While Texas and Florida lack state-level income tax credits for EV chargers in 2026, local utilities fill the gap. Austin Energy offers the highest payout (up to $1,200), while CPS Energy and Entergy offer $250 rebates. In Florida, FPL provides an all-inclusive subscription model rather than a cash rebate. Act before the Federal 30C credit expires on June 30, 2026.
If you just bought an electric vehicle in the Sun Belt, you might be realizing that the “Free Money” headlines often apply to California or New York. Because Texas and Florida have no state income tax, there is no mechanism for a state-level tax credit. However, your local utility company likely has a budget set aside to help you—if you know where to look.
The Federal “Safety Net”: 30C Tax Credit
Before diving into local utility handouts, you need to check your eligibility for the federal incentive. This is the base layer of savings, but the map has changed for 2026.
- The Incentive: You can claim 30% of your hardware and installation costs, up to a maximum of $1,000.
- The Catch for TX/FL: As of the latest inflation reduction rules, you must live in a “Non-Urban” or “Low-Income” census tract to qualify.
- Reality Check: Many wealthy suburbs in North Dallas, The Woodlands, or Winter Park do not qualify under the new 2024/2025 census maps.
- Deadline: Crucially, installations must be completed and placed in service by June 30, 2026. If you wait until July, this money is gone.
Texas: Top Utility Rebates (2026)
1. Austin Energy (The Gold Standard)
If you live in the capital, you have access to one of the most generous rebates in the country.
- The Payout: They cover 50% of the cost, up to $1,200. This can cover the charger and a significant portion of the electrician’s labor.
- Requirements:
- You must use a licensed electrician (no DIY installs).
- The charger must be a Wi-Fi-enabled, UL-listed model (like ChargePoint Home Flex or Enel X Way). Ensure you choose a smart charger. See our Tesla vs. ChargePoint vs. JuiceBox comparison.
- Permit Required: You must submit a closed, final electrical permit from the City of Austin.
- Bonus: Once installed, you can join the “Plug-In EVerywhere” program, which gives you unlimited access to the city’s public charging network for just ~$4.17/month.
2. CPS Energy (San Antonio)
- Hardware Rebate: They offer a straightforward 50% rebate on the cost of the charger, capped at $250.
- FlexEV Rewards: This is where the real value is. If you sign up for their demand response program (allowing them to throttle your charging speed during peak summer heat), you get a $250 bill credit upfront, plus $5/month ongoing.
- Total Value: Between the rebate and the credit, you can pocket ~$500 in your first year.
3. United Cooperative Services (UCS)
Serving many rural areas outside DFW.
- The Payout: A 50% rebate up to $500. This can be split between the cost of the station and the wiring installation.
- Requirement: Members must sign up for “Beat the Peak” notifications to qualify.
4. Entergy Texas & SWEPCO
- The Payout: A flat $250 rebate for purchasing an ENERGY STAR-certified Level 2 charger.
- Deadline: These funds are strictly “first-come, first-served.” Historically, the allocation depletes by November, so apply early in the year.
Florida: Subscriptions vs. Credits
Florida utilities have taken a different approach. Instead of giving you cash to buy equipment, they want to become your equipment provider.
1. FPL (Florida Power & Light): The “EVolution” Program
Crucial Distinction: This is NOT a rebate. It is a “Charger-as-a-Service.”
- The Deal: You pay a fixed monthly fee (approximately $31-$38/mo depending on your plan). For this fee, FPL hires the electrician, installs the charger, owns the hardware, and maintains it for 10 years.
- Summer 2026 Update: FPL is shifting new enrollees to the “FPL EVolution Home Flexible Program.” This creates a lower fixed monthly equipment fee but couples it with Time-of-Use (TOU) electricity rates, incentivizing you to charge only at night.
- Verdict: This is excellent if you plan to move in 3 years and don’t want to sink $1,500 into a house you don’t own. It is bad if you plan to stay for 15 years, as you will overpay in monthly fees compared to buying outright.
2. Duke Energy Florida
- Charger Prep Credit: This program focuses on the “make-ready” infrastructure. It covers the cost of electrical upgrades (like running conduit or upgrading a panel) up to $1,133. While primarily focused on commercial and multi-family dwellings, residential “prep” credits are available in specific pilot zones.
- Off-Peak Credit: Participants can earn a $10/month bill credit for charging overnight (off-peak hours). Note that this program is currently waitlisted in many zones due to high demand.
3. OUC (Orlando Utilities Commission)
- The Rebate: A $200 cash rebate.
- Clarification: This rebate is technically for the purchase or lease of the EV itself, not specifically the charger hardware. However, OUC offers an “Efficiency Delivered” program that can help finance home efficiency upgrades (like insulation or electrical panels) up to $2,500, which can indirectly help with installation costs.
4. JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority)
- Status: Program Cancelled.
- Warning: Many outdated blogs still list JEA charger rebates. As of late 2025, JEA phased out their residential charger incentive program. Do not budget for this in your 2026 planning.
Permit Requirements: The Hidden Cost in TX & FL
Before applying for any rebate, you must ensure your paperwork is flawless. Utilities use the permit process to verify safety.
Texas:
- Austin: Permitting is strict. Fees range from $100-$150. If you try to claim the $1,200 rebate without a finalized permit number, you will be denied instantly.
- Houston/Dallas: Fees vary by municipality, but proof of inspection is almost always required for rebates. Before applying for rebates, ensure you meet all Texas permit requirements to avoid administrative rejection.
Florida:
- Notice of Commencement: If your total job cost (including a panel upgrade) exceeds $2,500, Florida law requires you to file a notarized Notice of Commencement with the county clerk. FPL will not install their equipment until this is cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I claim the Austin Energy rebate if I buy a Tesla Wall Connector?
- A: Yes, as long as it is installed by a licensed electrician and you provide the itemized invoice. Austin Energy is brand-neutral provided the charger is UL-listed.
Q: Does Florida have a state income tax credit for chargers?
- A: No. Because Florida has no state income tax, there is no tax liability to credit against. All incentives come from private utilities or the federal government.
Q: Is the FPL program worth it?
- A: If you plan to move in less than 3 years, yes. It saves you the sunk cost of installation ($1,000+). If you are staying in your home for 10 years, buying your own charger is significantly cheaper in the long run.
Final Take
If you live in Austin, take the free $1,200—it is one of the best deals in the nation. If you live in FPL territory, get your calculator out and decide if the subscription model beats the upfront cash cost for your specific timeline.
Check the Department of Energy Mapping Tool immediately to see if your address qualifies for the Federal 30C credit before it disappears in June.
For applications, visit the Austin Energy Plug-In Austin portal or review the FPL EVolution program terms. To check your federal eligibility, use the DOE 30C Census Tract Tool.