Section 339.287 - Electric vehicle charging stations; infrastructure plan development(1) The Legislature finds that: (a) Climate change may have significant impacts to this state which will require the development of avoidance, adaptation, and mitigation strategies to address these potential impacts on future state projects, plans, and programs;(b) A significant portion of the carbon dioxide emissions in this state is produced by the transportation sector;(c) Electric vehicles can help reduce these emissions, thereby helping to reduce the impact of climate change on this state;(d) The use of electric vehicles for nonlocal driving requires adequate, reliable charging stations to address electric vehicle battery range limitations;(e) Having adequate, reliable charging stations along the State Highway System will also help with evacuations during hurricanes or other disasters;(f) Ensuring the prompt installation of adequate, reliable charging stations is in the public interest; and(g) A recommended plan for electric vehicle charging station infrastructure should be established to address changes in the emerging electric vehicle market and necessary charging infrastructure.(2)(a) The department shall coordinate, develop, and recommend a master plan for current and future plans for the development of electric vehicle charging station infrastructure along the State Highway System, as defined in s. 334.03(24). The department shall develop the recommended master plan and submit it to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by July 1, 2021. The plan must include recommendations for legislation and may include other recommendations as determined by the department.(b) The department, in consultation with the Public Service Commission and the Office of Energy within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and any other public or private entities as necessary or appropriate, shall be primarily responsible for the following goals and objectives in developing the plan: 1. Identifying the types or characteristics of possible locations for electric vehicle charging station infrastructure along the State Highway System to support a supply of electric vehicle charging stations that will:a. Accomplish the goals and objectives of this section;b. Support both short-range and long-range electric vehicle travel;c. Encourage the expansion of electric vehicle use in this state; andd. Adequately serve evacuation routes in this state.2. Identifying any barriers to the use of electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging station infrastructure both for short-range and long-range electric vehicle travel along the State Highway System.3. Identifying an implementation strategy for expanding electric vehicle and charging station infrastructure use in this state.4. Quantifying the loss of revenue to the State Transportation Trust Fund due to the current and projected future use of electric vehicles in this state and summarizing efforts of other states to address such revenue loss.(c) The Public Service Commission, in consultation with the department and the Office of Energy within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and any other public or private entities as necessary or appropriate, shall be primarily responsible for the following goals and objectives in developing the plan: 1. Projecting the increase in the use of electric vehicles in this state over the next 20 years and determining how to ensure an adequate supply of reliable electric vehicle charging stations to support and encourage this growth in a manner supporting a competitive market with ample consumer choice.2. Evaluating and comparing the types of electric vehicle charging stations available at present and which may become available in the future, including the technology and infrastructure incorporated in such stations, along with the circumstances within which each type of station and infrastructure is typically used, including fleet charging, for the purpose of identifying any advantages to developing particular types or uses of these stations.3. Considering strategies to develop this supply of charging stations, including, but not limited to, methods of building partnerships with local governments, other state and federal entities, electric utilities, the business community, and the public in support of electric vehicle charging stations.4. Identifying the type of regulatory structure necessary for the delivery of electricity to electric vehicles and charging station infrastructure, including competitive neutral policies and the participation of public utilities in the marketplace.(d) The Public Service Commission, in consultation with the Office of Energy within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, shall review emerging technologies in the electric and alternative vehicle market, including alternative fuel sources.(e) The department, the Public Service Commission, and the Office of Energy within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services may agree to explore other issues deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of the report required in paragraph (a).(f) By December 1, 2020, the department shall file a status report with the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives containing any preliminary recommendations, including recommendations for legislation.Added by 2020 Fla. Laws, ch. 21, s 3, eff. 7/1/2020.