Who Regulates Internet Providers in Florida?

You've probably heard of the FCC, but are you familiar with Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and Department of Management Services (DMS)? If not, read on for some information. You'll be glad you did. These agencies regulate Internet providers in Florida, and they have many responsibilities. But where do these agencies get their authority? The following article explores these issues in more detail.

Department of Economic Opportunity

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) oversees Internet providers in the state. The office works with local, state, and private organizations to promote investments in broadband services and foster growth in unserved areas. Using a Broadband Availability Map, Florida residents can discover where additional infrastructure is needed to connect the state's rural areas. In addition, DEO partners with Local Technology Planning Teams (LTPT) and various agencies throughout the state to foster connectivity and future growth.

In the state of Florida, the Department of Economic Opportunity regulates internet providers. Its Office of Broadband is located within the Division of Community Development. The Office of Broadband also sets standards and issues rules relating to Internet service. The state has many regulations that regulate the internet, including the number of channels available. Broadband service can be provided by either a cable company or an internet provider. However, internet access is not available in every community.

The Broadband Advisory Council Act, enacted in 2017, requires the department to establish a plan for broadband adoption in the state. The bill also creates the Division of Digital Access and Opportunity in the Department of Heritage and Arts. It describes the division's responsibilities, includes a provision establishing a foundation, and creates an expendable special revenue fund to support the division's work.

Department of Management Services

The state's shared service provider is the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS). The department works with state agencies and employees to manage various programs and services, including the Florida Retirement System, the Department of Management Services, and human resource management. The DMS strives to provide high-quality service while minimizing operational costs. This bill creates a centralized clearinghouse for all state communications information and regulates Florida's Internet service provider industry.

Broadband adoption and sustainability are critical for Florida's economic, business, and community development. It supports education, libraries, colleges, and health care providers. Sustainable adoption levels of broadband services reduce the state's reliance on government subsidies. The DMS must set adoption goals and develop strategies for achieving them. Those goals should be measurable and achievable. The DMS should consult with stakeholders from various sectors, including K-12 education, private businesses, and state governments. Several important goals should be identified for the state's broadband plan, including those regarding public safety and the quality of service.

The DMS also has the authority to regulate broadband services in Florida. The Broadband Advisory Council Act, passed in 2013, creates a board of five members to advise the state's broadband services and establish an implementation plan. The Board supports the Council in developing the plan, including identifying new and existing State revenue sources. The DMS also establishes a grant program for distance learning broadband equipment and telemedicine equipment.

FCC

There is an uproar over how the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates internet providers in Florida. The FCC recently reversed its stance on net neutrality and ruled that the three significant prohibitions against internet providers blocking websites are no longer relevant. The FCC is not the only agency in the country with jurisdiction over the internet. It also has jurisdiction over broadband service providers nationwide. The FCC regulates internet providers in Florida through the Title II of the Communications Act.

The FCC is an independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress. Its Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau handles complaints and inquiries from consumers. The FCC is funded by taxes and serves to protect consumers. If you think your ISP is violating your privacy rights, you can file a complaint with the FCC to receive an explanation of its policy. Complaints may be submitted online or through the mail.

The Connect America Fund phase II deadline is September 28, 2020. However, the Commission will grant a limited waiver for sure Connected Care Pilot Program participants. The Commission will also grant a temporary waiver to the Houston Independent School District and Mid-Hudson Data Corp. for failing to meet their FCC Form 462 deadline. The FCC has re-instituted the Connect America Fund to ensure that rural areas are not left out.