Florida, rapidly becoming a leader in electric vehicle adoption, currently ranks second in the US for EV registrations. While state-wide EV tax credits or rebates are not available, significant incentives, particularly the Fpl Electric Car Program, alongside federal tax credits and utility-based rebates, make EV ownership increasingly attractive in the Sunshine State. This guide delves into the landscape of Florida EV incentives, with a special focus on programs like the FPL Electric Car Program, designed to accelerate EV adoption and enhance the charging infrastructure across the state.
Understanding Federal Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles
Florida residents considering purchasing an electric vehicle can take advantage of federal incentives. The Clean Vehicle Tax Credit offers up to $7,500 for new EV purchases, while the Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit provides up to $4,000 for eligible used EVs. It’s important to note that these credits are subject to income limitations and restrictions related to battery components and critical mineral sourcing. Consulting with a tax professional is advisable to determine individual eligibility and how these federal credits can be applied to your EV purchase.
Utility Rebates: The FPL Electric Car Program and Beyond
Florida’s utility companies are at the forefront of promoting electric vehicle adoption through various electrification programs. Among these, the FPL electric car program, known as EVolution Home, stands out by offering comprehensive solutions for home EV charging.
Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), for instance, provides a $200 rebate for residential customers who purchase or lease new or pre-owned EVs. Applications must be submitted within six months of the EV acquisition. OUC also incentivizes test driving EVs by offering a $50 gift card at participating dealerships. More details are available on the OUC Electric Vehicles website.
It is crucial for Florida residents to explore the offerings from their local utility providers to fully understand the range of programs and incentives available in their specific area, including prominent programs like the FPL electric car program.
Accessing HOV Lanes with Your EV in Florida
Electric vehicle owners in Florida can benefit from quicker commutes by utilizing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. By applying for an HOV tag from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, drivers of Inherently Low Emission Vehicles (ILEV) and hybrid vehicles can access HOV lanes regardless of passenger occupancy. This requires displaying a Florida Division of Motor Vehicles-issued decal, which needs annual renewal and may involve specific fees. Further information is available on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles HOV Decal website.
Florida EV Charger Rebates and the FPL Evolution Home Program
Beyond incentives for purchasing electric cars, Florida offers rebates for acquiring and installing Level 2 EV chargers. These rebates can significantly reduce the upfront costs of home charging infrastructure. Programs like the FPL electric car program are central to these efforts, offering innovative solutions for home charging.
Utility Rebates for Level 2 Chargers: Focusing on FPL Evolution Home
The FPL electric car program, officially named EVolution Home, offers a unique approach by providing residential customers in Florida with a comprehensive package: electrical upgrades and a Level 2 EV charger for a fixed monthly fee. This fee encompasses not only the EV charging station itself but also covers installation, maintenance, and crucially, the often-significant make-ready costs associated with electrical upgrades. A key feature of the FPL electric car program is the optimization of charging schedules. Chargers installed under this program are pre-set to default charging during off-peak hours on weeknights and weekends, maximizing cost savings for users and grid efficiency. It’s important to be aware that early termination fees may apply to the FPL electric car program. Detailed information can be found on the FPL EVolution Home website.
Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) also supports EV adoption by offering residential customers up to $300 as an incentive for pre-wiring needed for Level 2 EV charger installation. Program details are available on the JEA Drive Electric website.
Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) provides a $100 rebate for purchasing and installing Level 2 EV chargers in homes. The installation must be performed by a licensed electrician and comply with all local and state electrical codes. This rebate is limited to one per household. More information can be found on the Kissimmee Utility Authority Rebates page.
Non-Residential EV Charging Station Rebates
In addition to residential programs like the FPL electric car program, Florida also offers substantial incentives for businesses to install EV charging stations.
Brickell Energy’s aFLoat Program offers two pathways for commercial EV charging station deployment. The aFLoat Host Agreement covers hardware, network services, management, and warranties, with property owners responsible for installation costs. The aFLoat Rental Plan provides hardware, services, and warranties at a reduced fee for public and commercial locations. More details are on Brickell Energy’s aFLoat Program website.
Duke Energy provides rebates for commercial customers installing Level 2 and DC fast charging stations, with rebate amounts varying by technology and applicant type, up to 10 rebates per location. Details are on the Duke Energy EV Complete Charger Rebate website. Duke Energy’s Park and Plug Program further assists businesses in installing publicly accessible Level 2 and DCFC stations in high-traffic, amenity-rich locations. Application requirements are on the Duke Energy Park & Plug – EV Charging website.
FPL, through its EVolution Business Solutions, offers to purchase, install, operate, and maintain DCFC stations on commercial properties at no cost to the host. Fleet advisory services and fleet EV charging station solutions are also available via FPL EVolution Fleet program. Information can be found on the FPL EVolution Business Solutions and FPL EVolution Fleet websites.
JEA offers commercial rebates for EV chargers installed by September 30, 2025, with $1,000 for Level 2 and $5,200 for DCFC stations, detailed on the JEA Electrification Rebates page.
OUC provides commercial customers with a monthly fee option for OUC-owned Level 2 EV charging or DCFC station installation and maintenance, as detailed on the OUC Commercial EV Charging Service website.
Tampa Electric Company (TECO)’s Drive Smart Program offers rebates up to $5,000 per port for public EV charging stations at workplaces, retail locations, multi-unit dwellings, and government sites, with enhanced funding for stations in income-qualified areas. Program terms are on the TECO Drive Smart website.
EV Charging Costs and Special Rates in Florida
Time-of-use (TOU) rate plans are prevalent in Florida, offering reduced electricity costs during off-peak hours, typically overnight.
florida ev incentives qmerit infographic
An infographic summarizing Florida EV incentives, including utility rebates and federal tax credits.
Special EV Charging Rates from Utilities
JEA offers residential customers up to a $7 monthly incentive for charging EVs during off-peak hours (10 PM-6 AM, Monday-Friday, and weekends). Payments are made quarterly via Venmo, PayPal, or check. See the EV Charging Rebate section of the JEA website.
Duke Energy provides a $10 monthly credit for residential customers charging EVs during off-peak hours with a Level 2 charger, specifically Monday through Friday 10 AM to 6 PM and 9 PM to 5 AM, holidays, and weekends. Participation is limited; see the Duke Energy Off-Peak Charging Credit website.
Public EV Charging Station Availability and Costs in Florida
Public EV Charging Infrastructure in Florida
As of February 2025, Florida boasts over 3,700 public charging stations, including more than 3,100 Level 2 and 600 DC Fast stations, alongside a substantial Tesla Supercharger network. The hospitality sector is also significantly contributing to expanding EV charging access, aiming to deploy over 13,000 EV chargers at hotels across Florida and other states.
Coupled with robust home charging incentives like the FPL electric car program, Florida is creating a comprehensive EV charging ecosystem, reducing reliance on public charging and enhancing convenience and cost-effectiveness for EV owners.
Costs Associated with Public EV Charging
Public EV charging costs vary based on billing models, encompassing energy costs and operational fees. DC Fast Charging and high-demand areas typically incur higher charges. Despite relatively low commercial electricity rates in Florida (around $0.12 per kWh), consumer costs at public chargers include added fees. For example, Dunedin charges $0.20 per kWh plus a $1.50 flat fee and a 5% transaction fee. Public Level 2 charging is generally affordable, while DC Fast Charging averages around $0.45 per kWh in Florida.
Free Public EV Charging Options
Larger Florida cities offer relatively accessible free EV charging, often found at college campuses, public buildings, airports, and convention centers. However, free charging may involve wait times and potential charger downtime. While some cities offer free charging, most public stations in Florida utilize hourly or subscription-based billing. Cities like Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Boca Raton lead in the number of free charging locations.
Geographic Distribution of Public EV Chargers
EV charging station access in Florida, similar to EV adoption, is more concentrated in urban areas. The Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale metropolitan areas have the highest density of public EV chargers. Coastal regions, particularly in Southeast Florida and the Panhandle, also feature significant charging infrastructure. Florida is actively expanding its EV charging network through innovative projects, including a toll road with in-road wireless EV charging under development in Central Florida. Tesla’s Supercharger network provides extensive fast-charging coverage across major interstate routes in Florida.
For detailed locations, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center provides an interactive Map of EV Charging Station Locations in Florida, filterable by charger type and connector.
Home Electrification Incentives and Synergies with EV Ownership
Florida is leveraging Inflation Reduction Act funds to offer home energy rebates, allocating $173 million for efficiency and $172 million for electrification rebates. These rebates cover appliance upgrades, insulation, heat pumps, and smart electrical panels, which are crucial for supporting comprehensive home electrification. Combining EV ownership with home electrification upgrades such as solar panels & battery storage, and heat pumps, maximizes savings and environmental benefits. Florida residents can access both federal and local utility incentives for home electrification.
Incentives for Battery Storage
While Florida currently lacks state or utility-specific battery storage incentives, the 25D Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit offers a 30% federal tax credit for new battery storage systems (3kWh and larger).
Electrical Panel Upgrade Incentives
The 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit provides a federal tax credit for electrical panel upgrades (up to 30% of costs, capped at $600) necessary for electrification projects. Qualifying panels must meet NEC standards and have a capacity of 200 Amps or more. This credit is available to both homeowners and renters. Electrical panel upgrades associated with solar or battery storage projects under the 25D credit may also qualify under 25D.
Heat Pump and Heat Pump Water Heater Incentives
Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters are also covered under the 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit, offering a 30% federal tax credit (capped at $2,000). Orlando Utilities Commission customers can also access rebates up to $1,150 for qualifying heat pump installations.
Solar Panel Incentives
The 25D Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit extends to solar panel systems, providing a 30% federal tax credit. Boynton Beach residents can also benefit from a rebate of up to $1,500 for installing solar PV systems of 5 kW or larger.
Recent EV News Highlights in Florida
Looking For a Place to Charge Your EV? FPL Has an App − And Stations − for That
New Florida Toll Road Will Recharge EVs As They Drive
Florida Tests In-Road Wireless EV Charging for Trucks
FPL Debuts New EV Public Fast Chargers as Broward Lifts The State in Number of EV Drivers
Progress Happening to Increase Electric Charging Stations in Tallahassee and Leon Co.
Qmerit: Your Partner in Florida EV Charger Installation
With the array of EV charger rebates, including programs like the FPL electric car program, and the rapid expansion of Florida’s EV infrastructure, transitioning to electric mobility has never been more advantageous. The financial benefits and environmental advantages of EVs are amplified when combined with professional EV charger installation.
Qmerit, as North America’s leading network of certified EV charger installers, is recommended by top automakers and utilities. With over 450,000 installations and a #1 customer satisfaction rating, Qmerit ensures a seamless and reliable home charging setup.
Explore how Qmerit is leading the charge in residential EV charger installation and comprehensive electrification solutions. Contact us today to simplify your home electrification journey!
