalpers operate. They reportedly use bots to quickly grab appointments as soon as they become available.

      After securing the slots, they charge citizens anywhere from $25 to $250 each. Yes, people are willing to spend money just to navigate one of the least pleasant environments. However, this situation is supposedly nearing resolution.

      “We are taking proactive measures to improve our technology and processes to address this issue,” Fernandez noted. “It is vital that we establish the legal framework necessary to punish harmful practices and eliminate this behavior completely.”

      In light of this, the state has proposed new legislation that would allow it to fine scalpers $500 for each infraction. Notably, the definition of a violation is quite broad, encompassing those who promote, list, or share public service appointment sales.

      Shout out to Jalopnik!