History of Pensacola city government

The modern City of Pensacola government traces its history to 1821. On July 17 of that year, General Andrew Jackson accepted the transfer of Spanish West Florida to the United States at Plaza Ferdinand VII.

The City of Pensacola is currently organized under a 1931 charter.

Spanish period

Prior to the transfer of Spanish West Florida to the United States, Pensacola was its capital, and served as both a Spanish settlement and military outpost. Troops manned Fort San Carlos de Barrancas, and the de facto head of the city's government was the Spanish commanding officer.

19th century

On July 18, 1821, General Andrew Jackson appointed a city constable, effectively forming the Pensacola Police Department. Soon thereafter, Jackson established city limits encompassing an area of 9.75 square miles.

Provisional Municipality of Pensacola

After the Civil War, Pensacola government was dominated by the Republican Party. In 1885, the City's charter was revoked by Special Act of the Florida Legislature, at the urging of Democratic Florida Governor Edward Aylesworth Perry (himself a Pensacolian). The City government was dissolved and replaced by the Provisional Municipality of Pensacola, governed by a state-appointed commission, which Perry filled with Democrats. In 1893, the City was granted a temporary charter, followed by a full charter in 1895.

The Provisional Municipality of Pensacola lasted from January 28, 1885 to May 27, 1895.

20th century

In 1908, new City Hall was completed at 330 South Jefferson Street.

In 1913, Pensacola again adopted a new charter, which provided for a three-member commission.

In 1931, a new city charter was adopted, moving the City government to a council-manager system.

In 1953, the city limits were expanded to 17.2555 square miles.

21st century

Beginning in 2001, the mayor of Pensacola, which since the 1931 charter was appointed by the City Council, became an elected position.