Gas prices increase across Florida

Sunshine State has highest gas prices in the southeast

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Gas prices are increasing in Jacksonville and across the state of Florida. Florida's average price Monday was $3.63, a full 8 cents higher than the national average and according to AAA, Florida drivers are paying more at the pump than any other state in the southeast.

"It puts a pretty good dent in your wallet every week, you know, whenever you fill up," said driver Max Mullis. "It seems to be going up and it never comes down."

"When I was in college, we used to have these gas wars," said Jim Pignato, who said he's frustrated with high gas prices. "I went to FSU. We could buy gas for 15 cents a gallon. Not anymore, that was a long time ago."

"Georgia is lower than we are by 10, 12 cents," said AAA's Bill Bishop. "You go over into Louisiana and Alabama, they're even cheaper. They're some of the cheapest states in the country."

Bishop said although gas prices can be irritating for drivers, rising gas prices is normal this time of year. Bishop said it's all about supply and demand.

"Because of federal law, they have to change their gas to a different blend. They have to go to ethanol, so they actually have to shut the refineries down, restructure and retool. You have the demand, but no supply coming in." said Bishop.

Bishop also points to the fact that some prices are cheaper in different counties; he said that has to do with taxes.

"Especially up in counties like Duval, the property taxes are so much higher. Down in Putnam County, if you just look at the gas prices, they're going to be 10 to 15 cents cheaper and it's simply taxes," said Bishop.

Bishop suggested a few things consumers can do to save money on gas, including limiting the amount of times people drive in a day, carpooling with co-workers and buying a smaller, more fuel-efficient car. 

AAA also notes that having extra weight in a car can impact gas supply. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk loses a mile per gallon. 


About the Authors:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.