Ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft are the hot new way to get around - for when you don’t want to drive or pay the higher price for a cab.

Frequent Uber users like Tampa attorney Jill Estes, who travels a lot, rave about the service. 

"We’ve had nothing but good experiences with Uber," Estes said. "We’ve used it in cities all around the country with a lot of convenience, no matter where we go."

She says she’s found it’s often cheaper than taking a cab.

"It cost us $20 for us to go to the airport," she said. "When we took Uber back from the airport the other day, it was about $6."

A smart phone app connects passengers with drivers who use their personal vehicles to give rides.

"You click on it, and it shows you all the vehicles that are available and how long it will take for a vehicle to pick you up," Uber Regional Manager Ana Mahoney explained while showing how it works on her phone.

You can get a fare estimate and, if you accept, you are connected with a driver. The driver’s name, make and model of their vehicle, and a picture all pop up for you to see.  It’s part of Uber’s safety protocol, in addition to background checks and other measures. 

When you use Uber, no cash changes hands between rider and driver. It’s all electronic. Your credit card information is input when you sign up. And there’s no tipping.  

One thing to look out for is Uber’s surge pricing – which kicks in when there’s high demand—like after a concert or sporting event. Prices can spike three times as much or more during peak periods. Riders are notified when surge pricing is in effect - so there are no surprises.

Estes says she experienced surge pricing after a recent Tampa Bay Lightning game.

"If you don’t want to pay it, you can try another service or just wait around for a while and have another drink, until the pricing comes down," she said.

There’s no doubt consumers like ride sharing services, but they’re not without controversy. 

Many cities like Tampa and Orlando oppose them, because drivers don’t pay for permits like those required for taxi and limo drivers. 

Efforts to regulate the industry are underway, especially with the rapid growth in popularity. Uber driver Jennifer Cook has been working with the company for about three months and is kept busy when in service.

"Some people I take to work, some people I take to the airport," Cook said. "Of course, there are a lot of restaurants and bar runs in the evening."

Some cities issue citations to Uber and Lyft drivers for violating the rules, but not to passengers. So for now, there are no worries for riders.

Watch the video above to hear more about what Uber is doing to deal with the controversy over regulating ride sharing in Florida.