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Florida Interurbans and Streetcar Railroads

(Please note that the photos listed below do not feature Florida streetcar systems.)

In the most definitive sense, there were no Florida interurbans, although the state was home to a handful of street railways. This was not particularly uncommon as the South, in general, was home to almost no notable interurban systems aside from the famed Piedmont & Northern Railway located in central North Carolina around Raleigh. It is rather fascinating that so few systems were located in this region considering the generally flatter terrain, mild year-round weather, and especially the high density of medium to large population centers in most states (North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, etc.). This was particularly the case in Florida. Not only did the Sunshine State offer tropical warm weather the entire year but also was home to numerous cities of notable size such as Miami, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, St. Petersburg, Daytona Beach, Orlando, and on and on.

Additionally, many of these cities were relatively close together, making the state a prime location for interurban development. However, for whatever the reason and case, none sprang up; and what's more, of the street railways that did operate none merged or formed partnerships interlinking their respective cities. Of note, Florida is another state that in recent years has begun the process of trying to reestablish at least part of its original streetcar network. Thus far, nothing has developed but plans do remain in place. In any event, the information below includes short paragraph descriptions of most Florida interurbans and streetcar railroads.

Manatee Light & Traction Company: The Manatee Light & Traction Company was a shortlived interurban railroad chartered by Captain Hartwell Davis in 1903 connecting Fogartyville, Bradentown and Manatee. It also offered freight service but both it and passenger operations were only seasonal in nature. It lasted only until 1906 when the project was abandoned.

Coral Gables Municipal Railway: The Coral Gables Municipal Railway served the Coral Gables area and once operated two lines from downtown Miami to Coral Gables as well as two other lines connecting southern and western points. After a hurricane hit the region on November 4, 1935 two of its lines were indefinitely knocked out of service and soon after all operations were suspended.

Central of Florida Railway: The Central of Florida Railway served Daytona Beach using battery-powered streetcars. It remained in operation until 1918 when service was discontinued.

Key West Electric Company: The Key West Electric Company began operations as the Key West Street Car Company using horse-powered cars. It became Key West Electric in 1898 converted to electric streetcars. It remained in operation serving the Keys until 1933.

Miami Beach Electric Railway: The Miami Beach Electric Railway began as the Miami Beach Electric Company beginning operations rather late in 1920 (although the city had streetcar service dating back to the beginning of the century). The system soon became known as the Miami Beach Electric Railway and served Miami and Miami Beach. It was sold to the American Power and Light Company in 1924.

Pensacola Electric Terminal Railway: The Pensacola Electric Terminal Railway began operations in 1897 after purchasing the defunct Pensacola Terminal Company. It converted to electric operation in November of that year and at its peak operated 21.4 miles of track and 45 passenger cars, of which the downtown region was double-tracked. It remained in operation until 1945 when it was purchased by Pensacola Transit, Inc.

For a small gallery of photographs highlighting Florida interurbans and streetcar railroads please click here.

Please Click Here To Return To The Main Interurbans Section

For more reading on Florida interurbans consider picking up a copy of the book The Electric Interurban Railways in America by authors George Hilton and John Due. Many consider their book to be the quintessential resource guide to the interurban and streetcar movement that was once so common in our country during the first half of the 20th century. At nearly 500 pages the book is stuffed full of information on trolley operations and covers virtually every topic on the subject. If you have any interest in trolleys and interurbans and/or would like to learn more about their history I would strongly consider Mr. Hilton and Mr. Due's book first before purchasing any other. If you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit the link below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.

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