Battery-powered cars have taken more market share in recent years than any other automotive disruptor. The sticker price of a new EV still costs more than a gasoline-powered vehicle, and the fear that drivers have about charging is keeping them from switching.
Incentives have been increasing at the federal and state level to encourage individuals and businesses alike to convert their next vehicles into battery-powered ones. This has happened at an accelerated pace over the past three years. How easy is it for Florida residents to receive a rebate if they drive electric? It depends on your situation and the type of EV that you own or plan to purchase.
Florida has a relatively weak incentive program compared to other states for drivers of battery-powered vehicles. It can be difficult for non-commercial car owners to determine which incentives are available for Floridians as a group, because most Florida EV incentive programs are based on the utility companies of residents rather than a statewide comprehensive program.
Here are some key points to keep in mind if you want to be paid to drive an electric vehicle in Florida. There are few options.
Is There a Tax Credit in Florida for Electric Vehicles?
Florida residents cannot get tax rebates or credits for buying a used or new electric vehicle. This is in contrast to states such as Colorado, Connecticut, and Delaware where the state government offers large tax rebates. Residents may be eligible for tax credit through their local utility.
There are incentives for electric vehicles that apply to certain businesses, such as dealerships and apartment buildings.
What Florida utilities offer tax credits to electric vehicle drivers in Florida?
Florida utilities that offer incentives are primarily aimed at commercial customers. They encourage car dealerships and other commercial clients to install charging stations for electric vehicles.
Orlando Utilities Commission offers a rebate of $200 to customers who purchase a new electric vehicle or a used one. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Jacksonville Electric Authority’s customers can receive $7 per month for charging during off-peak times.
Jacksonville, Tampa, and Orlando Utilities offer Incentives to Businesses & Residents for Purchasing EVs and EV Chargers
Tampa Electric Company (TECO). In Tampa, customers who are business clients, such as workplaces, retail outlets, multi-unit housing, and income-qualified sites, can participate in the TECO DriveSmart program and earn up to $5,000 rebate for buying and installing public EV chargers.
Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA). JEA offers commercial customers the option to purchase or lease electric vehicles as well as EV charging stations. JEA offers electrification rebates to participants who install EV chargers. Participants can receive up to 60% off their project costs. Residents can also get up to $7 per month from the utility company for charging their electric vehicles during off-peak times.
Kissimmee Utility (KUA)- Kissimmee Utility Authority offers $100 rebates for residents who buy a new electric vehicle or install an EV charger at home through their Greenteam.
Orlando Utilities Commission – Orlando’s utility company provides the best incentive for electric vehicle buyers in the state. OUC offers a $200 rebate to residential customers who purchase or lease a new electric vehicle within six months. OUC customers will also receive a $50 Gift Card for testing an EV in certain Orlando dealerships. Orlando dealerships can also receive incentives for every electric vehicle they sell or lease. Commercial customers can choose to pay monthly for a charging station installation with OUC’s commercial EV charger service.
Duke Energy – Duke Energy offers its Florida residential customers up to $10 a monthly for charging their EVs at off-peak times.