What to Compare
Florida has two primary natural gas distribution utilities — Florida City Gas (serving South Florida) and Peoples Gas (serving Central and West Florida including Tampa Bay). Like electric utilities, you can't choose between them — your address determines your provider.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Florida City Gas
Features and considerations
- Serves Miami-Dade, Broward, and parts of South Florida — dense service territory
- Natural gas rates generally stable and competitive in South Florida market
- New construction service connection available in most Miami metro municipalities
- Customer service centers accessible in South Florida for billing and service issues
Limits and questions
- Service territory limited to South Florida — does not serve Tampa, Orlando, or North Florida
- Expansion to newer subdivisions can be slow relative to electric service availability
- South Florida's aging distribution infrastructure in some neighborhoods
- Hurricane season can affect gas service restoration timing in severe flood events
Peoples Gas (Tampa Electric subsidiary)
Features and considerations
- Serves Tampa Bay, Orlando area, Jacksonville, and much of Central/North Florida
- Peoples Gas expansion programs available in many Central Florida growth corridors
- Natural gas pool heaters, generators, and tankless water heaters widely supported
- Active conversion programs to help homeowners switch from propane to natural gas
Limits and questions
- Natural gas not available in all Florida counties — many rural areas remain propane-only
- Some Tampa Bay neighborhoods report slow new service installation timelines
- Does not serve South Florida markets
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Florida City Gas | Peoples Gas (Tampa Electric subsidiary) | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Service Area | Confirm current Florida City Gas availability for your address. | Confirm current Peoples Gas (Tampa Electric subsidiary) availability for your address. |
| Parent Company | NextEra Energy (FPL parent) | TECO Energy (Emera) |
| Residential Rate Structure | Tiered with monthly customer charge | Tiered with monthly customer charge |
| New Construction Connections | Available in dense South FL areas | Available in major Central FL growth areas |
| Pool Heater Support | Yes | Yes |
| Whole-Home Generator Fuel | Yes — natural gas line connection | Yes — widely used for Generac installs |
| Appliance Rebates | Ask the Florida City Gas provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the Peoples Gas (Tampa Electric subsidiary) provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
| Hurricane Restoration | Ask the Florida City Gas provider to document hurricane restoration for the exact offer. | Ask the Peoples Gas (Tampa Electric subsidiary) provider to document hurricane restoration for the exact offer. |
| Rural Coverage | Confirm current Florida City Gas availability for your address. | Confirm current Peoples Gas (Tampa Electric subsidiary) availability for your address. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural gas for a whole-home standby generator in Florida?
Yes, and it's one of the most popular fuel choices for Generac and Kohler standby generators in Florida. Both Florida City Gas and Peoples Gas permit natural gas generator connections in their service territories, though you'll need a licensed gas contractor to run the supply line and pass a pressure test. In areas without utility gas service, propane tanks are the alternative.
Is natural gas available in my Florida neighborhood?
Utility natural gas service is not available everywhere in Florida. It is concentrated in urban and suburban areas with existing distribution infrastructure. To check availability, enter your address on Florida City Gas (floridacitygas.com) or Peoples Gas (peoplesgas.com) website service availability tools. Many rural Florida counties rely entirely on propane (LP gas) or electricity for cooking, heating, and water heating. New subdivisions in growth corridors often have natural gas service installed during construction — ask your builder before contract.
Is natural gas or electric better for appliances in a Florida home?
For most Florida homes, the answer is mixed. With Florida's solar incentives, a home that goes solar may find all-electric appliances (heat pump water heater, induction cooking) more economical than maintaining a gas account. Many Florida homeowners keep gas for the range and water heater while electrifying everything else.
Consumer resources
Use these official resources when evaluating an offer. They provide general guidance and do not establish a winner between these options.
- FTC: checking home-repair offers and written agreements — General consumer guidance; not evidence of either brand's price or performance.