Reports of water-contaminated fuel have left Tallahassee drivers with broken-down vehicles and costly repairs, prompting action from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
Two local gas stations, the Circle K on Thomasville Road and Gate in Southwood, were shut down in December 2024 following multiple complaints.
Carol Dawson, a Tallahassee resident, recounted her experience after filling her tank at the Circle K.
“I didn’t even make it home before my car started stalling,” Dawson said. “I had no idea what was happening. When I found out it was because of bad gas, I couldn’t believe it.”
FDACS Director of Consumer Services Rick Kimsey, explained that water contamination in fuel can occur due to mechanical issues, human error, or weather events.
“There are seals on the gas tank. Well, if a human doesn’t close the seal properly, or if a seal has worn out, those things happen,” Kimsey said. “Occasionally, water can get into the fuel.”
Heavy rain from hurricanes or severe weather can infiltrate underground fuel tanks. FDACS inspectors test fuel when it enters the state and again at retail locations to ensure its safety.
“The affected fuel was removed, and the stations are safe now,” Kimsey said. “Our priority is to figure out how it happened and prevent that from happening in the future.”
Despite these efforts, FDACS received only two formal complaints regarding the contamination, limiting the department’s ability to act quickly. Kimsey urged consumers to report issues to help prevent similar incidents.
“If they have any type of issue at a gas station, reach out to the department,” Kimsey said.
Larry Thompson, manager at Tallahassee Car Care, said his shop saw an increase in repairs related to the contamination. While he acknowledged fuel contamination is not new, he noted the unusual scale of this incident.
“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen fuel contamination, but I’ve never seen it cause two gas stations to shut down,” Thompson said. “It’s a bigger problem than people think, and it’s not always easy to fix the damage.”
Jasmine Lee, a Florida A&M University senior, said she narrowly avoided the issue after hearing about the contamination from friends.
“I was lucky my friends warned me before I stopped there, but it made me cautious about where I get gas now,” Lee said.
FDACS outlined steps for consumers who suspect their vehicle has been affected. Drivers are advised to contact the gas station’s customer service department, file a complaint with FDACS and request laboratory reports to assist with reimbursement claims.
Gas stations selling contaminated fuel face fines ranging from $500 to $5,000, depending on the severity of the violation and their efforts to resolve the issue.
Kimsey also advised drivers to avoid gas stations in flooded areas or those where multiple cars appear to be broken down.
“We hit a little over 4,000 gas stations in two days after the last hurricane to make sure there was no water infiltration,” Kimsey said.
As inspections continue, FDACS urges residents to report suspicious fuel to protect themselves and others.
“Awareness is key,” Kimsey said. “Consumers play a big role in ensuring these issues are reported and addressed quickly.”
The shutdowns at Circle K and Gate have left some drivers wary of their usual refueling spots. FDACS continues to investigate the incidents and encourages drivers to remain vigilant. For assistance or to report fuel contamination, residents can contact FDACS at 1-800-HELP-FLA or visit fdacs.gov.