While consumers can look forward to the arrival of the 2011 all-electric Nissan LEAF in spring 2011, there’s little in the way of current Florida incentives and tax credits for hybrid and electric cars. There is, however, the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for eligible electric vehicle purchase – including the 2011 Nissan LEAF.

For now, though, consumers who purchase zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have only the following incentives offered by the state of Florida. The information comes from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center.

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Exemption

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, drivers may operate inherently low emission vehicles (ILEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) in Florida’s HOV lanes at any time, regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle – provided that the vehicles are certified and labeled in accordance with federal regulations. The vehicles must display and renew annually a decal issued by the Florida Division of Motor Vehicles (special fees may apply).

Vehicles with the decals may also use any HOV lane designated as an HOV toll lane without paying the toll.

An HEV is defined as a motor vehicle that draws its propulsion energy from onboard sources of stored energy that uses an internal combustion engine using combustible fuel and a rechargeable energy storage system. HEVs must further meet or exceed qualifying California standards for a low emission vehicle (LEV).

Free Home Charging Station

Coulomb Technologies’ ChargePoint America program offers an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) incentive at no cost to individuals or entities within the Orlando metropolitan area. To be eligible for a free home charging station, individuals living in the specified area must purchase a qualified electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and can apply for the ChargePoint America program at the dealership or with the vehicle manufacturer at the time of vehicle purchase.

For further details, see the ChargePoint America website.

Worried that Florida isn’t offering enough to convince consumers to get into green car technology? All that may change in the coming years as more green cars hit the road – and Florida incentives and tax credits for hybrid and electric cars may become a reality.

Be sure to also see if the vehicles you're considering can qualify for a federal tax credit, deduction, or rebate. Here's more info on new car tax credit, hybrid car tax credit, and electric car tax credit from the federal government. Also, make sure to check out the list of year-end new car deals, new car lease deals, and certified used car deals being offered by the car makers. Given the year-end and car manufacturers' desire to sell more cars, there's great deals to be had if you do your homework and are aware of all the incentives, discounts, rebates you can qualify for. Here's some tips on year-end car buying strategy.