Floridians already face some of the highest living costs in the country, from homeowners insurance to groceries. Now, their electric bills may be next in line to surge.
Florida Power & Light (FPL), the state’s largest utility provider, has asked regulators to approve a series of base rate increases that could leave customers paying nearly $10 billion more between 2026 and 2029 compared with today’s rates. If approved, advocates say it would mark the largest utility rate hike in U.S. history.
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Florida residents could see their utility bills skyrocket
FPL filed its request with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), the state body that regulates utilities and decides how much companies like FPL can charge customers.
The company wants to roll out two base rate increases in 2026 and 2027, followed by additional hikes in 2028 and 2029. According to FPL, the higher rates are needed to pay for new solar and battery storage facilities and to ensure a more reliable power grid.
This proposal comes less than a year after the PSC approved $1.2 billion in rate increases to cover storm restoration costs. Back in 2021, regulators also signed off on nearly $5 billion in base rate hikes that are still being phased in through 2025.
There’s backlash already
A number of groups are speaking out against FPL’s proposed increases. Brooke Ward, senior Florida organizer for nonprofit Food & Water Watch, told CBS that FPL’s motives aren’t rooted in ensuring a reliable power grid. Rather, she said, “It’s about boosting profits.”
The Florida Office of Public Counsel agrees. Daniel J. Lawton, an economist from the group that reviewed FPL’s proposal said in recent testimony that “about 50 cents of every consumer dollar paid for base rate tariff electric service goes for shareholder return and associated federal income taxes.”
Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, told CBS that if the utility giant is going to ask for a $10 billion rate hike, it should include assistance programs for low-income families.
If the proposal is passed, Food & Water Watch estimates that Florida residents could see their bills rise by $11.52 per month in 2026 and $18.57 per month in 2027, adding up to more than $360 extra by the end of 2027.
FPL, for its part, says that even with the proposed hikes, its bills would remain roughly 25% below the projected national average.
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How Florida residents can prepare for utility hikes
If the PSC approves FPL’s request, Florida residents could begin seeing higher bills as soon as next year. That possibility is already worrying many retirees and households living on fixed incomes, who can feel a financial strain even from modest monthly increases.
The Center for American Progress says that almost 75% of Americans are worried about their utility costs rising further this year. As it is, Florida residents face the highest homeowners insurance costs than anywhere else in the country, according to a 2025 Insurify report.
FPL does offer assistance programs in partnership with local agencies across Florida. Those who are struggling to keep up with their costs can search for resources by county.
FPL also has some tips for Florida residents to lower their energy costs. These include:
Scheduling regular heating and air conditioning maintenance
Cleaning and replacing filters
Sealing gaps around doors and windows
Keeping vents clear to allow for better air flow
With Florida ranking among the top 10 states for highest electricity bills, with the average household paying $165.83 per month, every small saving can help.
Hearings with the Florida Public Service Commission began on August 11, with a final decision expected later this year. Until then, residents face an uncertain outlook: a future where keeping the lights on may cost considerably more.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
