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Gas Prices in Florida See Slight Drop Amid Rising Oil Costs

Monday, August 17, 2026 by Matthew Diaz

Gas Prices in Florida See Slight Drop Amid Rising Oil Costs
Gasoline in the USA (Reference Image) - Image © Screenshot YouTube/N+ UNIVISION

This week, the average price for regular gasoline in Florida dipped by a mere penny, settling at $3.87 per gallon, according to the latest report from AAA - The Auto Club Group released on Monday.

The decrease, which saw prices slip from $3.88 to $3.87, occurred despite a simultaneous rise in crude oil prices. As of Friday, crude oil closed at $82.40 per barrel, marking a $4.22 increase from the previous week, equivalent to a 5% hike.

"Florida drivers experienced slight relief at the pump last week, even as crude oil prices climbed," stated Mark Jenkins, a spokesperson for AAA - The Auto Club Group.

However, Jenkins cautioned that this relief might be short-lived: "If crude oil prices remain high, drivers could face renewed upward pressure on gasoline prices."

Regional Price Variations and National Trends

Gasoline futures also saw a rise of twenty cents compared to the previous week, supporting Jenkins' warning about potential upcoming price increases.

While Florida saw a one-cent decrease, the national average moved in the opposite direction, rising five cents over the same week to reach $4.07 per gallon on Sunday. This results in Florida drivers paying about twenty cents less than the national average.

Within Florida, regional price differences are notable. The most expensive markets are West Palm Beach-Boca Raton at $4.07 per gallon, followed by Fort Lauderdale and Naples at $3.87. Conversely, Panama City offers the state's lowest price at $3.46, followed by Pensacola ($3.67) and Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($3.69).

Historical Context and Current Comparisons

Although the current price reflects a significant improvement over the year's highs, it remains considerably higher than twelve months ago. Back in May 2026, gasoline in Florida reached $4.34 per gallon due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and prices have gradually decreased since then.

By the end of July, prices in South Florida were consistently above the state average, with West Palm Beach and the Keys exceeding $4.10 per gallon.

Compared to the same period last year, a gallon now costs 79 cents more, highlighting the ongoing impact of volatility in global energy markets throughout 2026.

AAA's Recommendations for Florida Drivers

AAA advises drivers to combine errands to reduce time spent driving, use mobile apps to find the best prices, pay with cash to avoid credit card surcharges, and maintain their vehicles to optimize fuel efficiency.

FAQs on Gas Prices in Florida

Why did Florida's gas prices decrease slightly?

The slight decrease in Florida's gas prices was due to a minor drop of one cent per gallon, despite a rise in crude oil prices.

How does Florida's gas price compare to the national average?

Florida's average gas price is about twenty cents lower than the national average, which recently rose to $4.07 per gallon.

What factors are influencing the current gas prices?

Current gas prices are influenced by rising crude oil costs and regional market variations, alongside historical geopolitical tensions.

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