Gas vs EV Leasing in Florida: 2025 Guide with Tax Credit Savings

How EV Leasing Works in 2025 (and Why Payments Are Low)

Leasing an EV in 2025 comes with unique advantages compared to buying, mainly because of how federal tax credits are applied. With a lease, the dealer or leasing company (the lessor) claims the Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit (§45W) and often passes some or all of that value through as a cap-cost reduction on the lease contract. Unlike purchase credits, there are no income or MSRP limits for the lessee, so virtually any driver can benefit.

The size of the §45W credit is calculated as the lesser of a set percentage of the vehicle’s cost basis or the incremental cost of the EV compared to a similar gasoline model, subject to IRS guidance. For most mass-market EVs, the effective pass-through is substantial, which directly lowers monthly lease payments. The exact discount, however, depends on the brand and dealer.

Timing matters. Current law and policy updates indicate that EV credits for passenger vehicles are set to expire after September 30, 2025. Anyone considering an EV lease should confirm the latest rules before signing to ensure the incentive is still available.

At the state level, Florida treats EV leases like any other vehicle lease: sales tax applies to each monthly payment. The state does not provide an additional EV rebate. However, some local utilities offer their own programs, such as charging credits or rebates for installing home chargers, typically ranging from $100 to $500. These smaller perks can add further value on top of the federal savings. Drivers can check what is available in their area through the Alternative Fuels Data Center.

Florida Tax Treatment: EV vs Gas Leases (Same Rules, Different Math)

When it comes to leasing, Florida treats gas and electric vehicles exactly the same. The key difference in affordability comes from the incentives that apply to EVs and the ongoing savings in fuel and maintenance.

Sales tax timing: Florida collects sales tax on a “pay-as-you-go” basis. Instead of paying the entire tax bill upfront, drivers pay 6% state sales tax plus any county surtax on each monthly lease payment. This structure benefits all lessees—whether gas or electric—because it spreads the tax burden across the term of the lease, keeping drive-off costs lower than in states that charge the full sales tax at signing.

Fuel and maintenance delta: The real math diverges once the car is on the road. Using current averages for Miami, Orlando, and Tampa:

• Gasoline: Regular unleaded averages about $3.40/gal. At 12,000 miles per year with a 28-mpg vehicle, that is roughly $1,460 annually in fuel.

• Electricity: Residential rates average $0.15–$0.16/kWh. An EV using 30 kWh per 100 miles will consume about 3,600 kWh per year at 12,000 miles—around $540–$575 annually.

• Maintenance: Gas vehicles typically see higher costs for oil changes, filters, and brake wear. EVs still require tires and may see rotor wear, but avoid routine engine service, often saving $300–$500 per year.

Why Florida’s “pay-as-you-go” tax helps monthly EV affordability

Because the state taxes leases monthly, the EV lease advantage compounds. Federal incentives lower the capitalized cost, while Florida’s tax system keeps the monthly hit consistent and predictable. Add in cheaper fueling and lower maintenance, and EV leases in Florida can deliver a much lower effective monthly cost than a comparable gas lease.

Popular EVs to Lease in Florida (What Shoppers Are Choosing)

Florida shoppers have gravitated toward a handful of electric models that stand out for their lease affordability and availability. These vehicles benefit from strong manufacturer support and the ability to leverage federal lease incentives.

• Tesla Model 3 / Model Y – Tesla's consistently ranks among the top leased EVs thanks to strong residual values and frequent pass-through of the full federal credit (around $7,500 equivalent). Combined with access to Tesla’s robust Supercharger network, they remain a compelling choice for Florida drivers looking for range and convenience.

• Hyundai Ioniq 5 / Ioniq 6 – While some Hyundai EVs may not qualify for purchase credits, they remain highly competitive on lease because the §45W commercial credit can be applied through the leasing structure. This results in lower monthly payments than many buyers expect, making them a standout in Florida’s EV market.

• Ford Mustang Mach-E – Ford has at times supported the Mach-E with aggressive lease programs, and Florida dealers tend to stock these models widely. The combination of incentives and availability makes the Mach-E an attractive alternative for those wanting an SUV-style EV at a manageable monthly cost.

Lease programs and credit pass-throughs vary by dealer and brand, but the common thread is clear: these models deliver competitive payments and strong demand. For up-to-date, real-world offers, platforms like AutoBandit surface the latest Florida-specific deals in real time.

Florida vs Other States: EV Lease Incentives & Taxes

To understand how Florida stacks up, here is a side-by-side view of lease incentives and tax treatment in major EV markets.

Key takeaway: Florida keeps things simple—no state rebate, but also no eligibility hurdles or caps. Its “pay-as-you-go” sales tax structure helps keep upfront costs low compared to places like New York, where the tax hit comes all at once.

Payment Examples: EV Lease vs Gas Lease in Florida

To see how the numbers play out in Florida, let us compare a typical EV lease against a similar gas sedan. Both assume a 36-month / 10,000 mile per year lease, with equal money factor and residual assumptions.

Scenario A: $40,000 EV vs $36,000 Gas Sedan

Outcome

• Monthly Lease Payment (before fuel/maint.):

  • EV: ~$325–340/mo. (after credit + residual assumptions

  • Gas: ~$420–440/mo

• True Cost of Ownership (with fuel + maintenance):

  • EV: ~$395–410/mo.

  • Gas: ~$520–540/mo.

Result: Even though the EV starts with a higher MSRP, the $7,500 lease credit and lower running costs flip the math in Florida’s favor. The EV can match or beat the gas lease on payment and delivers a clear TCO win once fuel and maintenance are added.

Why EV Leasing Is Booming in Florida

Florida has quickly become one of the hottest markets for EV leasing, and the reasons tie directly to how the numbers work in 2025. The most powerful driver is the federal lease credit pass-through. Dealers can apply the Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit to the capitalized cost, often reducing monthly payments by hundreds of dollars. Combined with strong residual values on popular EVs, many leases now undercut comparable gas models.

Florida’s sales tax treatment also tilts the math in favor of affordability. Instead of taxing the full vehicle value up front, the state applies its 6% tax (plus county surtax) to each monthly payment. That “pay-as-you-go” approach keeps upfront cash outlay low—something many shoppers prefer.

Unlike states with layered rebate programs, Florida’s process is refreshingly simple: no income caps, MSRP limits, or extra paperwork. That lack of friction means more shoppers qualify instantly.

Finally, the state’s lifestyle factors align well with EVs. Suburban homeowners can charge overnight at low utility rates, while urban drivers—especially rideshare operators—benefit from reduced fueling and maintenance costs. Added to the growing popularity of online multi-dealer bidding, Florida shoppers are seeing more transparent, competitive lease offers than ever before.

How to Shop an EV Lease in Florida (Checklist)

Leasing an EV in Florida can be a smart financial move—but only if you know what to ask before signing. Use this checklist to make sure you capture every incentive and avoid surprises.

• Ask about the 45W pass-through

  Confirm how much of the federal Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit the dealer is applying, and where it shows on your lease quote. This credit often reduces capitalized cost by several thousand dollars.

• Verify the lease math

  Request a clear breakdown of money factor, residual value, acquisition fee, and how Florida’s 6% sales tax (plus any county surtax) is applied to each monthly payment.

• Check for utility rebates

  Local utilities like OUC and others may offer $100–$500 rebates or home charging perks. Ask your provider and verify if federal home charger credits are still active.

• Mind the 2025 deadline

  Current rules schedule federal EV lease credits to expire after September 30, 2025. If you are shopping this year, clarify delivery timing to ensure you qualify under the credit window.