County program to provide rebates for installation of public charging stations for electric vehicles

Details to be discussed at two public meetings; information also available online

This charging station is outside Selby Library in downtown Sarasota. Photo courtesy Sarasota County

With electric vehicle use becoming increasingly popular, Sarasota County government is launching a program to boost the number of charging stations across the county; two workshops have been planned to provide details, the county has announced.

“The ChargeUP! county program will rebate up to half the cost of buying and installing a new charging station, a move designed to make it easier and more affordable for targeted businesses,” nonprofits and governmental organizations to add new stations for public use, a news release explains.

“The program would support the addition of charging stations where they’re needed, encouraging more adoption of this sustainable transportation option,” said Lee Hayes Byron, Sarasota County’s sustainability manager, in the release. “Drivers will benefit by having more options for charging, and establishments will benefit by attracting more people,” she added in the release.

ChargeUP! will provide certain types of nonprofit and governmental organizations with rebates up to a maximum of $4,000 for the expense of purchasing and installing a publicly available charging station, the release points out. Select businesses will be eligible for rebates of 25%, with a $2,000 maximum, the release adds. The program will begin accepting applications in mid-February, with limited funding, the release notes.

Additionally, representatives from the Sarasota County University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension & Sustainability office and Florida Power and Light will host two 90-minute events to provide interested parties with information about charging station options and costs, along with details on eligibility and applying for ChargeUP!  Incentives:

  • Jan. 24: brown-bag presentation set for noon at the Sarasota County Administration Building, located at 1660 Ringling Blvd. in Sarasota. Lunch will not be provided. Registration is required via Eventbrite.com.
  • Jan. 31: webinar session, 3:30 p.m. To register, email sustainablesarasota@scgov.net.

Sarasota County ranks second in Florida for the number of electric vehicles per capita, the release says. Drivers are able to power up at nearly three-dozen public charging stations, it adds. “The demand for charging stations is expected to climb, as well, as local electric vehicle adoption expands,” the release points out.

Learn more and find application information at the ChargeUP! rebate program webpage, call 861-5000 or email sustainablesarasota@scgov.net.