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For the first time in more than half a century, the Obama Administration has authorized the first commercial ferry services between the United States and Cuba on Tuesday. In what was hailed by ferry operators as "a historical event," the US Treasury lifted a decades-old ban, creating major step in improving relations between the two countries.

According to Yahoo, at least four Florida companies confirmed that they received license to launch boat services to the communist-ruled island.

Ferry services between Cuba and the United States were cut off in the early 1960s, following the Cuban revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power.

Last December, the United States and Cuba announced plans to renew diplomatic relations after 54 years, and have since held high level talks.

"Today's action was a great step forward," Joseph Hinson, president of Miami-based United Americas Shipping Services told AFP.

He stated that "if all goes smoothly we could have things up and running by September".

Havana Ferry Partners of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, also said on its Facebook page that they too had received a Treasury license for ferry services from four Florida ports.

"This is a historical event. Thanks to President Barack Obama, to whom we are very grateful, for his leadership," the firm wrote.

Two others, United Caribbean Lines and Airline Brokers, a travel agency, said they also received licenses.

The ferries will be allowed to carry cargo to the island, which sits just 150 kilometers (90 miles) off the southern tip of Florida.

BBC says though that the latest announcement does not necessarily mean that boats will start launching for Cuban shores straight away, as there are bureaucratic hurdles to overcome in both countries.

Whether by plane or ferry, American travelers to Cuba still have to come under one of 12 categories permitted in the landmark easing of US sanctions announced by the White House in December -- including family visits, official government business, humanitarian projects, and sports gatherings, MSN's report says.

This means that that tourism is still banned for American citizens, however many are already relieved as official licenses were issued by the government. Since travel from the U.S. has been rising since Obama's announcement last December, people are now hopeful for the Congress to end all travel restrictions and allow pure tourism, currently prohibited by law.