According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, natural gas accounts for approximately 75% of Florida’s electricity production.
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The Sunshine State’s energy landscape distinguishes it from much of the country. While the United States as a whole relies on a diverse mix, including natural gas, coal, nuclear and renewables, Florida’s energy generation profile stands out because of its geography, population growth and climate-driven energy demands.
A Heavy Reliance on Natural Gas
Florida leans heavily on natural gas for electricity generation. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, natural gas accounts for approximately 75% of Florida’s electricity production, compared with the national average of around 40%. This heavy reliance results from Florida’s lack of coal and oil and from an extensive pipeline infrastructure that efficiently transports natural gas from out-of-state suppliers. Natural gas is favored for its cost-effectiveness and lower carbon emissions than coal.
The Role of Nuclear Power
Another distinctive feature of Florida’s energy landscape is its significant investment in nuclear power, which contributes about 12% of the state’s electricity, compared with the national average of approximately 18%. Florida has two major nuclear power plants: Turkey Point near Miami and St. Lucie on the Atlantic coast. These facilities provide stable, low-emission energy to meet the demands of Florida’s rapidly growing population.
Renewable Energy Falls a Little Short
Despite its sunny climate, Florida has been slower to adopt solar power than such states as California and Texas. Solar energy makes up 6% to 7% of the state’s electricity generation, below the national average of approximately 12%. But utility companies such as Florida Power & Light have made significant investments in solar farms in recent years to increase the state’s renewable energy capacity.
Lack of Coal and Hydropower Â
Unlike states in the Midwest and Appalachia, Florida has virtually eliminated coal from its energy mix. Coal accounts for less than 3% of the state’s power generation. Additionally, because of its flat terrain, Florida lacks significant hydropower resources, which are a major energy source in mountainous states.
