SB 462 introduces a 6% per kilowatt-hour (kWh) tax on electricity used at public EV charging stations, set to take effect in October 2025. The revenue generated from this tax will be directed to the State Transportation Trust Fund, supporting infrastructure improvements across Florida. While this aims to bolster transportation funding, it could also lead to higher costs for EV drivers and charging network operators.
Florida has made significant progress in expanding its EV infrastructure:
The proposed tax could result in higher charging costs, making EV ownership less economically attractive compared to gas-powered vehicles. Businesses that own public chargers may need to pass the tax cost onto consumers, potentially slowing the state’s EV adoption rate. Additionally, the tax revenue will support transportation infrastructure but may not be reinvested directly into EV infrastructure.
However, the federal landscape has introduced challenges. In early February 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation suspended the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, a $5 billion initiative to expand EV charging networks nationwide. This suspension may impact Florida’s plans for further EV infrastructure development, as the state had been a significant beneficiary of NEVI funds.
As Florida lawmakers debate SB 462, stakeholders must weigh its benefits and drawbacks. The bill seeks to provide funding for statewide transportation improvements, but its impact on EV affordability and expansion remains uncertain.
