Florida gas prices dip to new 2023 lows just in time for Thanksgiving travel: AAA

Gas prices in Florida have fallen to new 2023 lows as nearly 2.8 million Floridians prepare to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, according to AAA.

On Tuesday, the average price of a gallon was $3.04 which is 15 cents cheaper than it was a week ago and the lowest average daily price since the end of December 2022, AAA said.

It's also 37 cents less than what drivers paid last Thanksgiving.

"More than half of Florida gas stations now have gasoline priced below $3 a gallon," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "While there could be some fluctuations in the coming weeks, AAA expects gas prices to remain low through the holidays, unless oil prices suddenly spike."

According to AAA, the drop in oil prices has been a big contributor to the recent plunge at the gas pump.

Crude oil fell from $93 a barrel in late September to $72 a barrel just last week.

Where in Florida could I find the cheapest gas?

If you are traveling through the Sunshine State you may find gas in certain areas that are even under $3.

The cheapest gas prices can be found in Pensacola ($2.88), Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($2.90), or Panama City ($2.98).

The highest gas prices were in West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($3.28), Naples ($3.19) and Tallahassee ($3.17).

In Miami-Dade, the average price at the pump on Tuesday was $3.07 a gallon. In Broward gas was $3.12 a gallon and in Palm Beach it was $3.25, according to the AAA report.

Tips to save money on gas

There several ways drivers can save money at the pump.

Here are some tips to reduce your fuel costs as you prepare to travel this holiday season:

Try to drive more smoothly. This could help your car engine run more efficiently.

Combine errands to limit driving time.

Do not speed or race from traffic light to traffic light.

Compare prices. Depending on where you live, there may be large or small price variations between gas stations. And even if the difference in price per gallon is only be a few cents, it can still add up to hundreds of dollars per year.

Use apps like GasBuddy, Gas Guru, and AAA TripTik, which you can use to find the best prices along your route.

Find loyalty programs provided by some of the major gas station chains that offer discounts

Pay with cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.

Carpool with friends, family or trusted neighbors who have the same or a nearby destination. Leaving the car at home for at least a day can make a big difference.

Maintain the air pressure in the vehicle's tires at the recommended values and remove excess weight. Every 100 pounds taken out of the vehicle improves fuel economy by 1-2%.