Gas Prices Remain Elevated Heading into Labor Day Weekend

Florida drivers are paying slightly more at the pump as they head into the Labor Day holiday weekend. The state average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $3.89 per gallon, up 3 cents from last week. However, gas prices have remained relatively stable throughout much of the summer. 

Although pump prices have fluctuated from week to week, Florida's state average has hovered around $3.92 per gallon over the past 45 days, generally remaining within a narrow range despite volatility in the energy market.

"Drivers have seen gas prices move up and down throughout the summer, but the overall trend has been relatively stable," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Florida's state average has remained near $3.92 per gallon for the past month and a half, which means motorists are approaching Labor Day with fuel costs that are generally in line with what they've been paying all summer."

While prices have changed little in recent weeks, they're significantly higher than a year ago. Sunday's state average of $3.89 per gallon is about 81 cents more than the $3.08 per gallon Florida drivers paid during the same period last year. For a driver with a 15-gallon tank, that's roughly $12 more per fill-up. 

Despite the higher cost, AAA does not expect fuel prices to deter holiday travelers.

"Gas prices are one factor travelers consider when planning a trip, but they're rarely the deciding factor," Jenkins said. "Many Floridians have been paying around the same price for gas throughout the summer, so there isn't a lot of sticker shock heading into the holiday weekend. People who have planned a Labor Day getaway are generally still taking that trip."

Florida's Most Expensive Metro Markets

• West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($4.06)
• Gainesville ($3.97)
• Naples ($3.95)

Florida's Least Expensive Metro Markets

• Panama City ($3.69)
• Pensacola ($3.70)
• Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($3.72)

Visit GasPrices.AAA.com to view state and local average gas prices

How to Conserve Gasoline

• Combine errands to limit driving time.
• Drive conservatively. Avoid aggressive acceleration and speeding. This reduces fuel economy.
• Remove excess weight in your vehicle. Every 100 pounds can lower fuel economy by 1-2 percent.
• Shop around for the best gas prices in your community by using the AAA mobile app.
• Pay with cash. Some retailers charge more per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.

AAA Resources for Drivers

• Find the lowest gas prices in your area by using the free AAA mobile app.
• Determine fuel costs for your trip by using the AAA's Gas Cost Calculator.
• Enroll in savings programs. AAA Members who enroll in Shell's Fuel Rewards program can save 30 cents per gallon on their first fill-up and 5 cents per gallon on each additional trip to the pump. Click here for more information.
• Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained to optimize its fuel economy. Visit AAA.com/AutoRepair to find a certified repair shop.

	Sunday	Saturday	Week Ago	Month Ago	One Year Ago
National	$4.079	$4.081	$4.099	$4.098	$3.192
Florida	$3.895	$3.917	$3.861	$3.901	$3.085
Georgia	$3.782	$3.785	$3.817	$3.892	$2.907
View current gasoline price averages

Gas Price Survey Methodology

AAA updates fuel price averages daily at www.GasPrices.AAA.com. Every day up to 130,000 stations are surveyed based on credit card swipes and direct feeds in cooperation with the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) and Wright Express for unmatched statistical reliability. All average retail prices in this report are for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline.