Berman Renews Push to Suspend Florida Gas Tax

Lori Berman again calls for suspending state gas tax – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pexels)

Florida drivers filling up at an average of $4.50 per gallon now confront higher costs that have climbed $1.50 since last year. Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman used the opening day of a special legislative session to urge inclusion of a state gas tax suspension in the 2026-27 budget package. The proposal targets immediate relief ahead of summer travel, when many residents and visitors plan road trips across the state.

Proposed Savings for Weekly Fill-Ups

Berman highlighted the state gas sales tax of 25.3 cents per gallon as a direct lever for relief. She noted that conversations in Washington also point toward a possible federal gas tax suspension of 18 cents per gallon, which together could exceed 40 cents in total savings. For an average driver using a 15-gallon tank once a week, the state portion alone would reduce weekly costs by roughly $3.75, or about $15 per month.

The timing aligns with rising reluctance among travelers to visit Florida due to fuel expenses. Berman described the step as a practical response that delivers help at the pump without waiting for broader economic shifts.

Economists Question Long-Term Effects

Analyses of past gas tax holidays reveal mixed results for consumers. A Penn Wharton Budget Model review of 2022 state suspensions showed that not all savings reached drivers, with the federal portion delivering only about 13 cents in actual relief per gallon. That translated to roughly $35 in total savings for the same weekly 15-gallon driver over a full summer period from June through October.

Tufts University economist Steve Cicala pointed out that tax relief does not fix underlying supply constraints tied to global events. Instead, even modest price drops can increase driving and push demand higher, which may offset gains at the pump over time.

Earlier Calls and Divided Reactions

Berman made a similar request in March before the regular session ended, emphasizing the state’s billions in reserves as a buffer during economic strain. House Democrats supported the idea then as sound policy for families. Governor Ron DeSantis responded by noting no simple state-level solution exists and called for federal action to stabilize energy markets.

The issue crosses party lines elsewhere. In Texas, both Democratic Senate candidate James Talrico and Republican Senator John Cornyn backed a federal suspension alongside President Donald Trump.

Next Steps in Budget Talks

Lawmakers now enter budget conference negotiations expected to run through much of the month. The special session focuses on finalizing spending priorities after the initial package returned to the House. Observers will track whether the gas tax idea gains traction among the Republican supermajority.

Key groups stand to feel the outcome most directly:

• Daily commuters managing household budgets
• Tourism operators reliant on summer visitors
• State revenue planners balancing reserves against relief measures
• Families weighing road trips amid ongoing price pressures

Whether the suspension advances remains uncertain, yet the debate underscores the immediate stakes for those planning travel in the coming weeks.