Natural gas is a major energy source across the United States, providing fuel for electricity generation, industrial processes, and residential heating. This hydrocarbon fuel is increasingly relied upon for its relative abundance and lower carbon emissions compared to other fossil fuels. Florida is one of the nation’s largest energy-consuming states, which raises questions about its capacity to produce this fuel and how it meets its substantial demand.
Current Status of Natural Gas Production in Florida
Florida’s local natural gas production is minimal, making the state almost entirely dependent on external sources. In 2023, the state’s total natural gas production was approximately 3.5 billion cubic feet, representing less than one-hundredth of one percent of the total United States output. This small amount of gas is generally a byproduct of the state’s limited crude oil extraction operations, primarily occurring in the Panhandle region at the Jay Field.
Much of the gas that is withdrawn is not sent to market, but is instead reinjected into the oil wells to maintain reservoir pressure. This process helps improve the overall recovery of crude oil from the field.
The state’s geology is not conducive to forming large, economically recoverable natural gas deposits. Furthermore, state and federal legislation prohibit drilling in the state waters of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, limiting any potential offshore production. Florida’s annual gas production peaked in 1978 but has steadily declined in the decades since, confirming its status as a non-producing energy state.
Natural Gas Consumption and Usage in Florida
Despite its lack of local production, Florida is heavily reliant on natural gas to power its economy and residential sectors. The fuel is overwhelmingly dominant in the state’s electric power generation portfolio. Natural gas fueled about 75% of Florida’s total net electricity generation in 2024, making it the primary fuel source for the state’s power plants.
Florida is the second-largest producer of electricity in the nation, and eight of its ten largest power plants utilize natural gas. This high dependence resulted from a long-term shift away from coal and oil-fired generation. The state also leads the country in the number of power generators that can switch between natural gas and fuel oil, providing flexibility for its energy grid.
Outside of electricity generation, the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors consume natural gas, though to a much smaller degree. Nearly 1 million customers use natural gas for appliances like water heaters and stoves. Due to the warm climate, demand for home heating is significantly lower than in northern states.
Florida’s Natural Gas Supply Infrastructure
Florida’s massive demand requires a robust supply system to import the fuel from other regions. This infrastructure consists primarily of a network of major interstate pipelines that transport gas across state lines. The imported gas originates mainly from the Gulf Coast region, including Texas and Louisiana, as well as production from the Appalachia region.
Three major interstate pipelines transport the bulk of the supply into Florida: the Florida Gas Transmission system, the Gulfstream Natural Gas System, and the Sabal Trail Transmission. These pipelines connect Florida to the broader national pipeline grid, allowing gas to flow into the state from distant supply hubs.
The imported gas is delivered to junction points, such as the Central Florida Hub, where it is distributed across the state through a series of intrastate pipelines. These smaller, in-state lines carry the gas to local distribution companies and directly to large consumers, including major power plants.