SANFORD, Fla. – Drivers in Seminole County could soon pay more at the pump.
Currently, 33 of Florida’s 67 counties charge an extra 12 cents on every gallon sold. Seminole County may soon join that list as the county considers increasing its 7-cent gas tax by 5 cents.
Gas is an expense that drivers have either learned to live with or tried to work around.
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“Well, this time around was $35, but it’s usually $35 to $40. That’s just for half a tank. So, it’s usually an $80 or $90 for a fill-up if I need to,” Nathan Hoover said.
“I travel a long way to my job, back and forth. So that’s why I got a car that has really good gas mileage,” a woman named Susan told News 6.
When asked about the potential 5-cent increase, many drivers said gas is already expensive enough.
“Well, you know, I think taxes are too high. Gas is essential to everyone getting around. So, if we’ve got to pay more in gas, it’s just going to hit everyone’s pockets harder and cause more economic issues,” Brad Green said.
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“I wish they wouldn’t do it because it hurts everybody, but it is what it is,” Susan said.
While Seminole County could raise its gas tax to 12 cents, neighboring Orange County remains at 6 cents. Some drivers might travel to Orange County to save a few cents, but Hoover said he would likely have to just stay in town and pay the increase.
“I mean, yeah, this is right up the street from my apartment, so it makes it easier just to come here. It’s the easiest place to stop on the way to work and get fuel. But, you know, it’s hard to go out of my way because of the fuel economy [my truck] gets,” he said.
The additional revenue from the tax increase is planned to fund transportation projects, including capital improvements like mass transit facilities.
“You know, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There are definitely some roads around here that could use it. But at the same time, we’re getting taxed on a million things. It’s like, is that money going where it’s supposed to?” Green said.
The Seminole County board will vote on the gas tax increase at a meeting scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 12. If approved, the new rate will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.