Florida is quickly becoming one of the top states for electric vehicle adoption. With drivers in Lakeland choosing Tesla, Ford Lightning, Rivian, Chevy Bolt, and other EVs, many homeowners are ready to install a Level 2 home charger so they can power up overnight.
But here’s the truth: installing an EV charger in Florida is not a simple DIY project. It requires permits, panel capacity checks, load calculations, and compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC Article 625). Many homeowners discover too late that their panel can’t support a 40–60 amp EV charger without an upgrade – or that their installation fails inspection because it was not performed by a licensed electrician.
This guide explains everything Florida homeowners must know before installing an EV charger, so your investment is safe, code-compliant, and ready for fast charging.
1. Florida Code Requirements for EV Charger Installation
EV chargers are considered high-load electrical devices, and Florida requires installations to follow:
- Florida Building Code – Electrical
- NEC Article 625: Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System
- Local Lakeland & Polk County permitting rules
- UL listing requirements for EVSE equipment
Key Florida code rules include:
✔ Dedicated Circuit Requirement
Level 2 chargers (240V) must be on a dedicated circuit – typically 40A, 50A, or 60A.
✔ Load Calculations (NEC 220)
Florida inspectors require proof that your electrical panel can handle the added load.
✔ Correct Wire Size & Breaker Type
Wire gauge and breaker rating must match the charger manufacturer’s specifications.
✔ GFCI Protection
Most Level 2 chargers require GFCI protection or have built-in GFCI.
✔ Hardwired vs. Plug-in Requirements
Certain high-amp chargers require hardwired installation under NEC.
✔ Outdoor Installations Must Meet Weatherproof Ratings
Lakeland’s humidity and rain require NEMA-rated enclosures (NEMA 3 or 4).
✔ Permit Required
Unpermitted electrical work will fail inspection and may void insurance.
Because EV chargers significantly increase electrical demand, most installation failures happen when homeowners attempt DIY work or hire unlicensed installers.
2. Does Your Home Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade First?
This is the biggest surprise for new EV owners in Florida. Most EV chargers require:
- 40-amp circuit (32A charging)
- 50-amp circuit (40A charging)
- 60-amp circuit (48A charging)
A typical EV charger adds 7,000–11,500 watts of load to your home.
Many Lakeland homes have:
- 100A panels (not enough)
- Panels are already near full capacity
- Old or unsafe panels (Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Challenger)
- No space for a new double-pole breaker
You likely need a panel upgrade if:
- Your panel is 100 amps or smaller
- You don’t have two open breaker spaces.
- Breakers trip when using multiple appliances
- You are adding an EV charger and a new HVAC system.m
- You have an older home built before the 1980s
Look Electric Co. performs full load calculations and offers panel upgrades to ensure your charger runs safely. If you want more info, check out our guide to safe electrical panel upgrades.
3. Choosing the Right EV Charger for Your Florida Home
There are several industry-leading EV charger manufacturers used in Florida:
- Tesla Wall Connector
- ChargePoint Home Flex
- JuiceBox (Enel X)
- Wallbox Pulsar Plus
- Emporia EV Charger
- Siemens VersiCharge
- Grizzl-E (heavy-duty outdoor charger)
Important factors to consider:
- Charging Speed
Faster chargers require higher amperage circuits.
- Hardwired vs. Plug-in
Hardwired chargers are safer for outdoor installations in Florida storms.
- Wi-Fi & Smart Features
Ideal for monitoring usage, scheduling charging, and tracking energy savings.
- Compatibility
Most chargers work with any EV, but Tesla uses its own connector (adapters available).
- Location
Must be accessible, weather-safe, and close to your parking area.
A licensed electrician helps choose the right charger, install it safely, and ensure code compliance.
4. Indoor vs. Outdoor Charger Installation in Florida
Indoor Garage Installation (Preferred)
Advantages:
- Protected from rain & lightning
- Longer charger life
- Stable temperatures
- Easier maintenance
Most EV chargers in Lakeland are installed inside garages to protect the equipment from Florida’s harsh weather.
Outdoor Installation
Requires:
- Weatherproof housing
- Proper conduit protection
- GFCI protection
- NEMA-rated enclosure
- Elevated mounting in flood zones
Florida’s humidity, salt air (coastal homes), and lightning activity make outdoor installations more complex – and much more dependent on surge protection.
5. Surge Protection Is Essential for EV Chargers in Florida
Florida has the highest lightning density in the United States, which puts EV chargers at high risk.
A whole-home surge protector:
- Protects your EV charger
- Protects your panel & appliances
- Prevents charging system failures
- Is required in many new panel installations
Look Electric Co. installs Florida-compliant surge protection solutions to safeguard your charging system.
6. The EV Charger Installation Process in Florida
When you hire a licensed electrician for EV charging station installation, the process includes:
Step 1 – Load Calculation & Site Evaluation
We determine:
- Panel capacity
- Wiring path
- Best charger location
- Permit requirements
Step 2 – Written Estimate
Transparent, line-by-line pricing – no surprises.
Step 3 – Permit Filing
Required by Lakeland/Polk County for all EV charger installations.
Step 4 – Installation
Includes:
- Running new wiring
- Installing conduit
- Adding a dedicated breaker
- Mounting the charger
- GFCI/surge protection
- Hardwiring (if required)
Step 5 – Inspection
We stay until the installation passes Florida inspection.
Step 6 – Final Testing
We test:
- Charging function
- Load balance
- Wi-Fi connection (if applicable)
Your home is now EV-ready – safely and legally.
7. Why You Should Never Install an EV Charger Yourself
EV chargers draw more power than almost any device in your home. Installing one without proper training can cause:
- Electrical fires
- Panel damage
- Overheating wires
- Failed inspections
- Voided EV warranties
- Serious injury or electrocution
Florida law requires EV charger wiring to be completed by a licensed electrical contractor.
Look Electric Co. is licensed (EC13014526), insured, and trained to install all major EV charger brands safely.
We fix DIY and handyman installations all the time – and they almost always fail inspection.
Make Your Home EV-Ready With Look Electric Co.
Look Electric Co. is your trusted licensed electrician for EV charger installations in Lakeland and Central Florida. We provide:
- EV charger installation
- Panel upgrades for EV charging
- Surge protection
- Circuit installations
- Code compliance & permitting
- Troubleshooting & repairs
We ensure your EV charger is safe, fast, and ready for everyday use.
Call Look Electric Today to Schedule Your EV Charger Installation
📞 (863) 859-2515
Serving Lakeland, Polk County & Central Florida
💡 Licensed • Insured • Free Estimates • Fast Installation
