Your EV Car Registration In Florida May Cost You An Extra $200/Year

Seems like the topic of electric vehicles is everywhere these days from new car models to charging stations to range anxiety and more. The latest news surrounding electrification comes from the Sunshine State. State Senator Ed Hooper recently introduced a bill (SB 28) proposing that Florida electric vehicle owners pay extra fees when renewing their car registration.

Why? To make up for the lost gas-tax revenue that helps pay for a variety of infrastructure and transportation projects. Think bridges maintenance, road repair, and the like. Florida has a minimum fuel tax of 26.3 cents per gallon as of September; some counties are taxed at a higher rate. Miami-Dade for instance has a gas tax of 30.3 cents per gallon. a Senate staff analysis reports the increase of EVs on Florida roads could cause anywhere from 5.6% to 20% decrease in gas-tax revenue by 2040.

The gas tax typically fluctuates as Florida law requires annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index

Senator Hooper’s bill proposes an additional $200 per year for EV owners to pay for registration renewal on top of existing registration fees. How much you pay for renewing your license plate sticker and registration certificate in the Sunshine depends on the weight and body type of your vehicle. For instance, a car that’s up to 2,499 pounds costs less to register than a heavy truck that’s up to 5,999 pounds.

If the SB 28 bill is passed, in 2029 that additional $200 will increase to $250. If you’re driving a plug-in hybrid in Florida, you’ll pay an extra $50. In 2029, that amount goes up to $100. The additional payment would apply to an initial registration or renewal registration that has a renewal period starting on or after October 1, 2024.
SEE ALSO: FL SPECIALTY AND/ORE PERSONALIZED LICENSE PLATE ONLINE

Florida has the second highest count of registered electric vehicles; 167,990 as of December 31, 2022 (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

If the bill gets approval, Florida will join 32 other states that also require EV drivers to pay an additional registration fee. Colorado electric vehicle drivers pay an $50 on top of regular registration fees. In Illinois, EV registration costs an extra $100 per year. Texas and Arkansas electric car owners must pay $200 a year on top of the standard registration fee.

Are you prepared to pay an extra $200 a year to drive an electric car?