Railroad Commission of the State of Florida

The Railroad Commission of the State of Florida was created in 1887 (Ch. 3746, Laws of Florida), abolished in 1891 (Ch. 4068, Laws), and re-established in 1897 (Ch. 4549, Laws) to regulate the rates and services of railroads. The authority of the commission was expanded by successive legislatures to include the regulation of telephone and telegraph companies; motor transportation common carriers; express companies; sleeping car companies; boat line operations; and bridge and canal companies. The commission established rules and regulations, supervised rates and services, issued certificates and permits, collected taxes and fees, heard complaints, and issued written orders. The commission was renamed the Florida Railroad and Public Utilities Commission in 1947 (Ch. 24095, Laws); the Florida Public Utilities Commission in 1963 (Ch. 63-279, Laws); and the Florida Public Service Commission in 1965 (Ch. 65-52, Laws).