Sunshine Sentinel

With inflation reaching record numbers and prices at the fuel tanks on the rise, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is trying to bring relief to residents of his state.

During the upcoming legislative session, DeSantis will propose more than $1 billion in gas tax relief that could save the average Florida family up to $200, according to a Nov. 22 release from his office. 

“Gas prices have been rising due to inflationary pressures from bad federal policies, so we here in Florida need to step up and provide relief to our citizens,” DeSantis said the release. “Today, I am proposing that during session, the Florida Legislature provide more than $1 billion in gas tax relief for Florida families. This will have a positive impact on millions of Floridians.”

DeSantis made his intentions public during appearances at Buc-ee’s in Daytona Beach and Daily’s in Jacksonville, where he was flanked by like-minded politicians and leaders in the gas and transportation industries.

“This gas tax relief is going to make it right back to the customer and it will happen instantly as soon as the legislature gets it done and we are happy to be a part of it,” said Arch H. “Beaver” Applin III, president of Buc-ee’s, in the release. “The Florida market and Florida customers are wonderful. This is a very business-friendly state and this is probably one of our favorite places we have done business in.”

DeSantis said the proposal won’t take away any funding from current transportation projects, and any loss of revenue in gas taxes will be taken from the $1 billion of the state’s surplus revenue, WSUF Public Media reported. The tax break, an estimated 27 cents per gallon, could last for about six months.

“Thanks to Gov. DeSantis’ leadership, Florida’s economy continues to move in the right direction,” Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin J. Thibault said, according to the release. “Florida’s sound fiscal policies allow the state to pass relief along to consumers who continue to suffer from the impact of inflation and we will continue to do everything we can to alleviate the burden on all Florida families.”

Earlier this month, the Labor Department released data showing that annual inflation had hit a 30-year high in October, impacted by a 4.8% increase in energy costs that included a 1.6% increase in gasoline prices, The Hill reported.

The administration of President Joe Biden reacted to the rise in gas prices by releasing 50 million barrels of reserve crude oil from the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve, The Hill reported Nov. 23. 

Florida's U.S. Sen. Rick Scott responded to Biden’s decision by tweeting: "King Biden is all about quick fixes that won’t mitigate HIS energy crisis long-term. Biden’s just trying to sweep under the rug the fact his horrible anti-energy policies, like killing the Keystone Pipeline, is causing skyrocketing prices at the pump. It’s time he faces reality."