Florida Senate Democrats on Thursday called for a temporary suspension of the state’s motor fuel taxes, arguing the move would provide immediate relief to drivers as gasoline prices climb sharply amid turmoil in the global oil market.
According to AAA, Florida’s average gas price jumped 57 cents per gallon last week, with Sunday’s average reaching $3.45 per gallon, the highest daily average since August 2024.
State and local motor fuel taxes add 25.3 cents per gallon to the cost of gasoline, according to the caucus. Democrats said lawmakers could authorize a temporary suspension through this year’s tax package, which remains under consideration by the Legislature.
“In the last 60 days, we haven’t done anything to address Florida’s affordability crisis,” Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman said in a statement. “We’re sitting on billions of dollars in reserves; the least we can do for Floridians during this time of economic crisis and war is provide relief at the gas pumps.”
