Uber drivers feel targeted by police

Uber is gaining popularity all across the globe -- including Northeast Florida.

“It (gives) everybody a second option, rather than just a traditional taxi,” Elizabeth Faulkner said.

An Uber driver reached out to us about a run-in he had with the police at Fernandina's shrimp festival.

He claims officers demanded his license, gave him a formal warning and documented his license tag for their database.

He didn't want to go on camera, but says it's treatment he didn't appreciate.

“I don’t think Uber drivers should be scrutinized, but I do think that they need to have all their credentials, correct licensing,” Faulkner continued.

John, an Uber driver who didn’t want to give his last name, said he hasn't felt harassed but has had some setbacks at the airport, getting on to the Navy base and at Jaxport.

“Unbeknownst to me, I needed a permit to be in that lane,” he explained.

Jacksonville and surrounding areas have been debating what to do about vehicles-for-hire.

In most places, proof of registration, insurance, driver's license and a taxi license is required  for drivers.

They're requirements the Fernandina Beach Police Department tells us are necessary, not discriminatory.

John agrees.

“I would say they're fair and reasonable."

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