Is There a Florida Rebate for Buying an Electric Car Find Out Now

Florida does not currently offer a state-level rebate for buying an electric car, but buyers can still qualify for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 through the Inflation Reduction Act—making EV ownership more affordable despite the absence of local incentives. Check eligibility requirements and utility-specific programs that may offer additional savings.

Key Takeaways

• No state rebate exists: Florida does not offer a state-level EV purchase rebate.
• Check federal tax credits: Claim up to $7,500 via the federal EV tax credit program.
• Local incentives vary: Cities like Orlando or Miami may offer utility rebates or charging perks.
• HOV lane access: Florida grants EV drivers solo access to carpool lanes.
• Research dealership deals: Some dealers provide manufacturer incentives or lease discounts.

Is There a Florida Rebate for Buying an Electric Car? Find Out Now

So, you’ve been thinking about making the switch to an electric car—maybe you’ve even test-driven a Tesla or checked out the latest Hyundai Ioniq. It feels like the future, right? Cleaner air, quieter streets, and fewer trips to the gas station. But there’s one big question that keeps coming up: is there a Florida rebate for buying an electric car?

Let me be honest with you: I’ve been there. I remember standing in the driveway, staring at my old gas-guzzler, wondering if going electric was really worth the price tag. I wanted to know if the state of Florida was offering any financial help—because let’s face it, every dollar counts when you’re investing in a new car. After digging through state websites, talking to dealers, and even chatting with other EV owners at charging stations, I’ve learned a lot about what’s available (and what’s not). In this post, I’ll walk you through the current state of electric vehicle incentives in Florida, what you can realistically expect, and how to maximize your savings—whether you’re buying a brand-new EV or a used one.

Understanding the Current State of Florida’s EV Incentives

No Statewide Rebate—But Don’t Lose Hope Yet

Let’s get the big one out of the way: Florida does not currently offer a statewide rebate or tax credit for purchasing an electric car. That’s the cold, hard truth. Unlike states like California, New York, or Colorado—where buyers can get thousands of dollars back from the state—Florida has not implemented a direct rebate program for EVs.

That might sound discouraging, especially if you’ve seen headlines about “$7,500 off” or “free charging for life.” But here’s the good news: just because Florida doesn’t offer a rebate doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. There are still multiple ways to save—many of which are easy to overlook if you’re only searching for “Florida EV rebate.”

Why Hasn’t Florida Created a State Rebate?

You might be wondering: why hasn’t Florida jumped on the EV incentive bandwagon? After all, we’re one of the fastest-growing states, with a massive car culture. Well, it comes down to a mix of politics, budget priorities, and infrastructure.

• No state income tax: Florida’s government relies more heavily on sales and property taxes. This means fewer revenue streams to fund large-scale incentive programs.
• Slow adoption of EV infrastructure: While charging stations are popping up, especially in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, the state hasn’t prioritized EV adoption to the same degree as coastal states with higher emissions concerns.
• Political climate: Some lawmakers have expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of EVs or have been hesitant to fund green initiatives.

But here’s the kicker: things are changing. As more people buy EVs and public demand grows, there’s increasing pressure on the state to act. In fact, several bills have been introduced in the Florida Legislature in recent years to create an EV rebate—though none have passed into law… yet.

What About Local Incentives?

While there’s no state rebate, some local governments and utilities in Florida are stepping up. For example:

• Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC): Offers a $1,000 rebate for residential customers who install a Level 2 charger at home—and yes, you can use it even if you buy an EV later.
• City of Tallahassee: Provides a $2,000 rebate for purchasing a new EV (limited to first 100 applicants per year).
• Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA): Offers $500 toward the purchase of an EV charger and free overnight charging for EV owners.

These programs aren’t huge, but they’re real, and they’re worth checking into—especially if you live in or near one of these service areas. A quick call to your local utility or city sustainability office can save you hundreds.

Federal Tax Credit: Your Best Bet for Big Savings

What Is the Federal EV Tax Credit?

If Florida isn’t helping with a rebate, where should you look? The federal electric vehicle tax credit is your best bet—and it’s still alive and kicking, despite some confusion over recent changes.

As of 2024, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to $7,500 for new qualifying electric vehicles. For plug-in hybrids and certain used EVs, the credit is up to $4,000. This isn’t a rebate you get at the dealership—it’s a credit you claim on your federal income tax return. Think of it as the government saying, “We’ll reduce your tax bill if you go electric.”

Which EVs Qualify in 2024?

Not all electric cars qualify. The credit depends on:

• Battery capacity: Must be at least 7 kWh (for new EVs).
• Manufacturing location: Final assembly must be in North America.
• Battery component and critical mineral sourcing: At least 50% of battery components must be made in North America, and 40% of critical minerals must come from the U.S. or a free-trade partner.
• MSRP limits: Cars must be under $80,000; SUVs, pickups, and vans under $80,000 (with some flexibility).

For example, the Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV qualifies for the full $7,500, but the Lucid Air (over $80,000) does not. The Ford F-150 Lightning qualifies as long as it’s under the price cap and meets sourcing rules.

How to Claim the Credit

Here’s the good news: claiming the credit is easier than you think.

1. Buy a qualifying EV (new or used).
2. Get a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Conformity (from the dealer or manufacturer) confirming eligibility.
3. File IRS Form 8936 with your tax return.
4. Reduce your tax liability by the credit amount—up to $7,500 for new EVs, $4,000 for used.

Pro tip: If you don’t owe $7,500 in federal taxes, the credit is non-refundable—meaning you can’t get the difference as a cash refund. But you can carry the unused portion forward to future years. And starting in 2024, you can elect to transfer the credit to the dealer, so you get the $7,500 off at the point of sale—no waiting until tax time!

Used EV Credit: A Hidden Gem

Did you know you can get up to $4,000 off a used electric car? This is huge for budget-conscious buyers. The rules:

• The car must be at least 2 years old.
• MSRP when new was under $25,000 (so most used EVs qualify).
• Sold for $25,000 or less.
• You must be the first person to claim the credit for that vehicle.

For example, a 2022 Nissan Leaf with 25,000 miles and a $22,000 price tag could net you $4,000 back on your taxes. That’s a real savings of 18%—and it stacks with other perks.

Utility and Local Incentives You Shouldn’t Ignore

Home Charger Rebates: Save on Installation

One of the biggest hurdles to going electric is installing a home charger. A Level 2 charger typically costs $500–$800, plus $300–$1,500 for labor. But here’s the good news: many Florida utilities will pay part of that for you.

Take Florida Power & Light (FPL), the state’s largest utility. Their EVolution program offers:

• Up to $500 toward the purchase of a Level 2 charger.
• Discounted installation through approved contractors.
• Free enrollment in a time-of-use rate plan (save up to 20% on charging).

And remember the OUC and JEA rebates I mentioned earlier? They’re still active. The Tampa Electric Company (TECO) also offers a $250 rebate for charger installation. Even Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) has a $300 incentive.

Tip: Always call your utility first. Ask: “Do you have any EV incentives or charger rebates?” You’d be surprised how many people don’t know these exist—and how easy they are to claim.

Free or Discounted Charging Programs

Some utilities offer free overnight charging or deeply discounted rates. For example:

• FPL’s EVolution: Offers a special rate plan where you pay as little as $0.08/kWh from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.—about half the regular rate.
• JEA: Provides free overnight charging for EV owners who sign up.
• OUC: Offers a $50 credit on your bill for enrolling in their EV program.

Over a year, these savings can add up to hundreds of dollars in free electricity. That’s like getting a few months of charging for nothing.

Local Government Grants and Pilot Programs

Keep an eye on your city’s sustainability office. Some municipalities run pilot programs with limited-time incentives. For example:

• The City of St. Petersburg offered a $1,000 EV purchase incentive in 2023 (limited to 50 residents).
• Sarasota County has explored a “green fleet” program that could expand to private buyers.
• Broward County offers free EV charging at county-owned facilities.

These programs come and go, so sign up for local government newsletters or follow your city on social media. You never know when a new opportunity will pop up.

How to Maximize Your Savings: A Step-by-Step Strategy

Step 1: Check Federal Eligibility

Before you buy, visit the IRS website or use the Energy Star EV Tax Credit Tool to confirm your car qualifies. Don’t rely on the dealer—some get it wrong.

For example, a friend of mine bought a Ford Mustang Mach-E in 2023 and assumed it qualified. But because it was assembled in Mexico and didn’t meet battery sourcing rules, he missed out on $7,500. Ouch.

Step 2: Contact Your Utility

Call your electric company. Ask:

• Do you offer a charger rebate?
• Is there a special EV rate plan?
• Do you have any purchase incentives?

Keep a list of what they offer. Some require you to apply within 30 days of purchase, so don’t wait.

Step 3: Time Your Purchase Right

If you’re buying a new EV, try to buy at the end of the year. Dealers often offer additional manufacturer incentives (like 0% financing or lease deals) to clear inventory. Combine that with the federal credit, and you could save $10,000+.

For used EVs, check Carvana, CarMax, and local dealerships for certified pre-owned models. Many include free charging for a year or a warranty extension.

Step 4: Stack Incentives

Here’s a real-life example:

• You buy a 2024 Chevrolet Bolt EUV (qualifies for $7,500 federal credit).
• You live in Orlando, so OUC gives you $1,000 for a home charger.
• You enroll in FPL’s EVolution program, saving $200/year on charging.
• You transfer the federal credit to the dealer at purchase—$7,500 off upfront.

Total first-year savings: $8,700+ (not including lower fuel and maintenance costs).

That’s a massive discount—and it’s all possible because you looked beyond the “no Florida rebate” headline.

Future Outlook: Could Florida Get an EV Rebate Soon?

What’s Happening in the Legislature?

In 2023 and 2024, several bills were introduced to create a Florida EV rebate. For example:

• HB 123 (2023): Proposed a $5,000 rebate for new EVs and $2,500 for used ones.
• SB 702 (2024): Suggested a $10 million fund for EV incentives, with a focus on low-income buyers.

Neither passed, but they show growing interest. With more EVs on the road (Florida has over 100,000 registered EVs as of 2024), pressure is building for the state to act.

What Would a Florida Rebate Look Like?

If it happens, expect something modest—like:

• $2,000–$3,000 for new EVs.
• $1,000 for used EVs.
• Priority for low-income or rural buyers.
• Limited to 1,000–5,000 applicants per year.

It won’t be California-level, but it could make a real difference. And unlike the federal credit, it might be a point-of-sale rebate—meaning you get the money back at the dealership, not next April.

How to Stay Informed

Want to be the first to know if Florida passes an EV rebate? Here’s how:

• Follow the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on social media.
• Sign up for newsletters from Drive Electric Florida or Clean Fuels Florida.
• Contact your state representative and say you support EV incentives.

Public pressure works. The more people ask, the more likely change happens.

Final Thoughts: Your Path to Savings in Florida

So, is there a Florida rebate for buying an electric car? Right now, the answer is no—at least not from the state government. But that doesn’t mean you can’t save big.

By combining the federal tax credit, utility rebates, local incentives, and smart timing, you can knock thousands off the price of your EV. And as more Floridians go electric, the chances of a state rebate grow stronger every year.

Here’s my advice: don’t wait for the perfect incentive to appear. The savings are already here—you just have to know where to look. Talk to your utility, check federal eligibility, and don’t forget about used EVs (they’re often a better deal anyway).

And remember: every EV on the road helps reduce emissions, noise, and dependence on fossil fuels. Whether you save $1,000 or $10,000, you’re making a smart, forward-thinking choice. The future of driving is electric—and in Florida, it’s more affordable than you think.

Incentive Type	Provider	Amount	Eligibility
Federal Tax Credit (New)	U.S. Government	Up to $7,500	Qualifying new EVs, MSRP under $80,000
Federal Tax Credit (Used)	U.S. Government	Up to $4,000	Used EVs, 2+ years old, sold for $25,000 or less
Charger Rebate	OUC, JEA, FPL, TECO	$250–$1,000	Residential customers, Level 2 charger install
Free Overnight Charging	JEA	Free	EV owners who enroll
EV Purchase Rebate	City of Tallahassee	$2,000	First 100 applicants per year
Time-of-Use Rate Plan	FPL, JEA, OUC	Up to 20% savings	Enrolled EV owners

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Florida rebate for buying an electric car in 2024?

As of 2024, Florida does not offer a statewide rebate for purchasing an electric car. However, buyers may qualify for federal tax credits up to $7,500 under the Inflation Reduction Act.

What incentives are available for electric car buyers in Florida?

While there’s no direct Florida rebate, incentives include HOV lane access (with a decal) and potential utility company rebates. Federal tax credits and local perks like reduced registration fees may also apply.

Can I get a tax credit for buying an EV in Florida?

Florida doesn’t have a state EV tax credit, but you may claim the federal tax credit of up to $7,500. Eligibility depends on the vehicle’s battery components and your tax liability.

Are there any Florida-specific EV rebates for low-income buyers?

Florida has no income-based EV rebates, but programs like the federal Clean Vehicle Credit may help. Check with local utilities for targeted assistance or charging station incentives.

Do Florida utility companies offer EV rebates?

Some Florida utilities, like FPL and TECO, provide rebates for EV chargers or off-peak charging. These aren’t direct car rebates but can lower ownership costs. Visit your provider’s website for details.

How does the federal EV tax credit work for Florida residents?

The federal credit applies to qualifying EVs purchased in or after 2023. Florida residents must meet income and vehicle criteria. The credit is non-refundable but can offset tax liability over multiple years.