Florida’s New Way to Ride: Waymo Opens to Everyone in Miami and Orlando

Waymo’s service in Florida now accepts all riders in Miami and Orlando after previously operating with an interest list. Users can download the Waymo app to request autonomous rides without restrictions, expanding access beyond early participants. The company notes that cross-city trips in Miami may benefit from newly introduced highway travel, with some users able to opt in for faster routes via the app. Orlando’s service connects neighborhoods such as Parramore, Richmond Heights, and Williamsburg, offering a new mobility option for residents and visitors.

The expansion follows extensive testing and operational preparation tailored to each city’s conditions, including tropical weather and local safety coordination. Waymo cites internal data showing its autonomous system is involved in 92% fewer crashes resulting in serious or fatal injuries compared to human drivers under similar circumstances. The company attributes this safety record to its AI-powered Waymo Driver, which it describes as designed to handle diverse urban environments reliably.

Waymo frames the Florida rollout as part of its broader strategy to scale autonomous mobility across multiple regions, building on existing operations in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The company emphasizes that its expansion reflects a commitment to earning public trust through consistent performance and safety measures. Local partnerships and real-world testing in Florida were conducted to address region-specific challenges before opening to the general public.

The announcement marks a milestone in Waymo’s expansion within Florida, where it now operates in two major metropolitan areas. The company invites new and existing users to download the app and begin using the service, positioning it as an alternative to traditional ride-hailing. Waymo’s presence in Miami and Orlando underscores its goal of integrating autonomous vehicles into everyday transportation networks.