A Florida senator has proposed preventing local governments from regulating electric vehicle charging stations

©2023 The News Service of Florida

A Senate Republican has proposed preventing local governments from regulating electric vehicle charging stations.

Senate Agriculture Chairman Jay Collins, R-Tampa, included the prohibition in a bill (SB 1084) that includes a wide range of issues related to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Under the proposal, regulation of electric-vehicle charging stations would be controlled by the state — what is known as a “preemption” of local authority.

Under current law, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services oversees such things as requirements for posting prices at charging stations.

Collins’ bill is filed for the legislative session that will start Jan. 9.