Governor DeSantis is providing free gas in Florida amid the aftermath of Hurricane Milton

Florida will give out millions of gallons of free gas after the Sunshine State was hit by Hurricane Milton, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Saturday.

The fuel is already being distributed at three locations, the governor said, adding that additional locations would open later Saturday, including at the Port of Tampa, Politico reported.

The news comes after locals lined up to get fuel and DeSantis faced criticism over shortages after Florida was hit by two storms in as many weeks – the first, Hurricane Helene, making landfall on September 26.

Residents in need could receive up to 10 gallons of fuel for free from designated distribution centers already set up in Plant City, Bradenton and St. Petersburg, De Santis said. Additional locations are planned for Tampa, Sarasota and a third possibly in Pinellas County, the news site reported.

Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said the handout was intended for those who are “financially struggling” and said people who can afford gas should continue to go to gas stations because it is a quicker option.

Nearly a third of Florida gas stations were out of fuel as of Friday afternoon, the outlet reported, citing fuel tracking site GasBuddy.

State troopers were deployed to escort tankers to distribute gasoline, and dozens of distribution sites were set up in 14 counties to bring meals, water, ice and tarps to locals.

Guthrie said he expects the government to approve several programs to help locals create new housing or renovate their current homes.

The governor told the media at a fuel depot set up in Plant City: “We just want people to get what they need.”

Category 5 Milton hit the state’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday, accompanied by dozens of tornadoes, torrential rain and strong winds – all causing power outages for more than 4 million people and at least 17 deaths.

According to government reports, more than 1.5 million people still had power restored as of midday Saturday.