EV Charging and Parking in Highland Beach Condos

Thinking about buying or owning a condo in Highland Beach and wondering how you will charge your EV? You are not alone. Many buildings are updating parking and power, while others are still exploring options. In this guide, you will learn what to check, how approval and permits work, typical costs, and where to find reliable answers for your building. Let’s dive in.

How EV charging fits condo rules

Condominium rules in Florida sit under the Florida Condominium Act, which outlines how boards manage common areas, limited common elements, approvals, and assessments. If you want to understand the framework, start with Chapter 718 of the Florida Statutes. Some communities also have a master association or separate HOA elements that follow Chapter 720.

Most assigned parking spaces in Highland Beach condos are limited common elements. That means you may have exclusive use, but the association still oversees modifications. Any wiring, conduit, or penetrations that touch common areas almost always require board approval. The building’s main electrical service is a shared asset, so upgrades to panels or transformers are typically an association decision and cost.

Boards can set technical standards and procedures for owner requests. Expect to provide a formal application, proof of insurance, and contractor details. You may also be asked to sign an agreement covering maintenance, electricity costs, and restoration if you sell.

Permitting and safety in Highland Beach

Installing a Level 2 charger will usually require an electrical permit and inspection. The Town of Highland Beach applies Florida Building Code and local procedures, so confirm requirements with the Town of Highland Beach Building Department before you start.

Key codes and standards include:

• National Electrical Code Article 625 for EV charging equipment. See the core code reference at NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.
• Florida Building Code and local amendments for electrical, structural, and exterior equipment.
• Local fire safety guidance for enclosed garages.

If your project is larger or spans multiple levels, you may also coordinate with the Palm Beach County Building Division. Because Highland Beach is coastal, ask your contractor about salt air corrosion, proper equipment ratings, and any flood zone requirements that affect mounting height and placement.

Power and metering: how you pay for electricity

You have several ways to handle power and billing in a condo setting:

• Individual metering. A dedicated meter or submeter assigns your usage to you. This keeps costs simple if available at your building.
• Association-supplied power with billing. The association provides power and bills users through a software platform, assessment, or fee schedule.
• Load management. Smart chargers can share limited capacity across multiple vehicles. This lets buildings serve more drivers without an immediate service upgrade.

For best practices in multi-unit housing, review guidance from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center. It explains configuration choices, smart charging, and ways to scale.

Utility rates and possible incentives

Florida Power & Light serves most of Palm Beach County and is the likely utility for Highland Beach. Check FPL’s business and property pages for EV charging options, rate structures, and any current programs for multifamily properties. Start here: FPL electric vehicles for businesses.

Incentives change over time. Look for federal, utility, and local programs before you buy equipment. A reliable clearinghouse for current listings is the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency. You can also explore broader federal guidance and resources through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center.

Installation models and typical costs

Every building is different, but these models are common in Highland Beach condos:

• Owner-installed at an assigned space. The owner pays for hardware and installation, follows association standards, and handles electricity through a meter or submeter.
• Association-led backbone. The board invests in panels, conduit, and power distribution, then owners opt in for a charger at their space.
• Shared charging stations. The association installs a few managed chargers with reservations and user billing.

Typical ranges to help you plan:

• Level 2 hardware: several hundred to about 1,200 dollars depending on features.
• Installation: under 1,000 dollars for simple, near-panel work to several thousand or more where long conduit runs or structural coordination are needed. Complex multi-spot or upgrade projects can exceed 10,000 dollars per space.
• Building service and transformer upgrades: can reach tens of thousands of dollars or more based on capacity and scope.

Before you commit, ask a licensed electrician for a load study. The study will show what your building can support today and whether load-sharing equipment can reduce upgrade costs.

HOA policy, parking assignments, and enforcement

Clear rules make EV charging run smoothly in a condo environment. Strong policies usually include:

• A simple application process with required documents, approved vendors, and equipment standards.
• Cost allocation and billing methods, including metering or software-based user fees.
• Insurance and indemnity requirements, plus removal or restoration rules at resale.
• Parking etiquette and enforcement, such as time limits at shared stations and signage for EV-only stalls.

If your building has unassigned or common parking, expect reservation systems or posted rules to keep charging access fair for all residents.

A simple plan for owners and boards

Follow this order to save time and avoid rework:

1. Review your declaration, bylaws, and current rules on parking and alterations.
2. Confirm rights and approval steps with association counsel if language is unclear.
3. Call the Town of Highland Beach to confirm permits and inspections, and check FPL requirements for service changes.
4. Commission an electrical load study and identify metering and load management options.
5. Adopt or follow an association policy covering applications, costs, and equipment standards.
6. Secure board approval and any votes required for common element work.
7. Pull permits, schedule the install with a licensed contractor, and coordinate inspections.
8. Install signage, enable billing, and publish user rules for residents.

Buyer and seller checklist for condo tours

Use this quick list when you tour or prepare to list a Highland Beach condo:

• Are parking spaces assigned to the unit and are they considered limited common elements?
• Are there existing chargers or a planned infrastructure project in the building?
• What is the HOA policy for EV charging applications, metering, and fees?
• Has the building completed an electrical load study or any recent service upgrades?
• How does the association plan to allocate costs for shared infrastructure?
• What is the timeline from application to installation?

How we can help you move faster

As a boutique, partner-led team, we help you navigate building rules, vendor selection, and the fine print that affects EV charging and day-to-day parking. For buyers, we verify policies and capacity before you write an offer. For sellers, we highlight existing charging or a clear path to install, then elevate your listing with concierge-level presentation.

If you are weighing condo options in Highland Beach, Boca Raton, or Delray Beach, we will coordinate the right questions with your board, the Town, and FPL so you make a confident decision. Ready to discuss your goals and next steps? Connect with Hall Luxury Homes Group to Request a Concierge Consultation.

FAQs

Can I install an EV charger at my Highland Beach condo parking space?

• It depends on your condo documents, whether your space is a limited common element, electrical capacity, and Town permitting. Board approval is usually required.

How do Highland Beach condo associations handle charging costs?

• Owners typically pay for their hardware, installation, and electricity if separately metered. Association-funded infrastructure or upgrades may be cost-shared through assessments.

What permits and codes apply to condo EV chargers in Highland Beach?

• Expect an electrical permit and inspections under Florida Building Code and NEC Article 625. Confirm details with the Town of Highland Beach and the local fire authority.

Are there utility programs or special EV rates with FPL for condos?

• Check FPL’s commercial EV pages for current offerings, time-based rates, or pilots for multifamily properties. Programs change, so verify before you buy equipment.

What if my building cannot support multiple Level 2 chargers today?

• Consider load-sharing systems, staged rollouts, or shared stations with managed billing. A load study will show whether upgrades are needed and how to phase them.

How long does approval and installation usually take in a condo?

• It varies by building. Expect weeks to months for approval and permits. Simple installs move faster, while association-led projects take longer due to planning and procurement.