Shevrin Jones urges Gov. DeSantis to tackle soaring gas prices in Special Session

As gas prices surge across Florida, Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones is pushing Gov. Ron DeSantis to act.

In a letter this week, the Miami Gardens lawmaker called on DeSantis to expand the scope of upcoming Special Sessions to include immediate relief for struggling families now facing an average pump price of $4.22 per gallon.

Jones framed the issue as urgent for Floridians already grappling with rising costs of living.

“This is not an abstract issue; it is a daily, lived reality for working Floridians,” Jones wrote.

“From single parents commuting to multiple jobs, to seniors on fixed incomes, to small business owners trying to stay afloat, the strain is undeniable. The cost of gas has become more than an inconvenience; it is a barrier to economic stability and mobility.”

Jones urged DeSantis to consider reducing or suspending state-controlled fuel taxes, arguing that the state has a narrow window to act while the budget for the upcoming fiscal year remains unsigned.

“We are at a rare and consequential inflection point. Florida has a real-time opportunity to act with both urgency and impact,” Jones wrote, adding that tax relief is “one of the most direct and immediate tools available.”

Florida gas prices hit a four-year high Monday, climbing to $3.95 per gallon — more than $1 higher than a month ago and roughly 84 cents higher than a year ago. In the two days since, the per-gallon price shot up another 27 cents and now exceeds the national average by 16 cents per gallon.

The spike has been driven largely by global factors. Escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has disrupted oil supply chains, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route. Crude oil prices have surged roughly 45% in recent weeks, pushing fuel costs higher nationwide.

DeSantis has expressed skepticism that state-level action, particularly gas tax holidays, would meaningfully lower prices. He argued fuel costs are set on global markets and that past tax suspensions did not produce noticeable savings for consumers.

“Our ability to influence the fuel prices are really marginal at best,” DeSantis said March 19, adding that retailers may simply adjust prices to offset any tax cuts.

He cited federal policy and international energy markets as the primary drivers of relief, saying the “ultimate solution” lies in stabilizing global supply.

Still, DeSantis has acknowledged the political and economic pressure caused by rising prices, noting Tuesday that fuel costs are among the most visible burdens for consumers and could carry electoral consequences if they remain elevated.

Jones’ request lands as Tallahassee prepares for a series of Special Sessions in the coming weeks.

Lawmakers are set to reconvene in mid-April to finalize the state’s 2026-27 budget after failing to reach agreement during the Regular Session.

A separate Special Session on congressional redistricting is scheduled to begin April 20, with additional Sessions possible to address property tax-elimination proposals and other unfinished legislative business.

Jones said gas price relief must be among them.

“This is a moment that calls for bold, compassionate leadership,” Jones wrote. “I respectfully urge you to act swiftly and meaningfully to address the rising cost of gas and to deliver tangible relief to the people we both serve.”

Read the full letter here.