In the past week, gas prices in Florida jumped an average of 13 cents per gallon, which not only marked a high point for 2021, but the highest cost the state has seen since October of 2014.

According to AAA, the average cost for a gallon of gas in Florida is currently $3.31 — which accounts for a $1.12 per gallon increase since the start of the year.

While the cost could increase again this week, AAA data indicates that if it does, it will not be as dramatic as the 13-cent increase seen last week.

Pushed higher by the increased cost of crude oil, Floridians are now paying $1.23 per gallon more for gas than they did at this time last year. 

"Gas prices have been dragged higher by skyrocketing crude oil prices," AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said in a release. "Crude oil prices have faced tremendous upward pressure, because global fuel demand is outpacing global production and supply levels."

Jenkins said the increase in crude oil prices — which are up 76% so far this year — was smaller last week than weeks before, and AAA data suggests prices are preparing to stabilize. 

"Although oil prices increased again last week, it was by a smaller margin than the weeks before," he said. "Fortunately, gasoline futures held steady. So even if gas prices increase again this week, it shouldn't be as significant a jump as what drivers have experienced so far this month."

AAA provided the following data on Florida's current gas prices and what drivers can do to lessen the sting at the pump:

Regional Prices

• Most expensive metro markets – West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($3.46), Fort Lauderdale ($3.35), Port St. Lucie ($3.34)
• Least expensive metro markets – Pensacola ($3.24), Jacksonville ($3.28), Panama City ($3.28), Punta Gorda ($3.29)

Ways to Save on Gasoline

• Combine errands to limit driving time.
• Shop around for the best gas prices in your community. 
• Consider paying cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.
• Remove excess weight in your vehicle. 
• Drive conservatively. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduces fuel economy. 

Find Florida Gas Prices

• Daily gas price averages can be found at Gasprices.aaa.com 
• State and metro averages can be found here