Charging at home is the easiest way to own an EV — but in a condo, you can't just call an electrician and plug in. Here's how the process works for Fort Lauderdale condo owners, from association approval to the first charge.
Your rights under Florida law
Florida's condominium law (section 718.113 of the Florida Statutes) generally prevents an association from prohibiting a unit owner from installing an EV charging station in their limited common element parking space — typically an assigned space. In exchange, the owner usually must:
- Follow the association's reasonable safety and installation guidelines.
- Use a licensed electrical contractor and get the required permits.
- Pay for the installation, the electricity used and any related costs.
- Carry any insurance the association requires for the equipment.
Rules differ for unassigned or common parking. Read your declaration and the association's EV policy, and ask the manager before you buy a charger.
Step 1: Talk to your association
Ask for the building's EV guidelines, approval forms and insurance requirements, and which power sources are allowed. Some buildings are planning shared EV charging for everyone — worth knowing before you install your own.
Step 2: Find the power source
This is the biggest variable in a condo. Common options are:
- Your unit's panel or meter — you pay for your own electricity, but the run from the unit or meter room to the garage can be long.
- A building (house) panel with a submeter — shorter runs, with the association billing you for the energy you use.
- Association-installed charging — shared or assigned chargers with load management, often the best long-term option for larger buildings.
A licensed electrician checks available capacity and, where needed, recommends a charger with load management so the building isn't overloaded.
Step 3: Permit and installation
Inside city limits, the permit is issued by the City of Fort Lauderdale. Installation typically involves a dedicated 240V circuit, conduit through the garage, a disconnect where required and a Level 2 charger mounted at your space, followed by inspection. See our Fort Lauderdale permit guide.
What it costs
A typical home Level 2 installation within a short distance of the panel falls in our published $500–$3,500 range. Condo installations often cost more because of longer runs, garage conduit, metering and association requirements — so we quote in writing after a site visit. More detail is in our EV charger cost guide.
Which charger?
Most owners choose a 32–48 amp Level 2 charger. In condos, chargers with load management or scheduling are a plus, and some associations require specific models or networked chargers for billing. Check before you buy.
We can help
Xlectrical installs EV chargers in Fort Lauderdale condos and prepares the documents associations usually request. Learn more about EV charger installation in Fort Lauderdale or call 754-289-8993.
Note: this guide is general information for Fort Lauderdale property owners, not legal or engineering advice. Rules, fees and deadlines change — confirm the details for your property with the City of Fort Lauderdale, your association and, where required, a licensed engineer.
Co-Owner · Xlectrical
Elías Sierra is Co-Owner of Xlectrical in Sunrise, FL, with more than 17 years of electrical experience — including serving as electrical manager at power generation plants and leading installations in the petrochemical, plastics and oil industries. Every Xlectrical guide is written to help South Florida homeowners make safe, informed decisions.