Dyed Diesel Delivery in Florida — Off-Road Red Diesel
Dyed diesel (red diesel) is tax-exempt fuel for off-road equipment, generators, and agricultural machinery. BettyJet delivers dyed diesel across Florida with significant savings over on-road diesel.
What Is Dyed Diesel?
Dyed diesel — commonly called red diesel — is diesel fuel treated with a red dye (Solvent Red 26 or Solvent Red 164) to indicate it is exempt from federal and state road taxes. It is chemically identical to ULSD but legally restricted to off-road use only.
The IRS requires that all diesel fuel exempt from the federal excise tax of $0.244 per gallon be dyed with Solvent Red 26 or Solvent Red 164 at a concentration of at least 11.13 mg/L. This dye is detectable by inspectors using visual inspection or laboratory analysis — even in trace amounts after attempted dilution.
In Florida, dyed diesel is widely used by the agriculture industry, construction companies, and any operation that runs diesel equipment exclusively off public roads. The savings are significant: on a 5,000-gallon delivery, the federal tax exemption alone saves over $1,200, with additional savings from reduced Florida state taxes.
The penalties for using dyed diesel in on-road vehicles are severe. The IRS imposes a penalty of $10 per gallon or $1,000 per violation, whichever is greater. Florida state law adds additional fines. The IRS and Florida Department of Revenue conduct random roadside inspections where agents can test fuel directly from a vehicle's tank.
Businesses using both on-road and off-road equipment should maintain separate fuel storage tanks clearly labeled for dyed diesel and clear ULSD. Cross-contamination — even accidental — can trigger penalties during an inspection.
Common Uses for Dyed Diesel
Agricultural Equipment
Tractors, combines, harvesters, irrigation pumps, and all farm machinery operating on private agricultural land qualify for tax-exempt dyed diesel.
Learn more →Construction Equipment
Excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, skid steers, and generators operating at construction sites away from public roads.
Learn more →Stationary Generators
Backup generators, prime power generators, and temporary power units at commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Mining & Quarry Equipment
Heavy equipment operating in mines, quarries, and aggregate processing facilities use dyed diesel to avoid unnecessary road taxes.
Marine Vessels
Commercial and recreational boats may use dyed diesel in certain applications where the vessel does not operate on public waterways subject to road-fuel taxation.
Learn more →Dyed Diesel Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Sulfur Content | Less than 15 ppm (same as ULSD) |
| ASTM Standard | ASTM D975 No. 2-D S15 |
| Dye Additive | Solvent Red 26 or Solvent Red 164 |
| Tax Status | Exempt from federal excise tax ($0.244/gal) |
| Cetane Number | 40 minimum |
| Flash Point | 125°F (52°C) minimum |
| Legal Use | Off-road only |
| BTU Content | ~129,500 BTU per gallon |
How BettyJet Delivers Dyed Diesel
Delivery Method
Direct tanker delivery to your job site, farm, or facility. Available in full loads (7,500-8,500 gallons) and split loads.
Minimum Order
500 gallons (may vary by location)
Storage Notes
Store in clearly marked off-road fuel tanks. Many operators use separate tanks for dyed and clear diesel to avoid cross-contamination. Same storage best practices as ULSD — keep tanks full, minimize water intrusion.
Dyed Diesel vs On-Road ULSD
| Property | Dyed Diesel | On-Road ULSD |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Identical to ULSD | Standard ULSD |
| Federal Excise Tax | Exempt ($0.244/gal savings) | Taxed |
| Florida State Tax | Reduced or exempt | Full state tax |
| Legal Use | Off-road only | On-road and off-road |
| Color | Red-dyed | Clear/amber |
| Penalty for Misuse | $10/gal + $1,000 minimum fine | N/A |
Dyed Diesel Frequently Asked Questions
What is dyed diesel and why is it red?
Dyed diesel is standard diesel fuel treated with a red dye (Solvent Red 26 or 164) to mark it as tax-exempt. The red color allows IRS and state inspectors to identify fuel that has not been taxed for on-road use. The dye does not affect performance — it is chemically identical to clear ULSD.
Is it illegal to use dyed diesel on the road?
Yes. Using dyed diesel in on-road vehicles is a federal and state offense. The IRS can impose penalties of $10 per gallon or $1,000 per violation, whichever is greater. Florida also imposes additional state penalties. Inspectors can test fuel tanks during roadside checks.
Who qualifies for dyed diesel in Florida?
Any business or individual using diesel fuel exclusively for off-road purposes qualifies. This includes farmers, construction companies, generator operators, mining operations, and marine vessels. The fuel must not be used in vehicles operating on public highways.
How much do you save with dyed diesel vs regular diesel?
Dyed diesel saves you the federal excise tax of $0.244 per gallon plus applicable Florida state taxes. On a 5,000-gallon delivery, that can mean savings of $1,200 or more depending on current state tax rates.
Can BettyJet deliver dyed diesel to my farm in Florida?
Yes. BettyJet delivers dyed diesel to farms, ranches, groves, and agricultural operations across all 67 Florida counties. We serve rural and remote locations statewide. Call (813) 694-8898 for a quote.
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