Florida: Gas Prices Cause More Headache With Record-High Surge

Florida drivers would have to put more budget when filling up their tanks, as the sunshine state saw a record-high increase in gas prices on Thursday.

According to the Automobile Association of America (AAA), the average price of gas in Florida is 7 cents higher, landing at $4.39 per gallon, WFTV reported.

Reports claimed that the current Florida gas price is two cents higher than the previous record set back in mid-March.

According to WESH, the average gas price seen around town was $4.49. The said price is eight cents higher than the national gas price average amounting to $4.41.

Florida residents voiced their frustration with the ongoing price hike in the sunshine state.

Resident Edwin Martinez told WESH that gas prices were so high in the sunshine state, to the point that it has been a damper on their finances.

Martinez added that their travel was also affected by the gas price hike.

"I'm supposed to go to New Jersey and drive. I don't think I'm going to do it. It's just way too expensive," Martinez shared.

Another resident, Neal Trantham, said that groceries and gas are both big problems and that they cannot do anything about it except pay for it.

Florida's Emergency Action on Gas Price Hike

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Service Commissioner Nikki Fried issued an emergency rule on Wednesday at a news conference that would allow gas stations to sell gasoline that contains 15 percent of denatured anhydrous ethanol, according to Fox 8.

Fried said that the move will immediately save Floridians 10 cents per gallon at the pump.

"This rule allows Florida suppliers to utilize additional fuel types to secure a consistent and affordable supply of gas," Fired underscored.

Fried noted that the increase in the cost of agriculture production due to transportation costs is prompting the gas price hike. The commissioner added that if the cost of gas is reduced, the impact will affect consumer products such as fuel.

Fried's office reportedly filed the emergency rule on May 9 and will remain effective for 90 days or until the expiration of the EPA's waiver.

Gov. Ron DeSantis' Move Over Florida Gas Prices

Governor Ron DeSantis also issued a move to address the increase in gas prices in the sunshine state.

Last Friday, DeSantis signed HB 7071 into law, which he said amounts to $1.2 billion in tax relief through new exemptions and holidays, including a one-month gas tax break in October, according to Click Orlando.

"The tax relief you're going to see (are) breaks for really critical needs like gas, diapers, disaster supplies, tools for skilled trades, recreational activities, you name it, and so families are going to be able to save for things that really matter for them," DeSantis underscored.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written By: Joshua Summers

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