View Petition to Suspend Federal Fuel Tax before Diesel goes to $6 per gallon!

 

 

 

 

Letter to Governor Desantis

 

May 14, 2026

The Honorable Ron DeSantis
Governor of Florida
The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

Dear Governor DeSantis,

I am writing as a constituent and a candidate for Florida's 14th Congressional District to formally propose a structured, data-driven consumer energy relief framework designed to protect Floridians during periods of extreme market volatility. Specifically, I urge your administration to champion legislation establishing an automated, conditional fuel tax holiday mechanism.

Our state’s families and businesses are experiencing severe pressure at the pump. According to current AAA fuel data, the Florida state average for regular unleaded gasoline has climbed to $4.39 per gallon, marking a four-year high. Regional factors, including shifting export market dynamics along the Gulf Coast, continue to pull local costs closer to volatile international levels, with prices in the Tampa Bay area mirroring these statewide surges.

Rather than relying on retroactive or manual legislative interventions, Florida would benefit from a predictable, emergency safety net that activates automatically upon reaching predefined market thresholds. I propose a framework structured as follows:

• Activation Trigger: An immediate suspension of the state fuel tax for a minimum duration of 60 days, enacted automatically the moment the state average for regular unleaded gasoline reaches $6.00 per gallon.

• Deactivation Clause: The suspension would remain in effect until the state average for regular unleaded gasoline drops below $5.50 per gallon and maintains that level for 30 consecutive days.

While current prices hover near $4.40, a surge to $6.00 per gallon represents an acute economic crisis that would severely impact working families, independent contractors, and statewide logistics networks. By establishing explicit, rule-based triggers, this policy provides market predictability, safeguards transportation infrastructure funding during normal price cycles, and delivers targeted fiscal relief precisely when extreme inflation threatens state commerce.

Thank you for your time, leadership, and consideration of this structural solution to safeguard Florida taxpayers against unprecedented energy inflation.

Respectfully yours,

Keith Varian
Candidate, U.S. House of Representatives (FL-14)
12308 Adventure Drive
Riverview, FL 33579

 

Letter to State Representative Brian Nathan, FL. District 14

 

Proposed Legislative Amendment to Florida statute 206.41

 

Subject: Legislative Proposal: Emergency Fuel Tax Relief for Service-Based Small Business Fleets

Date:5/14/2026

To: The Honorable Brian Nathan
701 West Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 2, Tampa, FL 33603

From:  Keith Varian ;Candidate FL-14 US House
12308 Adventure Dr, Riverview, Fl 33579

Dear Mr. Nathan

As a resident in your district, I am writing to propose a targeted legislative amendment to Florida Statute 206.41 aimed at protecting Florida’s service-based small businesses from catastrophic fuel price spikes.

The Proposal: The "Small Business Fuel Safety Valve"
I am formally requesting that you sponsor legislation to expand eligibility for refunds of the State Comprehensive Enhanced Transportation System (SCETS) tax and Local Option fuel taxes to include service-based small businesses with "on-road" fleets. Crucially, I propose this refund be triggered only when the average price of gasoline or diesel reaches or exceeds $6.00 per gallon.

Why This Is Necessary
Currently, "off-road" industries like agriculture and commercial fishing enjoy fuel tax refunds regardless of the economy. Meanwhile, service-based businesses—such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and local delivery—are excluded because our fleets operate on-road.

In the current 2026 economic climate, fuel is no longer just a "cost of doing business"; it has become an existential threat. When prices hit $6.00 per gallon, the tax burden on a service fleet forces us to either raise prices for Florida families or operate at a loss.

Key Features of the Amendment:

Emergency Trigger: Relief is not a permanent handout; it is a temporary "safety valve" activated only when fuel costs hit the $6.00/gallon threshold.

Targeted Relief: Eligibility would be restricted to Florida-based small businesses (defined by employee count or revenue) with fleets used for essential home and commercial services.

Fiscal Responsibility: By using a price trigger, the State Transportation Trust Fund remains fully funded during normal price cycles, ensuring our roads and bridges are still maintained.

The Impact on your District
By supporting this trigger-based refund, you are providing a critical lifeline to the local entrepreneurs who keep Florida’s infrastructure running. This policy prevents inflationary price hikes for consumers and ensures that small businesses aren't the only ones left without relief when global energy markets become volatile.

Fairness:Currently, golf course mowers receive tax relief while local delivery vans do not. We are asking for parity.

Inflation:Fuel taxes are a major driver of hidden inflation; a refund allows us to stabilize prices for our neighbors.

Impact:For a small fleet, these specific taxes represent thousands of dollars in monthly overhead better used for payrol

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this "Safety Valve" model with you or your staff. Thank you for your commitment to Florida’s working small businesses.

Sincerely,

Keith Varian
Candidate FL-14 US House

 

 

 

Emergency Advocacy Resource

ACTION KIT

Small Business Fuel Tax Relief Campaign • April 2026

Part 1: The Formal Advocacy Letter

Template - Ready to Copy

To: [Name of Chamber President/Board]

From: [Your Name], Owner of [Your Business Name]

Date: April 29, 2026

Subject: URGENT: Request for Small Business Fuel Tax Parity & Economic Relief

Dear [Name of Chamber Leader],

I am writing to you as a member of the local business community to request the Chamber’s formal support in advocating for Emergency Fuel Tax Relief.

As we navigate the record-high fuel prices of April 2026, small businesses with fewer than 50 employees are facing an unsustainable financial squeeze. While current Florida statutes allow "off-road" industries and mass transit to receive refunds on the **SCETS** and **Local Option taxes**, service-based small businesses with "on-road" fleets are currently excluded.

We request that the Chamber advocate for an immediate refund expansion and administrative streamlining to protect local jobs. We look forward to your leadership on this critical issue.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]

The "Main Street" Fact Sheet

Fairness:Currently, golf course mowers receive tax relief while local delivery vans do not. We are asking for parity.

Inflation:Fuel taxes are a major driver of hidden inflation; a refund allows us to stabilize prices for our neighbors.

Impact:For a small fleet, these specific taxes represent thousands of dollars in monthly overhead better used for payroll.

Action Checklist

1. Customize the Letter
2. Email your County Commissioner
3. Mobilize 3 neighboring businesses
4. Track all fuel receipts for 2026
5. Print to PDF / Download

Advocacy Campaign Resource • Issued April 29, 2026 • Florida Small Business Coalition

 

 

 

Executive White Paper: Expanding Fuel Tax Relief for Small Business Resilience

 

Date: April 2026
Subject: Emergency Expansion of State Fuel Surcharge Credits & SCETS Tax Refunds
Target Audience: State Legislators, Chambers of Commerce, and Small Business Advocacy Groups

I. Executive Summary

Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees currently face a disproportionate burden from record-high fuel costs, with diesel prices nearing historic records of $5.68 per gallon due to 2026 geopolitical tensions. Current state policy restricts fuel tax refunds primarily to "off-road" or "mass transit" sectors. This paper advocates for Emergency Fuel Surcharge Relief applicable to all small business operations, specifically targeting the refund of SCETS and local option taxes to stabilize the broader economy and protect consumer prices.

II. The Problem: The "Hidden Tariff" on Small Business

While large carriers can negotiate fuel hedges, small businesses—especially those with fleets of a dozen vehicles or fewer—lack this leverage.

Cost Squeeze: Major carriers like FedEx and UPS have pushed fuel surcharges above 26%, which acts as a "Tariff 2.0" for small merchants.

Operating Loss: For many small firms, a 20% increase in logistics costs is the difference between profit and loss.

Consumer Impact: Over 80% of small businesses see energy as a significant cost factor, forcing a majority to raise prices for end consumers.

III. Policy Proposal: Universal Small Business Fuel Credit

We propose an emergency amendment to current refund statutes (e.g., Florida Form DR-138) to include:

Broadened Eligibility: Extend the "refundable portion" of SCETS (9.9¢) and Local Option taxes (varying by county) to any business with <50 employees, regardless of whether the fuel use is on-road or off-road.

Fleet Stabilization: Allow a 100% refund on these specific tax components for small service fleets (delivery, electrical, plumbing) to prevent service surcharges from being passed to homeowners.

Administrative Simplicity: Utilize existing Department of Revenue filing systems to allow businesses to claim credits quarterly based on verified fuel invoices.

IV. Evidence of Success: Historical & Legislative Precedents

Job Retention: Targeted tax credits, such as the Rural Job Tax Credit, prove that reducing overhead for businesses with <50 employees is a proven method for maintaining local employment.

V. Economic Impact of Inaction

Without relief, small businesses are considering parking trucks or shutting down operations. A universal credit for small businesses would:

Support Cash Flow: Direct payments allow businesses to offset other expenses immediately.

Enhance Competitiveness: Lowering costs allows local firms to offer competitive pricing against larger, more resilient competitors.

 

 

This social media campaign is designed to be punchy, visual, and urgent. It frames the fuel tax as a "hidden tax" on every local service—from the plumber fixing a leak to the truck delivering groceries.

Campaign Theme: #FuelReliefForMainStreet

Post 1: The "Did You Know?" (The Hook)

Visual Idea: A split-screen graphic. Left side shows a landscaping mower (eligible for refund). Right side shows a small delivery van (NOT currently eligible).
Caption:
Did you know? ⛽️ In [State], big farms get fuel tax refunds, but the local florist delivering your bouquet doesn't.

With diesel hitting record highs, small businesses with fewer than 50 employees are getting squeezed by a "hidden tax" of over 30¢ per gallon in state and local fees. It’s time for Emergency Fuel Relief for ALL small biz—not just some.

👉 Click the link in our bio to tell your rep: No business should be left behind. #SmallBizStrong #GasTaxHoliday #MainStreetRelief

Post 2: The "Profit Killer" (The Hard Truth)

Visual Idea: A simple bar chart showing fuel costs in 2024 vs. 2026 for a fleet of 12 vehicles.
Caption:
Running a fleet of 12 trucks used to be a dream. In 2026, it’s a survival test. 🚛💨

Between SCETS taxes and local option fees, small fleets are paying thousands in taxes just to keep the lights on for our community. We’re calling for an immediate expansion of the state fuel credit to include on-road small business fleets.

Help us protect local jobs. Share this post if you support our local service heroes! 🛠️📦 #SupportLocal #FuelTaxRelief #EconomicResilience

Post 3: The "Local Impact" (The Call to Action)

Visual Idea: A photo of a local restaurant owner or contractor looking at a gas station price board ($5.60+).
Caption:
When fuel prices go up, everything goes up. 🍕🔨

Our local restaurants and contractors are facing a 26% fuel surcharge on every delivery. We are advocating for a state-level credit that puts that 30¢+ per gallon back into the pockets of "Main Street" owners.

How you can help:
1️⃣ Tag your local representative below.
2️⃣ Use the hashtag #FuelReliefForMainStreet.
3️⃣ Share your story—how has the 2026 fuel spike hit your business?

Post 4: The "Short & Punchy" (Twitter/X Style)

Text:
Small businesses <50 employees are the backbone of our economy, but they’re paying the highest price for the 2026 fuel spike. ⛽️📉

We need a universal fuel tax credit—including SCETS and local fees—for ALL small biz now.

Stop the squeeze. Support the bill. #FuelRelief #SmallBiz #MainStreet

Campaign Strategy Tips:

Tagging: Always tag the State Department of Revenue and the Governor’s official handle.

The "Tag a Business" Challenge: Encourage followers to tag their favorite local business that relies on a vehicle (plumbers, caterers, florists) to show the human face of the policy.

Timing: Post these on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings when engagement from business owners and policymakers is highest.

 

 

This Action Kit is designed as a "plug-and-play" document. Business owners can download, sign, and send it to your local Chamber of Commerce or State Representative to demand immediate legislative action.

ACTION KIT: Emergency Fuel Tax Relief for Small Business

Project: "Expand the Refund"

1. The Mission

Currently, state law (like Florida’s motor fuel statutes) allows "off-road" industries to get refunds on SCETS and Local Option taxes. We are demanding that this refund be temporarily expanded to ALL small businesses with <50 employees to combat the 2026 fuel price crisis.

2. The Message (For your Chamber of Commerce)

Copy and paste the text below into an email or onto your business letterhead.

To: [Name of Chamber President / Local Representative]
From: [Your Name/Business Name]
Subject: URGENT: Request for Small Business Fuel Tax Parity

As a local business owner with [Number] employees, the 2026 fuel spike is no longer just an "expense"—it is a threat to our survival. While some industries enjoy fuel tax refunds for off-road use, service-based small businesses with on-road fleets are being left behind.

We are calling for the following emergency measures:

Immediate Expansion: Amend the current fuel tax refund criteria to include on-road commercial vehicles for businesses with fewer than 50 employees.

Total Tax Recovery: Allow small businesses to claim the SCETS (9.9¢) and Local Option (up to 12¢) taxes currently built into every gallon.

Administrative Relief: Simplify the refund process to provide immediate cash flow to Main Street.

Fuel taxes are meant to build roads, but at $5.00+ per gallon, they are currently breaking small businesses. We ask for your formal support in advocating for this change at the state level.

[Your Signature]

3. Talking Points (For Meetings or Calls)

If you get a meeting with a policymaker, use these "Fast Facts":

The Squeeze: Small fleets (12 vehicles or fewer) lack the "volume discounts" big corporations use. We pay full price plus surcharges.

The Multiplier: When my fuel costs go up 30%, my customers' prices go up 10%. A tax refund prevents inflation for our neighbors.

The Precedent: Florida has done "Gas Tax Holidays" before. This isn't new; it’s just making the existing system fair for small service providers.

4. Social Media "Quick-Share" Graphic Text

STOP THE SQUEEZE ⛽️
30¢ of every gallon is state/local tax.
Big farms get it back.
Mass transit gets it back.
WHY NOT SMALL BUSINESS?
Demand #FuelReliefForMainStreet

5. Next Steps for the Business Owner

Print 5 Copies: Hand them to fellow business owners on your block.

Call the "Local Option": Call your County Commission; they have the power to influence how "Local Option" taxes are collected or waived during emergencies.

Document Everything: Start saving every fuel receipt from today. If the law passes, you’ll need them to claim your back-dated refund.

 

Here is the condensed Action Kit designed for quick distribution and immediate impact.

⚡️ Small Biz Fuel Relief: 1-Minute Action Kit

The Goal: Expand existing "off-road" fuel tax refunds to all small businesses (<50 employees) to offset the 2026 price surge.

1. The "Ask" (Copy/Paste Email)

To: [Local Rep / Chamber of Commerce]
Subject: Urgent: Small Business Fuel Tax Relief

Fuel taxes (SCETS & Local Option) currently total 30¢+ per gallon. Large agricultural and transit sectors already get these refunded. We are demanding this refund be expanded to all small businesses to prevent service price hikes and job losses. Please support an emergency "Main Street" fuel credit.

2. The "Elevator Pitch"

Fairness: If a tractor gets a tax refund, a local delivery van or plumber’s truck should too.

Inflation: High fuel taxes are a "hidden tariff" passed directly to local customers.

Survival: For a fleet of 12, recovering 30¢/gallon saves thousands in monthly overhead.

3. Social Media Blast

30¢ of every gallon is a state/local tax. ⛽️
Large industries get it back.
It’s time for #MainStreetRelief.
Expand the fuel tax credit to ALL small biz now!
#FuelReliefForSmallBiz #StopTheSqueeze

4. Pro Tip for Owners

Save your receipts starting TODAY. Legislative relief is often retroactive. You will need proof of every gallon purchased to claim your refund once the policy shifts.

 

 

Petition to Establish Volatilty Buffer

 

BEFORE THE FLORIDA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

In re: Petition of [Your Name/Company Name] to initiate rulemaking to establish a Volatility Buffer for Small Commercial accounts.

PETITION TO INITIATE RULEMAKING [1]

Pursuant to Section 120.54(7), Florida Statutes, and Rule 28-106.301, F.A.C., [Petitioner Name] (Petitioner) hereby petitions the Florida Public Service Commission (Commission) to initiate rulemaking to amend or create rules governing fuel-adjustment charges for small commercial accounts. [1]

1. Identification of Petitioner

Name: [Your Name or Business Name]

Address: [Your Florida Business Address]

Phone/Email: [Your Contact Info]

2. Affected Agency
The agency affected is the Florida Public Service Commission, 2540 Shumard Oak Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32399. [1]

3. Statement of Substantial Interest
Petitioner is a small commercial ratepayer in Florida. Petitioner's substantial interests are affected by current uncapped fuel-adjustment charges, which cause unpredictable monthly bill spikes, making financial planning impossible and threatening business viability. [1]

4. Proposed Rule Language (The "Volatility Rule")
The Petitioner proposes that the Commission adopt the following stabilization measures for Small Commercial (GS-1/GSD-1) rate classes:

Rate Cap: Monthly total bill increases resulting from fuel-cost recovery shall be capped at 5% per quarter.

Mandatory Amortization: Any fuel under-recovery exceeding 10% of the projected cost must be recovered over a minimum period of 18 months rather than immediately.

Risk Sharing: Utilities shall be responsible for 10% of fuel costs that exceed the PSC-approved projection by more than 15%.

5. Facts Supporting the Need for Rulemaking

Small businesses lack the hedging resources of industrial users to manage sudden 20–40% utility bill hikes.

Current automatic pass-through mechanisms prioritize utility liquidity over consumer affordability, contrary to the "fair and reasonable" mandate. 

6. Request for Relief
Petitioner requests that the Commission initiate a rulemaking proceeding to formally adopt these protections for small commercial accounts. [1]

Respectfully submitted,
[Signature]
[Date]

Next Steps for Filing

Format for E-Filing: Convert your final document to a PDF and leave a 1x2 inch blank space on the upper right-hand corner of the first page for the Clerk's timestamp.

Submit Online: Use the FPSC Electronic Filing Web Form to upload your petition.

Deliver Copies: Send a copy of the petition to the Office of Public Counsel (OPC) and your local state representative to ensure they are aware of the formal filing. 

 

 

To gain support for your petition, you should send a concise, one-page cover letter to your State Representative. In Florida, this is particularly effective right now as the Senate Regulated Industries Committee is actively considering utility reform through bills like CS/SB 126.

You can also send a copy of this letter to the Florida Office of Public Counsel (OPC) at their contact page, as they represent consumers in rate cases.

[Your Name/Business Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip]
[Date]

The Honorable [Representative's Name]
The Florida House of Representatives
[District Office Address]

 

RE: Support for Small Business Utility Stability – Proposed Volatility Rule

Dear Representative [Representative’s Last Name],

As your constituent and a local small business owner in [Your City], I am writing to ask for your support regarding a formal Petition to Initiate Rulemaking I have filed with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). My proposal establishes a "Volatility Buffer" to protect small commercial accounts from the devastating impact of uncapped fuel-adjustment charges.

Currently, Florida utilities can pass 100% of fuel price spikes directly to small businesses through "Mid-Course Corrections". Over the last few years, these automatic hikes have contributed to some of the highest utility bills in the country, with some Florida businesses seeing increases as high as 86% since 2020.

My proposed rule aligns with the goals of SB 126, currently moving through the legislature, by:

Capping monthly bill increases from fuel-cost recovery at 5% per quarter.

Mandating amortization of large fuel under-recoveries to prevent overnight bill spikes.

Implementing risk-sharing where utilities absorb a portion of fuel costs that vastly exceed projections.

Small businesses are the backbone of Florida’s economy, yet we lack the financial hedges available to large industrial users to manage these volatile swings. I request that you contact the PSC to signal your support for this rulemaking and consider introducing similar protections into the current session's energy reform legislation.

 

I have attached a copy of my formal petition for your review. I look forward to hearing your position on this critical issue for our district's small business community.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Your Business Name]

Action Tips

Find Your Representative: Use the Florida House Representative Finder to get the correct name and office address for your district.

Mention SB 126: Referencing this specific bill shows you are informed about the current legislative cycle and makes your request more "actionable" for the Representative’s staff.

Personalize the Stats: If your own business's electric bill has doubled or significantly impacted your ability to hire, add a single sentence with that specific dollar impact to paragraph three.

Would you like to find the specific email addresses for the members of the House Commerce Committee who oversee these utility regulations?

 

American Civil Liberties Unionhttps://www.aclu.org

Writing Your Elected Representatives - ACLU

Keep it brief: Letters should never be longer than one page, and should be limited to one issue. Legislative aides read many lette...

ACLU of Floridahttps://www.aclufl.org

Write Your Legislator - ACLU of Florida

 

Sep 10, 2020 — um districts have become less competitive. and members have become less competitive for their votes. um that's a whole other. thin...

 

For the 2024-2026 Legislative Term, the Florida House Commerce Committee is chaired by Representative James Buchanan. This committee oversees many of the regulations affecting utility rates and business infrastructure.

ey members of the committee, along with their official email addresses.

Commerce Committee Leadership 

James Buchanan (Chair, R): james.buchanan@flhouse.gov

Juan Carlos Porras (Vice Chair, R): juancarlos.porras@flhouse.gov

Christine Hunschofsky (Democratic Ranking Member, D): christine.hunschofsky@flhouse.gov

Chase Tramont (Republican Committee Whip, R): chase.tramont@flhouse.gov

Selected Committee Members

A list of other committee members can be found on the official Florida House site. Generally, member emails follow the firstname.lastname@flhouse.gov format. 

 

House Committee on Energy and Commerce (.gov)·https://energycommerce.house.gov

House Committee on Energy and Commerce

The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives 

Florida House of Representatives (.gov)·https://www.flhouse.gov

 

 

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