May 20, 2013 

Dear Florida BoatU.S. Member, 

Would you like the option of fueling your boat with ethanol-free gasoline? We need your help to make this easier in Florida. A state law passed in 2008 mandates that all gasoline sold in Florida contain 9 to 10 percent ethanol. Although there is an exception for fuel sold for use in boats, this law has made finding ethanol-free fuel more difficult. 

HB 4001, which would repeal the Florida ethanol mandate, has passed the Florida Legislature and now awaits Governor Scott’s signature. In order to sustain your ability to buy ethanol-free fuel for your boat and other small engines, we urge you to ask the Governor to sign HB 4001. 

BoatU.S. recognizes that renewable fuels are an important part of our nation’s overall energy future and that boaters over the past few years have had some challenges with ethanol. While there can be honest differences of opinion over the merits of using corn-based ethanol as a renewable fuel source, it is clear that many boaters still want options. 

A few important items to consider: 

• There are over 850,000 registered boats in Florida, most of which use gasoline.
• Recreational boating is a $10 billion per year industry in the state and employs 40,633 people.
• Although you can currently find ethanol-free fuel in some marinas, the state mandate has made it more difficult to find it at gas stations and convenience stores.
• While gasoline with ethanol may cost less than ethanol-free gasoline, it also contains less energy, requiring more trips to the pump. 

Please contact Governor Scott and urge him to sign HB 4001. Click here to use the easy BoatU.S. email system to send him your message. 

Sincerely,
Margaret Podlich
President, BoatU.S.

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