Florida Law Bars Cities From Regulating EV Chargers

A new Florida law prohibits local governments from regulating electric vehicle charging infrastructure and stations or mandating EV charging infrastructure in building codes, giving that authority instead solely to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

According to an article in JD Supra, Senate Bill 1084 “has far-reaching implications for various stakeholders in Florida,” potentially invalidating local ordinances such as Orlando’s requirement that commercial parking lots include EV chargers for 10 percent of their spaces. This could slow the adoption of EVs in the state.

The FDACS will hold a hearing to consider additional regulations including: “(a) rules allowing local governments to enter into contractual agreements and offering incentives to businesses that provide EV infrastructure; (b) zoning and permitting requirements; and (c) statewide safety standards.”