Georgia suspends gas tax as fuel prices surge — What about Florida?

Drivers in Georgia are getting temporary relief at the pump after Gov. Brian Kemp suspended the state’s motor fuel tax for 30 days as gasoline and diesel prices remain high.

The suspension took effect Tuesday, Sept. 29, and is scheduled to remain in place through Oct. 29.

Georgia normally collects 33.3 cents per gallon in state taxes on gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon on diesel. Suspending those taxes could translate into noticeable savings each time drivers fill their tanks, although it may take several days for the full effect to appear at gas stations.

Kemp also declared a state of emergency related to fuel costs and temporarily suspended certain weight restrictions on commercial vehicles, a move intended to help reduce transportation costs.

The decision comes as drivers across the Southeast continue to face significantly higher fuel prices.

What About Florida?

Florida drivers are dealing with the same pressure at the pump.

According to AAA, Florida’s average price for regular gasoline was about $4.34 per gallon on Sept. 28. That compares with approximately $2.94 per gallon at the same time last year — an increase of roughly $1.40 per gallon.

For an average driver, filling a tank now costs about $20 more than it did a year ago.

Unlike neighboring Georgia, however, Florida has not announced a similar temporary suspension of its state fuel tax as of Sept. 29.

A proposal to suspend Florida’s gas tax was considered earlier this year but was not included in the final tax package approved by state lawmakers.

Florida currently imposes a statewide motor fuel tax of 22 cents per gallon, in addition to other fuel-related taxes and county-level taxes that can vary depending on location.

For drivers near the Florida-Georgia border, the difference could become particularly noticeable once Georgia’s tax suspension is fully reflected in retail prices.

With fuel prices remaining above $4 per gallon across much of Florida, Georgia’s decision also raises a question for Florida leaders: