Florida – Gas prices in Florida have dropped sharply, going down by double digits following weeks of steady rises. AAA said that the average price of regular unleaded gas in the state dropped to $2.98 per gallon on Monday, September 15. This is 10 cents less than the week before. Most places are now saying that prices are below $3, which is a long-awaited respite for drivers at the pump.
Mark Jenkins, a representative for AAA, stated that the timing is not a coincidence. He said that when fall starts, people usually need less fuel, so refineries switch to making a cheaper winter-blend gasoline. Both of these things are helping to lower costs following a summer of pricing changes.
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The northern section of Florida still has the cheapest gas. Drivers in Panama City pay only $2.85 a gallon, while those in Pensacola pay an average of $2.86. Jacksonville is $2.95, and Tallahassee is $2.98. On the other hand, South Florida is still one of the highest, with Naples at $3.05 and West Palm Beach/Boca Raton at $3.14.
Prices have dropped to $2.94, which is seven cents less than last week, so people in Miami-Dade are getting some relief. Fort Lauderdale is at $3.02, which is a nine-cent drop. But even after a 10-cent cut, West Palm Beach drivers still have to deal with the state’s most expensive market.
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The average price at stations in Sarasota and Bradenton is $2.92, in the Villages it is $2.91, and on the Space Coast it is $2.94. Orlando’s average in Central Florida is $3.01, while Lakeland drivers pay $2.98. Gainesville is barely above $3 at $3.01.
Florida is still in better shape than the national average. The average price of gas in the U.S. is $3.17 a gallon, which is only two cents less than last week.
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Drivers who want to get more for their money might utilize apps like GasBuddy, which shows the current costs of gas at nearby stations. The application can also tell drivers when there are changes in supply and availability.
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Since most parts of Florida are now below the $3 mark, the drop gives families some breathing room as they deal with other mounting prices. Analysts say that if demand keeps going down in the fall, drivers could see these discounts endure well into the season.
