What is the law regarding the management and control of public utilities?
In Florida, local governments have authority to own, manage, and control public utilities (water, electricity, and gas). This power is derived from Section 180(a) of the Florida Constitution, which grants local governments the right to “own, operate, regulate and control utilities to provide for the immediate comfort, convenience, and safety of its citizens.” The exact powers of each local government depend on the type of utility and the authority granted by local laws or ordinances. For example, Florida law typically allows local governments to create utility boards to oversee public utilities, grant franchises to private companies, fix rates, and provide subsidies to low-income households. In addition, local governments have the right to take private property through eminent domain for the purpose of providing a public utility service. Ultimately, local governments in Florida are charged with providing their citizens with safe and reliable public utilities, while managing them in a way that is financially responsible and environmentally friendly. This can be achieved by setting proper regulations and standards, monitoring systems, and customer service policies, and investing in technology to ensure efficient operation and management.
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