This has been going on WAY prior to Irma but it is probably more rampant now though. The "official" taxis belong to an association, pay dues, have valid plates and ID's and are required to have insurance and MOST are really good people. We have know several for almost 28 years now. Some of the casinos and restaurants will have a "driver" deliver people back to their place of lodging and many of those do not have valid credentials.

One of the things the "gypsy" drivers will often say when you question them not having a taxi plate, "My taxi is in the shop and I am using my other car". They are misleading people. Just having a taxi sign on top of the vehicle or in the front window is no assurance it is a licensed taxi or driver. Look for the "TAXI" license plate, both Dutch and French side have specific taxi plates and ask for a taxi association ID if in doubt. You may also see an expired TAXI plate laying in the window, this is another way the deceive people. They buy an old souvenir plate and they think they are in business.

There is no "licensed taxi company" that I am aware but there are multiple taxi associations the drivers can belong to and usually wear an associated shirt and ID. There are probably at least 4-6 different taxi associations and many of the drivers belong to multiple. There are probably some transportation agencies that employ taxi drivers but it is not like you can call a "Yellow Cab Company" for a driver.

Many of the gypsies will work just outside the cruise ship pier, bars, restaurants and casinos at night. Most are probably ok but they are also hurting the drivers who do this as a legitimate job and pay the fees associated with legally doing the job. Sorry, illegal is illegal.