After a brief spring spike, drivers across Florida are experiencing lower gas prices compared to last year, but costs still differ widely by region, according to new AAA data released Monday. Some areas of the state fare better than others, but overall, with the summer travel season in full swing, motorists are doing very well.
The statewide average for regular gasoline sits at $2.931 per gallon. Among the metro areas reporting, Jacksonville drivers are paying the lowest prices, while motorists in West Palm Beach–Boca Raton are spending the most.
Below is a ranking of current average regular gas prices by metro area, from least to most expensive:
- Jacksonville – $2.821
- Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater – $2.856
- Orlando – $2.882
- Miami – $2.915
- Fort Lauderdale – $2.987
- West Palm Beach–Boca Raton – $3.099
West Palm Beach drivers are paying about 28 cents more per gallon than motorists in Jacksonville.
Mid-grade and premium fuel show a similar pattern. For mid-grade gas, West Palm Beach averages $3.507 per gallon, compared with Orlando’s $3.301 and Jacksonville’s $3.257. Premium fuel in West Palm Beach averages $3.839, roughly 54 cents higher than in Jacksonville, where premium sits at $3.298.
Diesel prices across the regions also vary but remain lower overall than a year ago. In West Palm Beach, diesel averages $3.700 per gallon, while Jacksonville reports $3.482.
Recent Price Trends
Prices have edged lower over the past week in most parts of the state. For example:
- In West Palm Beach, the average for regular gas has declined from $3.244 a week ago to $3.099 now.
- Jacksonville’s regular gas fell from $2.982 to $2.821.
- Tampa drivers saw a similar drop from $3.016 to $2.856.
Mark Jenkins of AAA said regional differences are mainly driven by transportation costs and local competition. “Stations closer to major fuel terminals, like in Jacksonville and Tampa, often have lower delivery expenses, which helps keep prices down,” he explained.
Drivers Notice the Gap
Some drivers said the difference between regions is enough to influence their refueling habits. “When I visit family in Orlando, I fill up there because it’s cheaper,” said Fort Lauderdale resident Ben Morales. “Even saving 10 or 15 cents a gallon helps over time.”
Comparison to Last Year
All regions are paying less than they were at this point last year. In July 2024, West Palm Beach’s average for regular gas was over $3.80. Jacksonville drivers were paying nearly $3.50 per gallon.
AAA’s numbers show that fuel costs have declined over the past week in every major metro area, offering some relief to drivers as summer travel continues. The trend is Florida is mirrored nationally, with Florida’s $2.93 per gallon average well below the $3.15 national average. It’s time to hit the road and enjoy the Sunshine State!
