Expired, Repealed, and Archived Florida Incentives and Laws
The following is a list of expired, repealed, and archived incentives, laws, regulations, funding opportunities, or other initiatives related to alternative fuels and vehicles, advanced technologies, or air quality.
Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Acquisition and Alternative Fuel Use Requirements
Repealed: 05/16/2024
When procuring new vehicles under a state purchasing plan, all Florida state agency, state university, community college, and local government fleets must select the vehicles with the greatest fuel efficiency available for a given use class, when fuel economy data is available. Exceptions may be made for emergency responder vehicles if these entities provide documentation. In addition, all state agencies must use ethanol and biodiesel blended fuels when available. State agencies administering central fueling operations for state-owned vehicles must purchase ethanol and biodiesel fuels to use in their vehicle fleet as much as possible.
(Reference Florida Statutes 286.29)
Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) and Propane Vehicle Rebates
Expired: 06/01/2019
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offers a rebate for up to 50% of the incremental cost to purchase or lease a new original equipment manufacturer NGV or propane vehicle, or convert a vehicle to run on natural gas or propane, up to $25,000 per vehicle and $250,000 per applicant per fiscal year. To qualify, the dedicated or bi-fuel vehicle must be part of a public or private fleet and must be placed into service on or after July 1, 2013. Of the funds available for these rebates, 40% is reserved for government applicants; the remaining funds are allocated to commercial applicants. For more information, see the Natural Gas Fuel Fleet Vehicle Rebate website. (Reference Florida Statutes 377.810 and Florida Administrative Code 5O-4.001)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Technology Grant Matching Program
Expired: 06/01/2019
The Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies (REET) Grant Matching Program provides matching grants of $50,000 to $400,000 for demonstration, commercialization, research, and development projects relating to renewable energy technologies, bioenergy, and innovative technologies that significantly increase energy efficiency for vehicles. Higher education institutions and non-profits may request grant funds for indirect costs, up to 10% of grant funds requested, and may use indirect costs as matching contribution, capped at 10% of grant funds less the percentage of indirect costs claimed for grant funds. Awards are subject to state funding availability. For more information, see the REET Grant Matching Program website. (Reference Florida Statutes 377.804 and Florida Administrative Code 5O-1.003)
Natural Gas and Propane Reports
Archived: 06/01/2019
The Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (Office) was required to complete a report that analyzes the taxation and use of natural gas and propane as alternative fuels in the state. The report evaluates growth trends in the use of these fuels in Florida and surveyed how other states tax and incentivize consumers to use natural gas and propane. Additionally, the report surveyed Florida fuel consumers and suppliers. The Office published its review of the taxation of natural gas and propane in October 2017.
The Office was also required to analyze the economic benefits resulting from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' propane and natural gas vehicle rebates. The Office submitted a final report to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in November 2015.
(Reference Florida Statutes 206.997)
Biofuels Investment Tax Credit
Expired: 06/30/2016
An income tax credit is available for 75% of all capital, operation, maintenance, and research and development costs incurred in connection with an investment in the production, storage, and distribution of biodiesel (B10-B100), ethanol (E10-E100), or other renewable fuel in the state, up to $1 million annually per taxpayer and $10 million annually for all taxpayers combined. Costs associated with retrofitting gasoline fueling station dispenser retrofits for B10-B100, E10-E100, or other renewable fuel distribution also qualify. Taxpayers must incur costs between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2016. If the credit is not fully used in any one tax year, the unused amount may be carried forward through December 31, 2018. Any entity that is allowed the investment tax credit may transfer the credit, in whole or in part, to any taxpayer by written agreement without transferring ownership interest in the qualified property. Renewable fuel is defined as a fuel produced from biomass that is used to replace or reduce conventional fuel use. (Reference Florida Statutes 212.08 and 220.192)
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Study
Archived: 06/01/2014
The Florida Public Service Commission conducted a study of the potential effects of public and private EVSE on energy consumption and the electric grid in the state. The study also looked into the feasibility of using off-grid solar photovoltaic power as a source of electricity for EVSE. For more information, refer to the Report on Electric Vehicle Charging. (Reference Florida Statutes 366.94)
Freight Transportation Plan Development
Archived: 06/01/2013
By July 1, 2013, the Florida Department of Transportation must develop a Freight Mobility and Trade Plan (Plan) that identifies freight mobility assessments that contribute to economic development and enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system across modes. The Plan should include policies and investments that promote compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and propane energy policies that reduce transportation costs for businesses and residents. (Reference House Bill 599, 2012, and Florida Statutes 334.044)
Alternative Fuel Blend Mandate
Repealed: 05/31/2013
The following was repealed by House Bill 4001, 2013: All gasoline sold or offered for sale by a terminal supplier, importer, blender, or wholesaler in Florida must contain 9-10% ethanol or other alternative fuel by volume. For the purpose of this requirement, alternative fuel is defined as a fuel produced from biomass. The fuel mandate does not apply to fuel used in aircrafts or watercrafts, fuel sold to a blender, or fuel sold for use in collector vehicles, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, or small engines. If a terminal supplier, importer, blender, or wholesaler is unable to obtain alternative fuel at the same or lower price as unblended gasoline, then the covered entity may apply for a waiver. (Reference House Bill 503, 2012, and Florida Statutes 526.201-526.207)
Alternative Fuel License
Repealed: 05/02/2013
The following was repealed by House Bill 579, 2013: An individual who wishes to be a wholesale distributor of an alternative fuel must obtain a license from the Florida Department of Revenue. (Reference Florida Statutes 206.89)
Alternative Fuels Tax
Repealed: 05/02/2013
The following was repealed by House Bill 579, 2013: A person operating an alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) must purchase an annual decal from the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles to be exempt from the excise tax on gasoline. Fueling stations may not fuel a vehicle with propane or compressed natural gas that does not display the proper decal. State and local government AFV fleets are exempt from paying the decal fee. In addition to the state alternative fuel fee, a person fueling a vehicle from their own facility must pay a local alternative fuel fee instead of the excise tax a county levies. (Reference Florida Statutes 206.877)
Idle Reduction Requirement
Repealed: 02/16/2012
This requirement was repealed as a result of Executive Order 11-72: Operators may not idle heavy-duty diesel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating equal to, or greater than, of 8,500 pounds for more than five consecutive minutes. Exemptions apply in the following circumstances: uncontrollable traffic conditions; emergency or law enforcement purposes; verification that a vehicle is safe to operate; power work-related operations; bus passenger comfort; and prevention of safety or health emergencies. Until September 30, 2013, exemptions also apply for sleeping or resting in a sleeper berth. (Reference Florida Administrative Code 62-285.420)
Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Standards
Repealed: 02/16/2012
The following was repealed by administrative action: The Florida LEV Program will require that all new passenger vehicles sold and registered meet California emissions and compliance requirements, as set forth in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations, two years after the Florida Legislature ratifies the Florida Clean Car Emission Rule. (Reference Florida Administrative Code 62-285.400)
Alternative Fuels Study
Archived: 06/30/2011
The Florida Energy and Climate Commission (FECC) must conduct a study to evaluate lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with all renewable fuels including biodiesel, renewable diesel, biobutanol, and ethanol derived from any source. The FECC must also evaluate and recommend a requirement that all renewable fuels sold in Florida reduce lifecycle GHG emissions by an average percentage. The FECC may also evaluate the benefits associated with creating, banking, transferring, and selling GHG emissions credits among fuel refiners, blenders, and importers. The FECC must submit specific recommendations to the state legislature by December 31, 2010. (Reference Florida Statutes 526.207)
State Energy and Climate Commission
Archived: 06/30/2011
In 2008, the Florida Legislature created the Florida Energy and Climate Commission (FECC) to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage investment in alternative and renewable energy technologies. The FECC's responsibilities include administering financial incentive programs, completing annual assessments of Florida's Energy and Climate Change Action Plan, and providing recommendations to the governor and the legislature on energy and climate change policies. The FECC also works cooperatively with other state entities to develop state energy and climate change policies and programs. (Reference Florida Statutes 377.6015)
Hydrogen and Biofuels Tax Exemption
Expired: 07/01/2010
Through July 1, 2010, the sale or use of the following is exempt from Florida state sales, rental, use, consumption, distribution, and storage tax: 1) hydrogen powered vehicles and related materials, and hydrogen fueling stations, up to a maximum of $2 million in taxes each fiscal year for all taxpayers; 2) materials used in the distribution of biodiesel (B10-B100) and ethanol (E10-E100), including fueling infrastructure, transportation, and storage, up to a maximum of $1 million in taxes each fiscal year for all taxpayers. Gasoline fueling station dispenser retrofits for ethanol (E10-E100) distribution also qualify for this exemption. (Reference Florida Statutes 212.08)
State Energy Task Force
Archived: 06/01/2009
The Florida Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency Act is established to increase the state’s energy stability and protect public health by advancing the development of efficient and renewable energy technologies, including those related to hydrogen, ethanol, and biodiesel. The Act creates the Florida Energy Commission, which is responsible for developing recommendations for legislation to establish a state energy policy, focusing on energy-efficiency issues including the encouragement of in-state research, development, and deployment of alternative fuels for motor vehicles. As required by the Act, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection provided a report entitled Leadership by Example: Energy Efficiency and Conservation, which includes a description of state programs designed to achieve energy conservation and energy efficiency through the inclusion of alternative fuel vehicles in state fleets. (Reference Florida Statutes 377.801-377.806 and 377.901)
Clean Fuel Florida Advisory Board
Archived: 12/31/2006
The Florida Clean Fuel Act established the Clean Fuel Florida Advisory Board under the Department of Community Affairs to study the implementation of AFVs and to formulate and provide the Governor, Legislature, and Secretary of Community Affairs with recommendations on how to expand and fund the use of AFVs in the state. The Board dissolved in 2006. (Reference Florida Statutes 403.42)