Florida Law Enforcement Are Posing As Lyft Drivers

Florida is a truly wild place where the legendary Florida Man does all kinds of insane things and alligators are seemingly everywhere. But even with that reputation we were surprised to learn some deputies in the Sunshine State are putting Lyft decals on their unmarked cars to blend in even more.

Florida man leads police on a high-speed chase in a big rig.

As local news station Fox 35 Orlando dug into this law enforcement practice, a reporter was told one Orange County deputy puts a Lyft sticker on his windshield to help with solving crimes. We’ve heard it also helps to drive a van and have a talking Great Dane.

Not everyone is buying that explanation. We think it’s a little odd and would love to hear more about how posing as a Lyft driver helps solve crimes. Obviously, the deputy isn’t deep undercover, picking up people while posing as a Lyft contractor, then subtly getting information from them.

One woman who was pulled over by an Orange County deputy snapped a photo of the vehicle. It’s a Chrysler Pacifica minivan, one of the last vehicles most people would suspect is actually a cop, with lights hidden in the grille and we’re sure elsewhere.

Right in the middle of the windshield is the Lyft logo. Since the woman was pulled over for speeding, we’re guessing the stickers are being used to make the secret sheriff’s department cars look even more benign.

But wait, there’s more. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office did tell Fox 35 the deputy who pulled this woman over is from the fugitive task force. That day he was assigned to run traffic, a deviation from his normal duties. We wonder what he did to get that punishment.

When we’ve watched police take down dangerous fugitives, they use a variety of vehicles that are made to not look anything like a cruiser. So the Lyft sticker makes sense. But the lady who was pulled over felt like she’d been lied to.

However, an attorney told Fox 35 the use of the sticker is perfectly legal.

Image via Fox 35 Orlando/YouTube