Florida Public Service Commission

The Florida Public Service Commission was created in 1965 (Ch. 65-52, Laws). The Commission regulates the privately-owned electric, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunications companies in Florida. The Commission establishes rules and regulations, supervises rates and services, hears complaints, and issues written orders. The Commission was previously named the Florida Public Utilities Commission (Ch. 63-279, Laws); the Florida Railroad and Public Utilities Commission (1947, Ch. 24095, Laws); and the Railroad Commission of the State of Florida (1887, Ch. 3746, Laws).

The Commission originally regulated only railroads. Over the years, it regulated telephone and telegraph companies; rail, motor, and air common carriers; ferries and boat lines; express companies; pullman companies; and bridge and canal companies. From 1929 to 1980, its Transportation Department handled matters related to the setting of rates and rules for common carriers; the issuance of permits and certificates of convenience and necessity; and the collection and enforcement of road taxes. The Department was eliminated in 1980 with the deregulation of common carriers.

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