Tesla launches autonomous robotaxi service in Miami

Tesla has launched its autonomous ride-hailing service in Miami, entering a competitive market already served by rival Waymo. The limited rollout, which began on July 3, marks the company's first robotaxi deployment in Florida and its most significant geographic expansion beyond its initial operating areas in Texas and California.

The service is initially available in select western portions of Miami-Dade County, including West Miami, Doral, and Coral Gables, but excludes downtown Miami and Miami Beach. The vehicles are operating without human safety monitors in the car, a significant step for Tesla's autonomous program. The launch follows months of delays, as Tesla had originally targeted Miami and several other cities for deployment in the first half of 2026.

Only Dallas and Houston met that initial timeline. Miami is the first of the delayed cities to commence operations, with Orlando, Tampa, Phoenix, and Las Vegas still pending. The company began its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, in June 2025, using a fleet of modified Model Y vehicles, and has since expanded service within Texas while progressively removing safety personnel from rides.