In a recent legislative move, Senator Ed Hooper has introduced a bill (SB 28) in Florida that could alter the financial landscape for green vehicle owners in the state. However, this proposed legislation comes with a twist, as it exempts an unexpected mode of transportation from its impact: golf cars.
The core of Senator Hooper’s bill involves the introduction of additional licensing fees for drivers of electric and hybrid vehicles. Under the proposed framework, fully electric vehicle owners would face an annual tax of $200 until 2029 when it would increase to $250 per year. Hybrid vehicle owners, on the other hand, would be subject to a $50 annual fee, which would rise to $100 in 2029.
At present, Florida motorists pay relatively lower licensing fees, typically ranging from $14.50 to $32.50, depending on the weight of their private vehicles. Notably, this new legislation would not replace these existing licensing fees; instead, it would add an extra layer of cost for electric and hybrid vehicle owners.
What makes this bill distinctive is its exemption of street-legal golf car owners. This exemption is granted due to an early provision within the bill. The legislation clearly states that the increased tax burden will not apply to vehicles utilizing a battery system of up to five kilowatts per hour (KWH). Street-legal golf cars typically employ battery systems that use around 1-3 KWH, significantly less than electric cars like the Tesla Model S, which can have battery systems ranging from 60 to 100 KWH.
This unique aspect of the bill means that residents of places where many individuals convert their golf cars into registered “Low-Speed Vehicles” for use on streets, will not be affected by the proposed tax increase.
The revenue generated from this tax will be allocated to a specific fund designed to complement fuel-tax spending, potentially contributing to the state’s infrastructure and transportation development. Senator Hooper’s bill brings to light an intriguing intersection of environmental policy, tax reform, and transportation regulations, with golf cars standing as an unexpected beneficiary in this complex equation.
