Emergency Advocacy Resource
ACTION KIT
Small Business Fuel Tax Relief Campaign • April 2026
Part 1: The Formal Advocacy Letter
Template - Ready to Copy
To: [Name of Chamber President/Board]
From: [Your Name], Owner of [Your Business Name]
Date: April 29, 2026
Subject: URGENT: Request for Small Business Fuel Tax Parity & Economic Relief
Dear [Name of Chamber Leader],
I am writing to you as a member of the local business community to request the Chamber’s formal support in advocating for Emergency Fuel Tax Relief.
As we navigate the record-high fuel prices of April 2026, small businesses with fewer than 50 employees are facing an unsustainable financial squeeze. While current Florida statutes allow "off-road" industries and mass transit to receive refunds on the **SCETS** and **Local Option taxes**, service-based small businesses with "on-road" fleets are currently excluded.
We request that the Chamber advocate for an immediate refund expansion and administrative streamlining to protect local jobs. We look forward to your leadership on this critical issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
The "Main Street" Fact Sheet
Fairness:Currently, golf course mowers receive tax relief while local delivery vans do not. We are asking for parity.
Inflation:Fuel taxes are a major driver of hidden inflation; a refund allows us to stabilize prices for our neighbors.
Impact:For a small fleet, these specific taxes represent thousands of dollars in monthly overhead better used for payroll.
Action Checklist
- Customize the Letter
- Email your County Commissioner
- Mobilize 3 neighboring businesses
- Track all fuel receipts for 2026
- Print to PDF / Download
Advocacy Campaign Resource • Issued April 29, 2026 • Florida Small Business Coalition
Executive White Paper: Expanding Fuel Tax Relief for Small Business Resilience
Date: April 2026
Subject: Emergency Expansion of State Fuel Surcharge Credits & SCETS Tax Refunds
Target Audience: State Legislators, Chambers of Commerce, and Small Business Advocacy Groups
I. Executive Summary
Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees currently face a disproportionate burden from record-high fuel costs, with diesel prices nearing historic records of $5.68 per gallon due to 2026 geopolitical tensions. Current state policy restricts fuel tax refunds primarily to "off-road" or "mass transit" sectors. This paper advocates for Emergency Fuel Surcharge Relief applicable to all small business operations, specifically targeting the refund of SCETS and local option taxes to stabilize the broader economy and protect consumer prices.
II. The Problem: The "Hidden Tariff" on Small Business
While large carriers can negotiate fuel hedges, small businesses—especially those with fleets of a dozen vehicles or fewer—lack this leverage.
Cost Squeeze: Major carriers like FedEx and UPS have pushed fuel surcharges above 26%, which acts as a "Tariff 2.0" for small merchants.
Operating Loss: For many small firms, a 20% increase in logistics costs is the difference between profit and loss.
Consumer Impact: Over 80% of small businesses see energy as a significant cost factor, forcing a majority to raise prices for end consumers.
III. Policy Proposal: Universal Small Business Fuel Credit
We propose an emergency amendment to current refund statutes (e.g., Florida Form DR-138) to include:
Broadened Eligibility: Extend the "refundable portion" of SCETS (9.9¢) and Local Option taxes (varying by county) to any business with <50 employees, regardless of whether the fuel use is on-road or off-road.
Fleet Stabilization: Allow a 100% refund on these specific tax components for small service fleets (delivery, electrical, plumbing) to prevent service surcharges from being passed to homeowners.
Administrative Simplicity: Utilize existing Department of Revenue filing systems to allow businesses to claim credits quarterly based on verified fuel invoices.
IV. Evidence of Success: Historical & Legislative Precedents
Job Retention: Targeted tax credits, such as the Rural Job Tax Credit, prove that reducing overhead for businesses with <50 employees is a proven method for maintaining local employment.
V. Economic Impact of Inaction
Without relief, small businesses are considering parking trucks or shutting down operations. A universal credit for small businesses would:
Support Cash Flow: Direct payments allow businesses to offset other expenses immediately.
Enhance Competitiveness: Lowering costs allows local firms to offer competitive pricing against larger, more resilient competitors.
This social media campaign is designed to be punchy, visual, and urgent. It frames the fuel tax as a "hidden tax" on every local service—from the plumber fixing a leak to the truck delivering groceries.
Campaign Theme: #FuelReliefForMainStreet
Post 1: The "Did You Know?" (The Hook)
Visual Idea: A split-screen graphic. Left side shows a landscaping mower (eligible for refund). Right side shows a small delivery van (NOT currently eligible).
Caption:
Did you know? ⛽️ In [State], big farms get fuel tax refunds, but the local florist delivering your bouquet doesn't.
With diesel hitting record highs, small businesses with fewer than 50 employees are getting squeezed by a "hidden tax" of over 30¢ per gallon in state and local fees. It’s time for Emergency Fuel Relief for ALL small biz—not just some.
👉 Click the link in our bio to tell your rep: No business should be left behind. #SmallBizStrong #GasTaxHoliday #MainStreetRelief
Post 2: The "Profit Killer" (The Hard Truth)
Visual Idea: A simple bar chart showing fuel costs in 2024 vs. 2026 for a fleet of 12 vehicles.
Caption:
Running a fleet of 12 trucks used to be a dream. In 2026, it’s a survival test. 🚛💨
Between SCETS taxes and local option fees, small fleets are paying thousands in taxes just to keep the lights on for our community. We’re calling for an immediate expansion of the state fuel credit to include on-road small business fleets.
Help us protect local jobs. Share this post if you support our local service heroes! 🛠️📦 #SupportLocal #FuelTaxRelief #EconomicResilience
Post 3: The "Local Impact" (The Call to Action)
Visual Idea: A photo of a local restaurant owner or contractor looking at a gas station price board ($5.60+).
Caption:
When fuel prices go up, everything goes up. 🍕🔨
Our local restaurants and contractors are facing a 26% fuel surcharge on every delivery. We are advocating for a state-level credit that puts that 30¢+ per gallon back into the pockets of "Main Street" owners.
How you can help:
1️⃣ Tag your local representative below.
2️⃣ Use the hashtag #FuelReliefForMainStreet.
3️⃣ Share your story—how has the 2026 fuel spike hit your business?
Post 4: The "Short & Punchy" (Twitter/X Style)
Text:
Small businesses <50 employees are the backbone of our economy, but they’re paying the highest price for the 2026 fuel spike. ⛽️📉
We need a universal fuel tax credit—including SCETS and local fees—for ALL small biz now.
Stop the squeeze. Support the bill. #FuelRelief #SmallBiz #MainStreet
Campaign Strategy Tips:
Tagging: Always tag the State Department of Revenue and the Governor’s official handle.
The "Tag a Business" Challenge: Encourage followers to tag their favorite local business that relies on a vehicle (plumbers, caterers, florists) to show the human face of the policy.
Timing: Post these on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings when engagement from business owners and policymakers is highest.
This Action Kit is designed as a "plug-and-play" document. Business owners can download, sign, and send it to your local Chamber of Commerce or State Representative to demand immediate legislative action.
ACTION KIT: Emergency Fuel Tax Relief for Small Business
Project: "Expand the Refund"
1. The Mission
Currently, state law (like Florida’s motor fuel statutes) allows "off-road" industries to get refunds on SCETS and Local Option taxes. We are demanding that this refund be temporarily expanded to ALL small businesses with <50 employees to combat the 2026 fuel price crisis.
2. The Message (For your Chamber of Commerce)
Copy and paste the text below into an email or onto your business letterhead.
To: [Name of Chamber President / Local Representative]
From: [Your Name/Business Name]
Subject: URGENT: Request for Small Business Fuel Tax Parity
As a local business owner with [Number] employees, the 2026 fuel spike is no longer just an "expense"—it is a threat to our survival. While some industries enjoy fuel tax refunds for off-road use, service-based small businesses with on-road fleets are being left behind.
We are calling for the following emergency measures:
Immediate Expansion: Amend the current fuel tax refund criteria to include on-road commercial vehicles for businesses with fewer than 50 employees.
Total Tax Recovery: Allow small businesses to claim the SCETS (9.9¢) and Local Option (up to 12¢) taxes currently built into every gallon.
Administrative Relief: Simplify the refund process to provide immediate cash flow to Main Street.
Fuel taxes are meant to build roads, but at $5.00+ per gallon, they are currently breaking small businesses. We ask for your formal support in advocating for this change at the state level.
[Your Signature]
3. Talking Points (For Meetings or Calls)
If you get a meeting with a policymaker, use these "Fast Facts":
The Squeeze: Small fleets (12 vehicles or fewer) lack the "volume discounts" big corporations use. We pay full price plus surcharges.
The Multiplier: When my fuel costs go up 30%, my customers' prices go up 10%. A tax refund prevents inflation for our neighbors.
The Precedent: Florida has done "Gas Tax Holidays" before. This isn't new; it’s just making the existing system fair for small service providers.
4. Social Media "Quick-Share" Graphic Text
STOP THE SQUEEZE ⛽️
30¢ of every gallon is state/local tax.
Big farms get it back.
Mass transit gets it back.
WHY NOT SMALL BUSINESS?
Demand #FuelReliefForMainStreet
5. Next Steps for the Business Owner
Print 5 Copies: Hand them to fellow business owners on your block.
Call the "Local Option": Call your County Commission; they have the power to influence how "Local Option" taxes are collected or waived during emergencies.
Document Everything: Start saving every fuel receipt from today. If the law passes, you’ll need them to claim your back-dated refund.
Here is the condensed Action Kit designed for quick distribution and immediate impact.
⚡️ Small Biz Fuel Relief: 1-Minute Action Kit
The Goal: Expand existing "off-road" fuel tax refunds to all small businesses (<50 employees) to offset the 2026 price surge.
1. The "Ask" (Copy/Paste Email)
To: [Local Rep / Chamber of Commerce]
Subject: Urgent: Small Business Fuel Tax Relief
Fuel taxes (SCETS & Local Option) currently total 30¢+ per gallon. Large agricultural and transit sectors already get these refunded. We are demanding this refund be expanded to all small businesses to prevent service price hikes and job losses. Please support an emergency "Main Street" fuel credit.
2. The "Elevator Pitch"
Fairness: If a tractor gets a tax refund, a local delivery van or plumber’s truck should too.
Inflation: High fuel taxes are a "hidden tariff" passed directly to local customers.
Survival: For a fleet of 12, recovering 30¢/gallon saves thousands in monthly overhead.
3. Social Media Blast
30¢ of every gallon is a state/local tax. ⛽️
Large industries get it back.
It’s time for #MainStreetRelief.
Expand the fuel tax credit to ALL small biz now!
#FuelReliefForSmallBiz #StopTheSqueeze
4. Pro Tip for Owners
Save your receipts starting TODAY. Legislative relief is often retroactive. You will need proof of every gallon purchased to claim your refund once the policy shifts.
Would you like the direct link to the current state refund portal so you can see the existing forms?