Florida Offers Free Gas to Residents Affected by Hurricane Milton: Here’s Where to Find It

In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, some Floridians are still struggling to find gasoline, as storm-related disruptions continue to affect fuel supplies in hard-hit areas, Herald-Tribune reports.

To ease the burden, Florida officials have opened fuel depots in several locations, offering residents up to 10 gallons of free gasoline per vehicle.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the initiative during a press conference at Port Manatee, highlighting the state’s efforts to replenish fuel supplies in affected areas.

“Since reopening fuel deliveries after the storm, 2,500 trucks have deployed from Port Tampa Bay, bringing 5 million gallons of fuel to the region — 2 million more than usual,” DeSantis said.

Fuel deliveries have surged across the state, with Port Canaveral alone delivering 12 million gallons since the storm, double its typical output. The governor praised the cooperation between private fuel companies and law enforcement, including the Florida Highway Patrol, which has escorted over 100 fuel tankers to ensure deliveries reach those in need.

In addition to the private sector’s efforts, Florida Disaster Emergency Management has set up 12 public fuel depots to provide free gas to residents. The depots are open daily, with most operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., while some have reduced hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Locations for Free Gas in Florida:

• Arcadia: South Florida State College – Desoto Center, 2251 NE Turner Ave (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
• Bradenton: Bradenton Motorsports Park, 21000 E. State Road 64 (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.); Tropicana Rail Yard, 1706 9th St E
• Largo: Mary Grizzle State Office, 11351 Ulmerton Rd (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
• North Port: Suncoast Technical College, 4445 Career Lane
• Plant City: Plant City Stadium, 1810 S Park Rd
• Port Charlotte: Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean
• Port Richey: Gulf View Mall, 9409 US-19 (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
• St. Petersburg: Central Lot – Parking Lot, 800 1st Ave S.
• Tampa: East Bay Raceway, 6311 Burts Rd
• Tarpon Springs: St. Pete College Tarpon Springs, 600 E Klosterman Rd
• Wesley Chapel: Wiregrass Mall, 28211 Paseo Dr (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.)

Residents in these affected areas can receive up to 10 gallons of fuel per car, free of charge, to help with transportation and recovery efforts.

Governor DeSantis credited the state’s budget surplus for enabling the fuel giveaways and reassured residents that Florida is committed to supporting communities in their recovery from Hurricane Milton.