I want to start a series of posts of simple but important tips for the traveler to Florence.
#1 is how to get a taxi in Florence:
Important tip - you CAN NOT hail a taxi in Florence! You'll see people all the time waving frantically, gesticulating angrily, etc. etc. as taxis pass them in the street. This will not work (as a rule - sometimes if the taxi is already stopped to let someone else out, you can slip in). If you want a taxi, you have a few choices:
1. Find a taxi stand (these change all the time, but the major piazzas, as well as the train station are the places to start. There is a newer stand behind the Duomo, one in Santa Croce - which is often empty - Piazza Repubblica, Piazza San Marco, Piazza San Giovanni, etc.). I think they are a bit harder to find in the Oltrarno.
2. Call from your cell phone - there a few services, the easiest one for me to remember has always been 055 4242. Most operators speak enough English to help you. You need to tell them where you are, and where you want to go. Other numbers are 055 4390, 055 4798 and 055 4499.
3. Ask someone where you are (assuming it is bar, restaurant, hotel, etc. ) to call one for you.
If you want to help support an association of women taxi drivers, try InTaxi Firenze.
And here is a PDF from the Comune of the fares (tariffs).