Green Drivers Incentives in Florida

What Qualifies as a Green Vehicle?

Simply put, a green vehicle is more efficient and less polluting than a conventional vehicle. Eco-friendly vehicles run on a variety of fuels that “burn” cleaner than gasoline or diesel. Because the level of greenhouse gas emissions depends on the source of the fuel, alternative fuels generate fewer tailpipe emissions.

While green vehicle eligibility may vary depending on the incentive program, these are the most common eco-friendly car categories:

• AFVs = Alternative fuel vehicles (EVs, PHEVs, biodiesel vehicles, fuel-cell vehicles)
• EVs = Electric vehicles
• PHEVs = Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
• ILEVs = Inherently low emissions vehicles
• HOVs = High-occupancy vehicles

Carpool Lanes & Emissions

Florida high-occupancy lane exemptions are one of the most exciting Jaguar I-PACE incentives available to you as a green vehicle driver. Even if with no other passengers in your car, you’re still allowed to use the High Occupancy carpool/HOV lane if you’re driving an ILEV or hybrid certified by the EPA. To take advantage of this park, you’ll need to obtain an HOV decal from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Here’s what you need to know:

• Fill out application form for Florida HOV Decal
• Bring form and fee to your local tax collector’s office
• Or, mail the application and include postage with fee.
• Fee is $5 for a year, or $10 for two years.

The Florida DMV also exempts green vehicles from smog or emissions testing during registration/registration renewal, so you can save time in Delray Beach! Be sure to take advantage of the Express Lane Incentive, which affords free access to the express lanes on I-95 for free.

Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles

You can save money with federal tax credits and Florida electric vehicle incentives for electric vehicles from a variety of institutions. Explore just a few of your options below:

Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit – Federal Form 8936

You may be eligible for up to $7,500 with this credit. Keep in mind that this Florida electric vehicle incentive has a time limit: credits are phased out after 200,000 units of your electric vehicle model have been sold. To qualify, your vehicle must:

• Be made by an original OEM manufacturer.
• Have been purchased new in 2010 or later.
• Weigh less than 14,000 pounds.
• Have a rechargeable electric motor.
• Have a battery with a capacity of at least 4kWh.
• Be primarily driven or stored in the United States.

Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) Rebate — Jacksonville Electric Authority

You can claim this credit if you purchase or lease certain new PEVs. Vehicles with a battery less than 15 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in capacity may receive a $500 credit, and PHEV green vehicles with larger battery capacity are eligible for $1,000. To claim your credit, bring a copy of a valid Florida vehicle registration, proof of sale, and a recent JEA Electric bill.

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Rebate — Orlando Utilities Commission

You can receive the OUC credit for eligible new as well as pre-owned PEV models. This is for residential customers who purchase or lease an eligible new or preowned PEV. Drivers must apply within six months of green vehicle purchase or lease.

Auto Insurance Discounts

Certain auto insurance providers will offer Florida electric vehicle incentives — possibly up to 10% discounts — for fuel efficient vehicles and other green driving habits:

• Economy car discounts
• Low-mileage discounts
• Alternative fuel vehicle discounts
• Pay as you drive discounts

Green Vehicle Rebates for Your Business

If you own a business in Florida, going green with your fleet is a great way to access Florida electric vehicle incentives. Whether you’re looking for Jaguar I-PACE incentives or to claim credits for another green vehicle, here are some programs that can help:

• Natural Gas Fuel Fleet Vehicle Rebate: For offsetting the cost of converting your business fleets to natural gas vehicles.
• Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate: For businesses that offer vehicle charging stations for employees/customers.
• Florida Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Financing: You can obtain local government funding by installing an EV charging station on your property. Download the Chargepoint App to find available charging stations near you.