Drivers in Florida are feeling a bit more heat at the pump in July, as gas prices rose 13 cents per gallon from last week, according to AAA.
The statewide average is currently $3.07 per gallon. Drivers were paying about $2.94 a week ago, a 13-cent increase.
Despite the recent spike, drivers across the Sunshine State still enjoyed the cheapest gas this Independence Day weekend since 2021. Pump prices were running around $3.51 this time last year.
But if you're a penny saver, the western areas of the Florida Panhandle continue to be your best bet. Gas is the cheapest in Okaloosa County at $2.78 per gallon, followed by Walton and Bay counties at $2.84.
On the flip side, drivers should steer away from southern Florida. Monroe County, which covers the Florida Keys, has a state-high gas price of $3.28.
Jefferson County is next at $3.27, followed by Palm Beach County at $3.24 and Miami-Dade County at $3.16.
For much of the state, gas is still lower as of Monday than the national average of $3.14 per gallon. Somewhat similar to Florida, gas went up five cents across the U.S. from a week ago.
Pump prices nationally were $3.51 this time last year.
Although Florida is higher compared to other southern states. The average for a gallon of gas is $2.90 in Georgia, $2.77 in South Carolina, $2.76 in Alabama and Louisiana, $2.71 in Texas, and $2.69 in Mississippi.
Nothing beats California, however, Florida's arch political nemesis.
The Golden State has a whopping price of $4.56 per gallon. In particular, Mono County near the Nevada border is a staggering $5.82, followed by Trinity County at $5.30, and Humboldt County at $5.35.
Coastal areas of the state are a bit "cheaper." San Francisco County is at $4.78, San Diego County is at $4.62, and Los Angeles County is at $4.56.
The cheapest place for gas in the U.S. is the aforementioned Mississippi, with Simpson County having a low of $2.50. Counties along the Gulf of America near Florida are also lower than the state average.
