Commercial EV Charging: What Florida Business Owners Need to Know in 2025

# Commercial EV Charging: What Florida Business Owners Need to Know in 2025 Florida has more than 300,000 registered electric vehicles, a number that has been growing at 30 percent or more annually. The Tampa Bay metropolitan area is one of the fastest-growing EV markets in the Southeast, driven by a combination of high gas prices, growing model availability from every major manufacturer, and an affluent consumer base that skews toward early technology adoption. For commercial property owners and business operators, EV charging infrastructure represents both an opportunity and an inevitability. This guide covers everything a Florida business owner needs to know about commercial EV charging: the different charging levels and their costs, electrical infrastructure requirements, revenue models, federal and state incentives, fleet considerations, load management strategies, and how to future-proof your installation. The decisions you make now will determine whether your EV charging investment generates returns or becomes an expensive liability. ## Table of Contents - [Why Offer EV Charging at Your Business](#why-offer-ev-charging-at-your-business) - [EV Adoption Trends in Florida and Tampa Bay](#ev-adoption-trends-in-florida-and-tampa-bay) - [Level 2 vs DC Fast Charging: Complete Comparison](#level-2-vs-dc-fast-charging-complete-comparison) - [Electrical Infrastructure Requirements](#electrical-infrastructure-requirements) - [Installation Cost Breakdown](#installation-cost-breakdown) - [Revenue Opportunities](#revenue-opportunities) - [Federal Incentives](#federal-incentives) - [Florida Incentives and Programs](#florida-incentives-and-programs) - [Workplace Charging Considerations](#workplace-charging-considerations) - [Fleet Charging Solutions](#fleet-charging-solutions) - [Load Management and Demand Charges](#load-management-and-demand-charges) - [Network vs Non-Networked Chargers](#network-vs-non-networked-chargers) - [Future-Proofing Your Installation](#future-proofing-your-installation) - [Permitting in Florida](#permitting-in-florida) - [Getting Started](#getting-started) ## Why Offer EV Charging at Your Business The business case for commercial EV charging rests on several concrete benefits: ### Customer Attraction and Retention EV drivers actively seek out businesses with charging stations. A 2024 survey by the International Council on Clean Transportation found that 73 percent of EV owners have chosen a restaurant, shopping center, or service provider specifically because it offered EV charging. The average EV charging session at a Level 2 station lasts 1-3 hours, during which the driver is a captive customer spending money at your business. Retail centers with EV charging report 2-4 percent increases in foot traffic and measurable increases in dwell time. A customer who plugs in for a two-hour charge spends more than a customer who parks for 30 minutes. ### Tenant Attraction for Commercial Properties Commercial landlords increasingly find that EV charging is a factor in lease negotiations. Class A office tenants, medical practices, and technology companies expect EV charging availability. Buildings without it lose competitive advantage in the leasing market. In the Tampa Bay market, properties with EV charging command a small but measurable rent premium and experience faster lease-up rates. ### Employee Benefit Workplace EV charging is one of the most valued employee perks among EV-driving staff. It costs the employer relatively little (a full charge on a Level 2 station costs $3-$6 in electricity) but provides significant perceived value. Companies competing for talent in Florida's tight labor market use workplace charging as a differentiator. ### Revenue Generation Businesses that install public-facing chargers can generate direct revenue from charging fees. Level 2 stations generate modest revenue ($2-$8 per session), but DC fast chargers at high-traffic locations can generate $500-$2,000 per month per station. Revenue models are covered in detail below. ### Future Compliance Several Florida municipalities are considering or have already adopted EV-ready building codes that require new commercial construction to include EV charging infrastructure. Retrofitting later is 3-5 times more expensive than installing during construction or proactively planning conduit pathways now. Early adoption positions your property for compliance with minimal future investment. ## EV Adoption Trends in Florida and Tampa Bay Understanding the trajectory of EV adoption helps you size your investment appropriately. **Florida EV registrations** have grown from approximately 58,000 in 2020 to over 300,000 by the end of 2024. Industry projections from S&P Global Mobility estimate Florida will have 600,000-800,000 registered EVs by 2027 and over 1.5 million by 2030. **Tampa Bay specifically** is a top-10 EV market in the United States. Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota counties collectively account for approximately 12-15 percent of Florida's EV registrations. The region's demographics, including above-average household incomes, high rates of homeownership with garage access for home charging, and a culture of early technology adoption, make it a strong market for commercial charging investment. **Model availability** is accelerating adoption. Every major manufacturer now sells at least one EV model. Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Rivian have joined Tesla in the market. As EV options expand from luxury into mainstream price ranges ($25,000-$40,000), adoption is broadening beyond early adopters to mainstream consumers. **The charging gap**: Despite rapid EV growth, Florida's public charging infrastructure has not kept pace. The ratio of EVs to public chargers in the Tampa Bay region exceeds 25:1, well above the 10:1 ratio that the Department of Energy considers adequate. This gap creates opportunity for businesses that install charging stations. You are serving an underserved and growing demand. ## Level 2 vs DC Fast Charging: Complete Comparison The two practical options for commercial EV charging are Level 2 and DC Fast Charging (DCFC). Level 1 charging (standard 120V outlet) is too slow for commercial applications and is not covered here. | Feature | Level 2 | DC Fast Charging (DCFC) | |---------|---------|------------------------| | **Power Output** | 7.2 - 19.2 kW | 50 - 350 kW | | **Charging Speed** | 25-30 miles of range per hour | 100-200 miles in 20 minutes | | **Voltage Required** | 240V single-phase | 480V three-phase | | **Circuit Size** | 40-100 amp | 100-500+ amp | | **Equipment Cost** | $2,000 - $8,000 per station | $30,000 - $100,000 per station | | **Installation Cost** | $1,000 - $5,000 per station | $10,000 - $50,000 per station | | **Monthly Operating Cost** | $30 - $100 (electricity) | $200 - $2,000 (electricity + demand charges) | | **Best Use Case** | Destinations (2+ hour dwell time) | Convenience (quick stops) | | **Typical Locations** | Offices, restaurants, hotels, retail | Gas stations, highway stops, convenience stores | | **Connector Type** | J1772 (universal) + Tesla (or NACS) | CCS, NACS (Tesla), CHAdeMO (declining) | | **Maintenance** | Low ($100-$300/year) | Moderate ($500-$2,000/year) | ### When Level 2 Is the Right Choice Level 2 charging is appropriate when your customers, tenants, or employees will be parked for one hour or more. This includes: - Office buildings (employees parked 8+ hours) - Restaurants and entertainment venues (1-3 hour visits) - Hotels (overnight stays) - Retail centers (1-2 hour shopping visits) - Medical offices (1-2 hour appointments) - Multifamily residential properties - Workplace employee parking Level 2's lower cost per station means you can install more ports for the same budget, serving more vehicles simultaneously. A $40,000 budget buys 5-10 Level 2 stations or one DC fast charger. For most commercial properties, serving 10 vehicles at Level 2 creates more value than serving one vehicle at a time on a DC fast charger. ### When DC Fast Charging Makes Sense DC fast charging is appropriate when drivers need a quick turnaround: - Gas station and convenience store locations along highways - Fleet depots with vehicles that need rapid turnaround - Dealership service departments - High-traffic retail with short dwell times - Locations specifically marketed as charging destinations DC fast charging requires significantly more electrical infrastructure and carries higher demand charges (covered below), making the economics more complex than Level 2. ## Electrical Infrastructure Requirements EV charger installation is fundamentally an electrical infrastructure project. The charger itself is a relatively simple device; the challenge is getting sufficient power from your electrical panel (or the utility transformer) to the charging location. ### Panel Capacity Assessment The first step in any EV charging project is determining whether your existing electrical panel has sufficient capacity for the additional load. **Level 2 charger electrical requirements:** - A single 7.2 kW Level 2 station requires a 40-amp, 240V circuit (using 30 amps continuously) - A single 19.2 kW Level 2 station requires a 100-amp, 240V circuit (using 80 amps continuously) - Four Level 2 stations at 7.2 kW each require 160 amps of available panel capacity **DC fast charger electrical requirements:** - A 50 kW DCFC requires approximately 80 amps at 480V three-phase - A 150 kW DCFC requires approximately 230 amps at 480V three-phase - A 350 kW DCFC requires approximately 530 amps at 480V three-phase If your existing panel does not have sufficient spare capacity, you have several options: 1. **Load management** (covered below): Smart chargers that share available capacity across multiple stations, reducing peak demand 2. **Panel upgrade**: Installing a larger main panel or a dedicated sub-panel for EV charging. Cost: $3,000-$15,000 depending on size. See our guide on [commercial panel upgrades](/commercial/ev-charging). 3. **Service upgrade**: Working with the utility to increase your electrical service size. Cost: $5,000-$20,000+ and typically takes 4-12 weeks. 4. **Dedicated transformer**: For DC fast charging installations, the utility may install a dedicated transformer. Cost varies widely; some utilities cover part or all of the transformer cost for commercial customers. ### Conduit and Wiring The distance between your electrical panel and the parking spaces where chargers will be installed significantly impacts installation cost. Every foot of conduit and wire adds cost. Key considerations: - **Conduit sizing**: Install conduit larger than currently needed to accommodate future expansion. The incremental cost of larger conduit during initial installation is minimal compared to trenching and installing new conduit later. - **Wire sizing**: Must be appropriate for the circuit amperage and the run length. Longer runs require larger wire to prevent voltage drop. A 200-foot run to a Level 2 charger may require upsizing from #8 to #6 wire, adding $1-$2 per foot. - **Trenching**: If the parking area is separated from the building by pavement, trenching and repaving is the largest single installation cost. Trenching through asphalt costs $10-$30 per linear foot. Through concrete: $15-$50 per linear foot. ### Utility Coordination For larger installations (multiple DC fast chargers or more than 10 Level 2 stations), early coordination with your electric utility is essential. The utility needs to verify that the local transformer and distribution infrastructure can support the additional load. If upgrades are needed, lead times can range from 6 weeks to 6 months. Contact your utility's commercial services department at the beginning of your planning process, not after you have purchased equipment. ## Installation Cost Breakdown Commercial EV charging installation costs vary widely based on the number of stations, electrical infrastructure requirements, and site conditions. The following breakdown covers the major cost categories. | Cost Category | Level 2 (per station) | DCFC (per station) | Notes | |--------------|----------------------|-------------------|-------| | **Equipment** | $2,000 - $8,000 | $30,000 - $100,000 | Higher end for networked, premium brands | | **Electrical work** | $1,000 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | Panel connections, wiring, breakers | | **Trenching/conduit** | $500 - $5,000 | $2,000 - $10,000 | Highly dependent on distance and surface type | | **Permits** | $200 - $500 | $300 - $500 | Varies by municipality | | **Utility upgrades** | $0 - $5,000 | $0 - $20,000 | May not be needed if capacity exists | | **Concrete pad/bollards** | $500 - $1,500 | $1,000 - $3,000 | Pedestal mounting, protective bollards | | **Signage/striping** | $200 - $500 | $200 - $500 | ADA-compliant signage, parking space marking | | **Network activation** | $0 - $500 | $0 - $500 | One-time setup for networked chargers | | **Total per station** | **$4,400 - $26,000** | **$38,500 - $144,500** | | ### Cost-Saving Strategies **Install multiple stations simultaneously.** The per-station cost drops significantly when you install multiple chargers in one project because mobilization, trenching, and permitting costs are shared. **Choose locations close to the electrical panel.** Every foot of distance adds cost. Prioritize parking spaces near the building's electrical room. **Install conduit for future stations.** Even if you only install two chargers now, run conduit for six or eight. Empty conduit costs $5-$15 per foot. Trenching through an existing parking lot later costs $20-$50 per foot. **Bundle with other electrical work.** If you are already planning a [panel upgrade](/commercial/ev-charging) or other electrical project, adding EV charging conduit and circuits to the same project reduces total cost through shared mobilization and coordination. ## Revenue Opportunities Commercial EV charging can generate revenue through several models. ### Direct Charging Fees Businesses that install public-facing chargers can charge fees per kWh, per hour, or per session. Typical pricing in the Florida market: - **Level 2**: $0.20-$0.35 per kWh or $1.50-$3.00 per hour - **DC fast charging**: $0.30-$0.60 per kWh At $0.25/kWh, a Level 2 station delivering 30 kWh per day generates approximately $7.50/day or $225/month. After electricity costs of approximately $90/month (at $0.12/kWh), net revenue is approximately $135/month per station. DC fast chargers at high-traffic locations can generate significantly more. A DCFC delivering 200 kWh per day at $0.40/kWh generates $80/day or $2,400/month. After electricity and demand charges of approximately $800-$1,200/month, net revenue is $1,200-$1,600/month. ### Indirect Revenue: Increased Customer Spending For retail, restaurant, and hospitality businesses, the indirect revenue from EV charging often exceeds the direct charging fees. An EV driver who spends two hours at your restaurant while charging spends $40-$80 on food and drinks. The electricity cost to provide that charge is $2-$4. Offering free or low-cost charging as a customer amenity can be a highly effective marketing strategy with a clear and measurable return. ### Tenant Premium Commercial landlords can incorporate EV charging into lease terms as a building amenity, supporting higher rental rates. Properties with EV charging in competitive markets command $0.25-$0.50 per square foot in annual rent premium, according to commercial real estate surveys. For a 10,000-square-foot tenant, that is $2,500-$5,000 per year in additional rent revenue. ## Federal Incentives The federal government provides substantial financial incentives for commercial EV charging installations. ### Section 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit The Section 30C tax credit provides a credit of 30 percent of the cost of installing EV charging equipment, up to $100,000 per location. Key details: - **Credit amount**: 30 percent of total installation cost (equipment + installation) - **Maximum**: $100,000 per location (not per charger) - **Eligible costs**: Equipment, installation labor, electrical upgrades, permitting - **Prevailing wage bonus**: The full 30 percent credit requires meeting prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. Without meeting these requirements, the credit is 6 percent. - **Eligible locations**: Census tracts that are low-income communities or non-urban areas qualify. Many areas in Manatee County, eastern Hillsborough County, and parts of Sarasota County qualify. Check the Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Station Locator for census tract eligibility. **Example**: A business installs four Level 2 chargers at a total project cost of $30,000 in an eligible census tract, meeting prevailing wage requirements. The 30C credit is $9,000 (30 percent of $30,000), reducing the effective project cost to $21,000. ### National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program The NEVI program allocates $7.5 billion nationally for EV charging infrastructure, with Florida receiving approximately $198 million. NEVI funds are primarily directed at DC fast charging along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (major highways), but businesses located along these corridors may benefit from NEVI-funded installations. NEVI funds are administered by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and typically flow through competitive solicitations for charging station developers. Property owners along eligible corridors can partner with charging network operators to host NEVI-funded stations. ## Florida Incentives and Programs Florida offers several state-level programs that support commercial EV charging: ### Florida Department of Environmental Protection Programs The FDEP administers grant and incentive programs for EV charging infrastructure, particularly at state facilities, parks, and publicly accessible locations. Check the FDEP Drive Electric Florida website for current program availability and application windows. ### Utility-Specific Programs **Duke Energy**: Offers commercial EV charging programs including site assessment, equipment recommendations, and in some cases, make-ready infrastructure installation (conduit and wiring to the parking space) at reduced cost. **Tampa Electric (TECO)**: Has implemented commercial EV charging pilot programs and offers commercial rate structures that support EV charging. Contact TECO's commercial services for current program details. **Florida Power & Light (FPL)**: FPL's EVolution program includes options for commercial properties where FPL installs, owns, and maintains the charging equipment. The property owner provides the parking spaces, and FPL handles everything else. This zero-cost-to-the-property-owner model is attractive for businesses that want to offer charging without capital investment. ### Local Government Programs Some Florida municipalities and counties offer additional incentives. Sarasota County, for example, has included EV charging infrastructure in its sustainability initiatives. Check with your local economic development office and building department for any local incentive programs. ## Workplace Charging Considerations Offering EV charging to employees is one of the simplest and most cost-effective implementations. ### Employee Benefit Value Workplace charging eliminates range anxiety for EV-driving employees and provides a tangible daily benefit. An employee who charges at work saves $50-$100 per month in home electricity or public charging costs. This benefit costs the employer approximately $30-$50 per month in electricity per vehicle. ### Implementation Options **Free charging**: Simplest to administer. The employer covers electricity costs as an employee benefit. For a small number of EVs (under 10), the cost is minimal ($300-$500/month total). Note that free employer-provided charging is currently a tax-free fringe benefit under IRS guidelines. **Cost-recovery charging**: Employees pay for electricity at cost, typically through a payroll deduction or a charging network app. This makes the program cost-neutral for the employer while still providing the convenience benefit. **Paid charging**: Employees pay a small premium above electricity cost. Less common for workplace charging but viable at large campuses where charger demand exceeds supply. ### Access Management Workplace chargers should include some form of access management to prevent unauthorized use and to rotate access among employees. Options include: - **RFID cards**: Employees tap a card to activate the charger. Simple and reliable. - **App-based access**: Employees use a smartphone app to start and stop charging sessions. - **Scheduled charging**: Employees sign up for specific time slots, enabling more vehicles to share fewer chargers. A reasonable starting ratio is one Level 2 charger for every 5-8 EV-driving employees, assuming an 8-hour workday provides more than enough charge time for most daily commutes. ## Fleet Charging Solutions Businesses operating vehicle fleets, including delivery vehicles, service vans, company cars, and shuttle buses, face unique charging requirements. ### Depot Charging Depot charging means vehicles charge at their home base, typically overnight. This is the most cost-effective approach for fleets with predictable daily routes: - **Charging infrastructure**: Install Level 2 chargers for vehicles with 8+ hours of overnight dwell time. Vehicles needing faster turnaround may require DCFC. - **Power management**: Fleet depot charging can create enormous electrical demand if all vehicles charge simultaneously. A fleet of 20 electric delivery vans, each drawing 7.2 kW, requires 144 kW of simultaneous capacity. Smart charging management (staggering start times and managing charging rates) can reduce peak demand by 40-60 percent. - **Route planning**: Match vehicle battery capacity to daily route distance with a 20 percent buffer. A vehicle with a 200-mile range assigned to a 120-mile daily route has ample margin and needs only Level 2 overnight charging. ### Managed Charging for Fleets Fleet charging management software optimizes charging schedules based on: - **Departure times**: Vehicles scheduled for early departure are prioritized - **Route requirements**: Vehicles with longer routes receive more charge - **Electricity rates**: Charging shifts to off-peak hours when time-of-use rates apply - **Demand management**: Peak demand is capped at a predetermined level This software typically costs $5-$15 per vehicle per month and can reduce fleet charging electricity costs by 20-40 percent through demand management and time-of-use optimization. ## Load Management and Demand Charges Demand charges are the single most important financial consideration for commercial EV charging that most business owners do not understand until they receive their first electricity bill after installation. ### What Are Demand Charges? Commercial electricity bills include two components: energy charges ($/kWh, based on total consumption) and demand charges ($/kW, based on your highest 15-minute average power draw during the billing period). Demand charges typically represent 30-50 percent of a commercial electricity bill. A single DC fast charger drawing 150 kW can increase your facility's peak demand by 150 kW. At a demand charge rate of $10-$15/kW/month, that single charger adds $1,500-$2,250 per month to your electricity bill in demand charges alone, regardless of how much energy it actually delivers. ### Smart Charging and Load Management Smart charging systems manage EV charging load to minimize demand charges: - **Power sharing**: Multiple chargers share a fixed amount of available power, automatically adjusting individual charger output based on the number of vehicles connected. Four Level 2 chargers sharing a 60-amp circuit each deliver 15 amps when all four are in use, or 30 amps each when only two are in use. - **Demand response**: The charging management system monitors your facility's total electrical demand in real-time and reduces EV charging power when the building approaches its demand threshold. - **Time-of-use optimization**: Charging is shifted to off-peak hours when electricity and demand rates are lowest. For workplace charging where vehicles are parked all day, this is particularly effective. - **Vehicle departure scheduling**: The system knows when each vehicle needs to be fully charged and distributes charging across the available time window rather than charging at maximum rate immediately upon plug-in. ### Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates Some Florida utilities offer TOU rate structures that charge different rates at different times of day. On-peak rates (typically 12 PM - 9 PM) may be 50-100 percent higher than off-peak rates (9 PM - 6 AM). Shifting EV charging to off-peak hours can reduce charging electricity costs by 30-50 percent. Contact your utility to determine if a TOU rate is available and beneficial for your usage pattern. For businesses that do most of their EV charging during off-peak hours (workplace charging that starts in the evening, fleet depot charging overnight), TOU rates can significantly reduce costs. ## Network vs Non-Networked Chargers Charger connectivity determines your ability to manage, monitor, and monetize your EV charging stations. ### Networked Chargers Networked chargers connect to the internet (via cellular or Wi-Fi) and communicate with a cloud-based management platform. Major networks include: **ChargePoint**: The largest network in North America. Offers a wide range of Level 2 and DCFC hardware. Business model: you buy the hardware, pay a monthly network fee ($40-$100/month per station), and keep all charging revenue. ChargePoint provides the software platform, payment processing, and driver-facing app. **Blink**: Offers both owner-operated and Blink-owned models. In the Blink-owned model, Blink installs and maintains the equipment at no cost to the property owner, and the property owner receives a percentage of charging revenue (typically 20-30 percent). Lower risk but lower reward. **Tesla Destination**: Tesla provides Level 2 chargers (with Tesla connectors) to hospitality and retail businesses at reduced cost or free. These chargers only serve Tesla vehicles (approximately 55 percent of the US EV market). No network fees, no charging fees. Designed purely as a customer amenity. **FLO, EVgo, Electrify America**: Other networks with varying business models and geographic presence. Evaluate based on your location and target users. ### Non-Networked Chargers Non-networked chargers are simpler, less expensive units without internet connectivity. They plug in or hardwire and provide charging without any software platform. - **Cost**: $400-$1,500 per unit (significantly less than networked) - **Pros**: Lower upfront cost, no monthly fees, simple installation, no internet required - **Cons**: No remote monitoring, no usage data, no payment collection, no access control, no load management - **Best for**: Private workplace charging where access is controlled by physical location, and no payment collection is needed. Not recommended for public-facing applications where you want to charge fees or manage access. ### Recommendation For public-facing or revenue-generating installations, always choose networked chargers. The monthly network fee ($40-$100) is easily justified by payment processing, usage data, remote diagnostics, and the ability to list your station on charging network maps (which drives utilization). For private workplace installations with fewer than five stations, non-networked chargers are a cost-effective option. ## Future-Proofing Your Installation EV adoption is growing rapidly, and the charging infrastructure you install today needs to serve your property for 10-20 years. Future-proofing now saves significant money later. ### Install Conduit and Panel Capacity for 2x Current Needs This is the single most important future-proofing decision. If you are installing four Level 2 chargers today, run conduit and reserve panel space for eight. The cost of oversizing conduit during initial construction is $2-$5 per linear foot. The cost of trenching new conduit through an existing parking lot later is $20-$50 per linear foot, plus surface restoration. Similarly, if a panel upgrade is needed for your initial installation, size the new panel for double your current EV charging load. A 400-amp panel costs only 20-30 percent more than a 200-amp panel but provides capacity for years of future growth. ### Choose NACS Connectors The North American Charging Standard (NACS), originally Tesla's connector, has been adopted by every major automaker and is becoming the standard connector for all EVs in North America. When selecting new chargers, choose units with NACS connectors or dual NACS/CCS connectors to serve the broadest range of vehicles going forward. ### Plan for Higher Power Levels Today's Level 2 chargers typically deliver 7.2-19.2 kW. Tomorrow's may deliver 19.2 kW as standard. Size your wiring and breakers for the highest power level you may want to support, even if you install lower-power chargers initially. Upgrading from a 7.2 kW charger to a 19.2 kW charger is simple if the wiring supports it. Upgrading the wiring requires accessing conduit and potentially pulling new conductors. ### Consider Battery Energy Storage Battery energy storage systems (BESS) can buffer EV charging demand, reducing peak demand charges and enabling faster charging than the utility service alone can support. While not cost-effective for most small installations today, battery storage costs are declining 10-15 percent annually. Installing a concrete pad and conduit pathway for a future battery system adds minimal cost to an initial EV charging project. ## Permitting in Florida Commercial EV charging installations in Florida require electrical permits in all jurisdictions. The permitting process is generally straightforward but varies by municipality. ### Permit Requirements - **Electrical permit**: Required everywhere. Covers the wiring, circuits, panel modifications, and charger installation. Cost: $100-$500 depending on jurisdiction and project scope. - **Building permit**: May be required if the installation includes structural work (concrete pads, canopy structures, wall-mounted equipment requiring structural backing). Cost: $100-$300. - **Zoning approval**: Generally not required for EV chargers in existing commercial parking lots, but some jurisdictions require confirmation that the use is permitted. A quick check with your local planning department is recommended. - **ADA compliance**: At least one EV charging space must be accessible, with appropriate signage, access aisle width, and an accessible route to the charger. The Americans with Disabilities Act does not yet have specific EV charging standards, but Florida uses the general accessible parking requirements as guidance. ### Inspection Process After installation, a municipal electrical inspector verifies that the work meets the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Florida Building Code requirements. Inspections focus on: - Proper circuit sizing and overcurrent protection - Correct wire type and installation methods - Equipment listing (UL certification) for all chargers - Grounding and bonding - Clearance and accessibility around equipment - Proper labeling of panels and circuits ### Timeline From permit application to final inspection, the typical timeline for a Level 2 EV charging installation in the Tampa Bay region is 2-4 weeks. DC fast charging installations that require utility coordination take 6-12 weeks. Plan accordingly, especially if the installation is tied to a business opening or lease commitment. ## Getting Started The path from considering EV charging to operating stations follows these steps: **Step 1: Define your goals.** Are you offering charging as a customer amenity, an employee benefit, a revenue source, or a fleet necessity? This determines the type, quantity, and location of chargers. **Step 2: Site assessment.** A qualified [commercial electrical contractor](/commercial/ev-charging) evaluates your electrical infrastructure, identifies optimal charger locations, and determines what upgrades (if any) are needed. **Step 3: Equipment selection.** Based on your goals, budget, and infrastructure, select the appropriate charger type, power level, and network platform. **Step 4: Incentive applications.** Apply for federal 30C tax credits, utility incentive programs, and any available state or local grants before beginning installation. **Step 5: Permitting.** Submit electrical permit applications and coordinate with the utility for any service upgrades. **Step 6: Installation.** Professional installation by a licensed electrical contractor experienced in EV charging systems. This includes panel work, conduit installation, wiring, charger mounting, and configuration. **Step 7: Activation and testing.** Commission chargers, activate network connectivity, verify operation, and complete final inspection. **Step 8: Ongoing management.** Monitor utilization, adjust pricing if applicable, and perform basic maintenance (cleaning connectors, verifying operation, updating network software). Contact [Ranch and Coast Electric](/commercial/ev-charging) for a commercial EV charging site assessment. We serve businesses throughout Tampa, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and the greater Tampa Bay region. Our team evaluates your electrical infrastructure, recommends the right equipment for your specific goals, handles all permitting and utility coordination, and delivers a professional installation that is built to serve your property for years to come. The transition to electric vehicles is not a question of if but when. Businesses that install charging infrastructure now position themselves ahead of the curve, capturing customers, tenants, and employees who increasingly expect EV charging availability. The incentives available today make the financial case stronger than it will be in the future. Act now to maximize your return.