Florida has become a national leader in EV adoption, ranking second in the U.S. with over 168,000 registered EVs and 11,200+ public charging stations. However, a new legislative proposal, Senate Bill 462 (SB 462), could reshape the state’s EV infrastructure by introducing a 6% per kilowatt-hour (kWh) tax on electricity used at public charging stations. The tax, set to take effect in October 2025, aims to fund the State Transportation Trust Fund, supporting infrastructure improvements across Florida.

The State of EV Infrastructure in Florida

Florida has made significant progress in expanding its EV charging network:

GM and EVgo are deploying "flagship" EV charging stations in urban areas, each featuring 20 fast-charging stalls.
Buc-ee's is opening its fourth Florida location in St. Lucie County, adding 18 EV chargers to the network.
Hillsborough County is leading local efforts to expand charging accessibility.

The Impact of SB 462 on Businesses and Consumers

While SB 462 aims to strengthen transportation funding, it could have unintended consequences:

Higher charging costs may make EV ownership less financially attractive compared to gas-powered vehicles.
Businesses operating charging stations might pass the tax costs onto consumers, potentially slowing EV adoption.
The tax revenue will support transportation infrastructure, but it’s unclear if funds will be reinvested into EV infrastructure.

Federal Program Suspension & Challenges for Florida

Adding to the uncertainty, the U.S. Department of Transportation suspended the $5 billion NEVI program in February 2025. This federal initiative was crucial for expanding EV charging networks nationwide, and Florida had been a major recipient of these funds. The program’s suspension may hinder the state’s EV infrastructure growth, placing more responsibility on state and local governments to bridge the gap.

As Florida lawmakers debate SB 462, businesses, policymakers, and consumers must weigh its benefits and drawbacks. While it provides funding for transportation improvements, it may also increase costs for EV drivers and slow adoption rates. Public-private partnerships will be key in maintaining momentum and ensuring that Florida’s EV market continues to grow despite new cost pressures.