Over the past twelve months, spanning from April 2025 to March 2026, electricity consumption in Florida has largely depended on fossil energy sources, accounting for more than 70% of the state’s electricity generation. Specifically, gas contributes almost 68% to this share, while coal accounts for a modest 4%. Within the low-carbon or clean energy segment, which makes up over 20% of the electricity mix, solar power stands out, generating almost 11% of the electricity, with utility-scale solar alone contributing nearly 9%. Nuclear energy provides a similarly significant share, generating around 10% of the state's electricity. Other contributors like net imports and biofuels have a considerably smaller impact. This distribution aligns with a prevailing global theme, where cleaner, more sustainable energy sources are gradually increasing their footprint, though significant reliance on fossil fuels persists.

Is Electricity Growing in Florida?

In terms of electricity growth, Florida demonstrates a positive yet modest progression. The latest figure for electricity consumption stands at 12,130 kWh per person, which shows a slight increase of 46 kWh compared to the previous record set in 2025. This indicates a slow but steady growth in electricity usage. A similar trend is seen in low-carbon electricity generation; the state saw an increase of 19 kWh per person compared to the year before, setting a new record at 2,714 kWh per person. While these improvements might not seem substantial, they are indeed a step in the right direction, underscoring the importance of continuous focus on expanding clean energy resources to not only meet increasing demand but also to tackle climate change effectively.

Suggestions

To further enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Florida could bolster its existing solar and nuclear capacity. Expansions, especially in solar energy, following the successful examples of Nevada and California, with their solar contributions of 34% and 31%, respectively, could prove advantageous. Additionally, learning from France and Slovakia's remarkable nuclear usage, which offer over 60% low-carbon electricity from nuclear alone, Florida might consider ramping up its nuclear projects. Such developments would position Florida as a leader in sustainable energy, advancing the state towards significant reductions in fossil fuel reliance and strengthening its resilience against the ramifications of climate change. This proactive approach would inspire others and showcase the economic and environmental benefits of investing heavily in clean energy.

History

In looking back at Florida's history of low-carbon electricity generation, the years have brought a mixed trajectory. The most recent data from the mid-2020s highlights small but meaningful changes: 2025 marked an impressive net increase in nuclear electricity generation by 1.5 TWh, accompanied by a modest rise in biofuel generation. However, this growth stalled slightly in 2026 with a drop in nuclear generation by 0.5 TWh. While the year 2024 witnessed a significant decline of 0.9 TWh in nuclear electricity, these fluctuations underscore the critical need for consistent improvements and investment in nuclear infrastructure to prevent potential declines. Maintaining momentum and seizing opportunities in solar and nuclear expansion will ensure Florida remains at the forefront of the clean energy movement in the coming decades.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Apr 2025 – Mar 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.