What FPL offers EV charging customers

Florida Power & Light (FPL) runs two main programs for electric vehicle owners: the Make Ready program, which installs charging infrastructure at homes and businesses, and the Charge Up Florida rebate program, which reimburses you for equipment you buy yourself. The Make Ready program covers the cost of running electrical lines from FPL's grid to your property and installing a dedicated circuit—you pay only for the charger hardware itself. Charge Up Florida pays back a portion of what you spend on a Level 2 home charger after you buy and install it.

Both programs are open to FPL residential and business customers in Florida. The programs exist because FPL, as a regulated utility, is required by the Florida Public Service Commission to invest in EV infrastructure. That means the cost is spread across all FPL customers through rates, not just EV owners.

Key Takeaways

  • FPL's Make Ready program pays for the electrical work to install a home charger; you pay only for the charger unit itself, which typically costs $500 to $2,500 depending on the model.
  • The Charge Up Florida rebate program reimburses you $500 for a Level 2 home charger you purchase and install yourself, after you submit proof of purchase and installation.
  • Make Ready is faster if you want FPL to handle the entire job; Charge Up Florida is an option if you have already bought a charger or prefer to choose your own installer.
  • Both programs require you to own or control the property where the charger will be installed, and you must be an active FPL customer.
  • Availability and program details change periodically, so contacting FPL directly or checking their website gives you the current rules and any waiting lists.

How the Make Ready program works

Under Make Ready, FPL handles the electrical infrastructure work at no cost to you. This includes running a new circuit from your home's electrical panel (or from FPL's lines if you need a service upgrade), installing a dedicated breaker, and running conduit to the location where your charger will sit. You then purchase a Level 2 charger—the standard home charging unit that takes 4 to 10 hours to fully charge most vehicles—and either install it yourself or hire an electrician to connect it to the circuit FPL has prepared.

To start, you contact FPL and request a Make Ready assessment. An FPL representative or contractor visits your home, evaluates your electrical service, and determines what work is needed. They provide an estimate of the charger cost (which you will pay) and a timeline. Once you approve, FPL schedules the electrical work. After FPL finishes, you buy and install your charger. The entire process typically takes several weeks from first contact to completion.

Make Ready is most useful if your home's electrical panel is far from where you want the charger, or if you need a service upgrade—situations where the cost of running new wiring would otherwise fall entirely on you. If your panel is already close and your service is adequate, the rebate program may be simpler.

How the Charge Up Florida rebate works

Charge Up Florida reimburses you $500 toward the purchase of a Level 2 home charger. You buy the charger yourself from any retailer, have it installed (by yourself or a licensed electrician), and then submit a claim to FPL with proof of purchase and proof of installation. FPL reviews the claim and sends you a check or credit to your account.

To be reimbursed, your charger must be a Level 2 unit installed at your primary residence in FPL's service area, and you must own or have written permission from the property owner to install it. The charger does not have to be a specific brand; FPL accepts most standard Level 2 chargers sold in the market. You keep all receipts and documentation of the installation work, then mail or upload them to FPL along with your claim form.

The rebate process is slower than Make Ready—you wait until after you have spent the money and completed the installation—but it gives you full control over which charger you buy and who installs it. If you already own a charger or have a preferred installer, this route avoids the back-and-forth of scheduling FPL's work.

Electrical requirements and what you need to know

Level 2 chargers draw between 16 and 40 amps, depending on the model. Most homes have 100 to 200 amp service, which is usually enough to add a charger without upgrading the main panel. However, if your home has older wiring, a small service panel, or other high-load equipment (like a large air conditioner or electric water heater), you may need a service upgrade. FPL's assessment will identify this before work begins.

If you need a service upgrade, FPL covers the cost under Make Ready. Under Charge Up Florida, you pay for any electrical upgrades yourself—the $500 rebate covers only the charger hardware, not the installation labor or panel work. This is why Make Ready is often the better choice for homes that need significant electrical work.

You should also know that FPL may require you to use a specific charger model or installer in some cases, or may have a waiting list if demand is high in your area. Program rules and availability vary by location within FPL's service territory, so confirming current details with FPL before you commit to a purchase is important.

Costs you will pay out of pocket

Under Make Ready, you pay for the charger unit itself. A Level 2 home charger typically costs between $500 and $2,500 depending on the brand and features. Some chargers include smart features like scheduling, app control, or integration with home energy systems, which raises the price. Basic models are cheaper but still reliable. FPL does not subsidize the charger cost, only the electrical infrastructure.

Under Charge Up Florida, you pay the full charger cost upfront, then receive a $500 rebate after submission. If your charger costs $800, you spend $800 initially and get $500 back, netting $300 out of pocket. If you need electrical work beyond a straightforward outlet installation, you also pay for that labor and any panel upgrades.

Neither program covers the cost of a DC fast charger, which is a commercial-grade unit that charges a vehicle in 20 to 45 minutes. Those are designed for public charging networks and cost $10,000 to $50,000 installed. FPL's programs are for Level 2 home and workplace charging only.

may be able to access and how to get your free guide

You must be an active FPL customer with an account in good standing. The property where you want to install the charger must be in FPL's service area, which covers most of central and southern Florida. You must own the property or have written consent from the owner if you are renting or leasing. If you are installing at a workplace, you must own or control that property as well.

To start with Make Ready, contact FPL directly through their website or by phone and request an EV charging assessment. Provide your address and details about where you want the charger located. FPL will schedule a site visit and provide a cost and timeline estimate. To start with Charge Up Florida, purchase your charger first, have it installed, then submit your claim with receipts and proof of installation to FPL.

FPL's programs have no income limits or other personal restrictions—they are open to any customer who meets the property and service-area requirements. However, some areas may have waiting lists if demand is high, so availability can vary. Checking FPL's current program page or calling their EV support line gives you the most up-to-date information about whether the program is open in your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both Make Ready and Charge Up Florida for the same charger?

No. You choose one program or the other. If FPL installs the electrical work under Make Ready, you cannot also claim the $500 Charge Up Florida rebate. If you use Charge Up Florida, you are responsible for all electrical work and cannot request FPL's Make Ready infrastructure support afterward.

What happens if I rent my home or apartment?

You can use either program if you have written permission from your landlord or property manager. The property owner must agree to the installation in writing. Some landlords allow it; others do not. Make Ready may be easier because FPL handles the work and the property owner sees a permanent upgrade. Charge Up Florida requires you to own the charger, which you could theoretically remove when you move, though most people leave it behind.

Does FPL offer charging at public locations or workplaces?

FPL's Make Ready program can be used at workplaces and multi-unit properties, not just homes. Charge Up Florida is for residential primary residences only. If you own or manage a business or apartment complex, contact FPL about Make Ready for those locations.

How long does it take from start to finish?

Make Ready typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from your initial request to the day you can plug in your charger, depending on how complex the electrical work is and how busy FPL's schedule is. Charge Up Florida takes as long as you need to buy and install the charger, then 4 to 8 weeks for FPL to process your rebate claim after you submit it.

What if I move or sell my home?

The charger stays with the property. If you installed it under Make Ready, the electrical infrastructure remains and the new owner can use it. If you installed it under Charge Up Florida, you own the charger and can remove it if you wish, though most owners leave it as a home improvement. You cannot transfer the rebate to a new property.