TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As Floridians face rapidly rising gas prices, the Florida Legislature has passed HB 1217 (Prohibited Governmental Policies Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions), a bill blocking local governments from adopting or enforcing policies referencing “net-zero,” raising concerns about affordability and the future of clean energy across the state.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average gas price in Florida reached $3.71 per gallon on March 12, up from $2.93 just one month ago. Despite rising costs for residents, lawmakers in Tallahassee approved legislation preventing cities and counties from pursuing net-zero initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and transitioning to cleaner, renewable energy sources.
Communities across the state – including St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa, South Miami, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Largo, Cocoa, Satellite Beach, Pinellas County, and Clearwater – have already made commitments to lowering emissions and energy costs. With the passage of HB 1217, however, no city or county in Florida will be able to enforce net-zero policies, making it one of the most sweeping and preemptive restrictions on local energy freedom in recent years.
Javier Estevez, Sierra Club Florida Political and Legislative Director, said, “As gas prices climb, the Florida Legislature’s priority is banning local solutions that could lower energy costs and reduce pollution. Instead of helping communities move toward cleaner, more affordable energy, lawmakers are tying the hands of local governments and forcing continued dependence on expensive fossil fuels.”
As Florida heads into the 2026 election cycle, affordability remains the top concern for voters, and Sierra Club Florida is committed to advocating for cleaner, more affordable energy alternatives that put our residents and environment first.
###