Propane Rates in Florida

rockhillmanor wrote:
Thanks for all the info.

YIKES! How in the world can propane prices not be regulated?

The tank had gas in it and I paid for that at closing.

When I called to put it in my name all the customer service person did was 'scream' at me that I owed that money and would not believe me I was the new owner and continued to scream about paying the bill. Wouldn't lert me get a word in edgewise that I was the new owner and not the previous customer so I hung up. :R

They came to repo the tank and I explained how I was treated on the phone and was wondering if I really wanted to do business with their company.

Truck driver said they use an overseas answering service and I wasn't the lone ranger on being treated that way. Said to wait until Monday when calls would be answered by the real office manager IN their office. He left the tank. But did add that I WOULD have to pay AGAIN for the propane that was left in the tank.

Propane is for hot water tank only and the tank is older but in good shape but I was just informed by the home owners insurance that I have to replace it.

Since when does a home owners insurance company's have the right to tell you you have to buy a new HWH?

Welcome to the wonderful world of Florida I guess!.....I think I am already starting to get homesick for Wisconsin and/or just buying an electric HWH and be done with all this! :B

First things first. Tell the supplier to get their tank out of there and stick the bill where the sun don't shine. Then find a good supplier. Most of the big guys are extremely difficult to do business with. The smaller independents are much more customer friendly.

As for regulation of propane prices, they are not regulated since it is not a public utility like NG or electric. The consumer can easily change suppliers and has options.
Where with NG and electric you are usually locked into a single supplier.

Just as a point of info, here in western PA we are currently paying $1.99 per gallon in 320 gal. and larger tanks. Smaller tanks are at a slight premium of 10-15 cents per gallon. Distances from supply points and other factors drive costs higher for some suppliers and can impact markets differently, but my experience in FL has been that they are expensive to buy from and there are few good reasons, except they sell less gallons annually and they can charge whatever their customers will pay. .