If you own an EV and live in a Miami condo or HOA community, you have the legal right to install a Level 2 charger — but you still need board approval. Here is exactly how the process works, what Florida law says, and how to get your proposal approved on the first try.
What Florida law says
For condo owners: Florida Statute 718.113(9) explicitly protects condo unit owners who want to install EV charging equipment in their designated parking space or exclusive use area. The association cannot unreasonably prohibit this, and any blanket ban on EV chargers is unenforceable.
For HOA communities (single-family homes, townhomes): Florida Statute 720.317 provides similar protection. The HOA can impose reasonable restrictions on installation — location, aesthetics, conduit routing — but cannot simply say no.
What this means practically: you are not asking for permission, you are notifying the board of a right and providing the documentation they need to process the installation safely.
What Miami boards typically require
Based on approvals we have navigated in Miami Beach and Brickell buildings, most condo boards require:
- Licensed Florida electrician's installation plan (circuit route, panel impact, conduit path, charger specs)
- Contractor's certificate of liability insurance (typically $1M general liability minimum)
- Written agreement that the owner covers all installation costs and future maintenance
- Charger manufacturer cut sheet showing electrical specs (voltage, amperage, ENERGY STAR certification)
- Photos or drawing of the proposed installation location
Step-by-step: the approval process
Know your rights
Before submitting anything, confirm which statute applies to your building type. Print the relevant statute section and keep it handy — if the board pushes back, cite it directly.
Get an installation plan from a licensed electrician
This is the single most important document. The plan should show: available panel amperage and breaker slot location, proposed 240V/50A circuit route, conduit path from panel to parking space, charger mounting location and weatherproofing. APLUS provides this as part of our EV installation service.
Assemble your proposal package
Combine the installation plan, charger specs, insurance certificate, and your written cost agreement. Include photos of the proposed location. A clean, professional-looking package signals to the board that this is a low-risk approval.
Submit before the board meeting deadline
Most condo boards have a submission deadline 7–14 days before the monthly meeting. Email the package to the property manager with a read receipt. Keep copies of every communication — including the date you submitted.
Attend the board meeting
Show up or send a representative. Common board questions: 'What if the conduit damages the building later?' (your agreement covers it) and 'Will this affect the building's electrical load?' (the installation plan addresses this). A licensed electrician who can attend is a significant advantage.
Get written approval and pull the permit
Once approved, get the decision in writing (meeting minutes or email). Your electrician then applies for the Miami-Dade electrical permit — which requires the board approval documentation for condo and HOA installs.
Timeline expectations
- Electrician assessment + plan: 3–5 business days
- Proposal package assembly: 1–2 days
- Board submission to decision: 30–60 days (1–2 board meetings)
- Miami-Dade permit processing: 5–10 business days after approval
- Installation day: 3–6 hours for standard install
- FPL coordination (if panel upgrade needed): Additional 1–2 weeks
Common board objections — and how to answer them
"We cannot approve modifications to the building's electrical system."
Florida Statute 718.113(9) supersedes this position. The statute explicitly protects this right. A blanket refusal is not legally defensible.
"What if the installation damages common elements?"
Your written agreement covers this explicitly. Include language stating you accept all liability for installation and future maintenance. This is standard in every approval we have helped facilitate.
"We need our engineer to review this first."
Reasonable — and expected in larger buildings. Provide the licensed electrician plan and offer to pay the building engineer's review fee (usually $200–$500). This shows good faith and typically speeds up the process.