What Tampa Bay Gas Prices Could Look Like In 2024

Finding a good deal on gas prices in 2024 is hard to come by. Since 2020, prices have been up and down with little to no consistency making it hard to find a good deal. With the help of Gas Buddy, we have some insight into when gas prices could fall and where to find the lowest gas prices in Tampa Bay.

The days of low gas prices in Florida came to an end in 2020. Between 2015 to 2020, Florida’s average gas prices were steadily between $1.73 and $2.70 per gallon. In 2020, Florida saw prices as low as $1.78 per gallon and by 2022, we saw prices as high as $4.72 per gallon.

Personally, I don't buy into EVs, but many people across Florida are making the jump to electric vehicles as the push for "clean energy" becomes more prevalent and oil prices rise.  In 2022, Florida had 167,990 registered electric vehicles which was up from 58,160 at the end of 2020. An EV may save you money on gas, but the repairs, taxes, and charging costs might not be worth the switch. 

Spring Break is right around the corner, so if you’re looking for some relief at the pump, keep on wishing. According to Parick De Haan, Gas Buddy Analyst, we can expect to see the largest weekly increases in gas prices “likely coming in March and April.” 

Stacker shared their thoughts on why gas prices have been affected over the past week. In Billings, Montana there was a reported fire at the Phillips 66 refinery. In Indiana, there was an electricity failure that took out the BP refinery, and cold weather across the country also took out a few refineries within the week causing prices to make a jump.

Currently in Tampa Bay, the average gas price is $3.10 with an average of $3.14 for the state of Florida as of 2/13/24.  According to GasBuddy, the average price is down about 24.3 cents per gallon from where they were this time, a year ago.

Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesman said, "Florida gas prices have recently followed a cycle where they decline for about two weeks, then shoot back up again. That trend, plus a recent uptick in futures prices, will likely lead to a jump at the pump, possibly as early as Monday afternoon.” Gas prices have been on the decline for 10 days straight, but if Jenkins is right, expect to be paying more soon.

Filling up your tank in 2024 is like playing the stock market. If you’re looking to save the most on gas, here’s where to look right now for the lowest gas prices in Tampa Bay. You’ll want to use cash to save the most. (Prices as 2/13/2024)

Here are the top 10 vehicles targeted for catalytic converter theft in Florida. Throughout the state of Florida there is a new theft epidemic on the rise and that is catalytic converters. To be honest, it makes sense as there are nearly 22 million people living in Florida. It shouldn’t come as a surprise since some of the models on this list are the most popular cars in the state, but what are Florida lawmakers doing to help curb this?

There is a new law being proposed in Florida that would make it a third degree felony to buy, possess or sell any stolen catalytic converters. Thieves can take the “cats” (catalytic converter) in about a minute and this bill will head to the House for a vote.

Carfax  released the list of the 10 top vehicles targeted for catalytic converter theft in Florida and all regions of the United States.

Catalytic converters contain metals such as rhodium, palladium, and platinum which can be turned around and sold for thousands of dollars. To put this into perspective, currently (at the time of writing this) rhodium is selling for $4,200.00 and gold is selling for $1913.00. 

If someone does steal your catalytic converter, you’ll know immediately because it will be very loud! The catalytic converter passes air from the engine and out through the muffler. You may also experience darker exhaust and you will might a warning light on the dash telling you something isn’t right.

One of the best ways to keep you and your vehicle safe from thieves is to know your surroundings. Remember to park your vehicles in a well lit area especially if you have fleet vehicles for business. You can even install a catalytic converter anti theft device and if you want to take that extra step. Carfax suggests etching you VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the converter itself.

Now that we've given some background on what you can do to prevent your vehicles' catalytic converters from theft, lets get into this list on the top 10 vehicles targeted for catalytic converter theft in Florida.

One of the hottest rucks on the market for consumers at the moment. Be sure to park in a well lit area if you have a new Tacoma.

These big family vehicles are easy targets for thieves. Make sure you know your surroundings before parking these trucks.

The first of two Chevy's on this list .. welcome the Traverse. These are becoming more and more popular as a family adventure SUV. If you're taking a Travers eon a road trip make sure to park near cameras or lights in the hotel parking lot.

If you're parking this truck in your driveway, use a motion sensor camera to help keep it safe. If your truck sounds much louder you'll know if your catalytic converter was stolen.

One of the most popular SUVs in America and for law enforcement officers. Definitely watch where you park with this one!

If you own a business or use these vans for fleet, keep your eyes peeled on the jobsite. Fleet vehicles are among the highest targets for thieves.

The only Kia on the list, but coming in at number four, if you have one of these be sure to check your surroundings!

A very popular sedan in Florida and a daily commuter. Make sure you're parking in your garage if you have one or near a motion camera in your driveway.

Up 57 spots from 2021, the Outlander is the second most popular vehicle thieves target when stealing catalytic converters.

The number one selling truck in Florida tops another chart, but for being poplar for the wrong reason. If you have any F series trucks you'll want to remain on high alert and if you think you've had your catalytic converter stolen, turn the engine over and listen for a change in your exhaust sound.