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EV Charger Installation in Tampa Bay

A 240-volt Level 2 charger in a Tampa Bay garage or driveway: the dedicated circuit, the load calculation, the permit, and what Tampa Electric and Duke Energy Florida offer for chargers. Call now.

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A Level 2 charger runs on 240 volts and refills most cars overnight. Installing one is a permitted electrical job: a dedicated circuit sized for the charger, a check that the panel and the service can carry it, and an inspection. Tampa Electric's own guidance tells customers to get the permit and strongly advises a licensed electrician for 240-volt home charging.

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Circuit and panel

Charging is a continuous load, so the circuit and breaker are sized above the charger's rated current. A 48-amp charger needs a 60-amp circuit. The electrician runs a load calculation on the house first. Many 1990s and 2000s houses with 200 amps carry a charger without trouble; many 1960s houses on 100 amps do not, and a full panel with no spaces is common in newer subdivisions.

When the numbers are tight, a charger with adjustable current or a load-management device can avoid a service upgrade.

Where it goes

Close to where the car parks and as close to the panel as is practical; distance adds wire size and cost. A charger outside needs an outdoor rating, and on the islands and the waterfront, salt air shortens the life of exposed hardware. Some HOAs have rules about outdoor equipment.

Utility programs and credits

Duke Energy Florida's Charger Prep Credit is a one-time credit toward the electrical work a Level 2 charger needs, such as the new outlet or circuit and wiring upgrades, not the charger itself, its software or the permit fees. Duke also has an Off-Peak Charging Credit for charging outside peak hours.

Tampa Electric's Prime Time Plus pays monthly bill credits for enrolled equipment it can pause briefly at peak demand, and only hardwired Level 2 chargers qualify, which is a reason to hardwire rather than use a plug.

The federal home charger credit ended for chargers placed in service after June 30, 2026.

  • Load calculation before anything is bought
  • Dedicated circuit sized for continuous charging
  • Hardwired or a 240-volt outlet, by charger and program
  • Outdoor-rated equipment where it is outside
  • Permit and inspection
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