text: **EXHIBIT 23.1**
  
  **CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**
  
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 333-81801, 
  333-78125, 333-45542 and 333-104048) pertaining to the Republic Services 401(k) Plan, 1998 Stock 
  Incentive Plan, Republic Services, Inc. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and Republic 
  Services, Inc. Amended and Restated 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, respectively, of our reports dated 
  February 24, 2005, with respect to the consolidated Ñnancial statements and schedule of Republic Services, 
  Inc., Republic Services, Inc. management's assessment of the eÅectiveness of internal control over Ñnancial 
  reporting, and the eÅectiveness of internal control over Ñnancial reporting of Republic Services, Inc., included 
  in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2004. 