What Questions Should You Ask Before Signing an EV Buyer's Order in Florida?
Use the free tool — DealCheck EV
Why Read Before You Sign
An EV buyer's order or lease sheet in Florida can have many lines. Some are required by law. Some are optional dealer add-ons. Some are just padding. It helps to know which is which before you sign.
This is not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always confirm fees and terms with the dealer, and check with a professional or the appropriate agency if you are unsure.
Three Kinds of Charges on an EV Buyer's Order
Every line on the order generally falls into one of three groups:
- Government fees — set by law, not by the dealer.
- Dealer add-ons — optional products or services the dealer offers.
- Padding — extra charges that do not add clear value.
Ask the dealer to tell you, line by line, which group each charge belongs to.
If You Are Leasing: Watch the Money Factor
Lease sheets use a "money factor" instead of an interest rate. This number can be hard to compare to a loan APR. Ask the dealer to convert the money factor to an APR so you can compare it with other financing offers.
Tesla Direct Orders vs Franchise-Dealer Orders
Tesla sells directly, without a franchise dealer. A franchise-dealer EV order works differently and may include different add-ons or fees. Read each type of order carefully, since the structure is not the same.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- Which charges are government fees, and which are dealer add-ons?
- Is any charge on this order optional? Can it be removed?
- If I am leasing, what is the money factor, and what APR does that equal?
- Is this a direct order (like Tesla) or a franchise-dealer order, and does that change any fees?
- Can I get this order in writing before I sign, so I can review it?
Do not sign until every question is answered in writing.
What to Do Next
DealCheck EV is a free tool. Paste your own order agreement, lease sheet, or buyer's order. It sorts the lines into government fees, dealer add-ons, and padding. It also converts a lease money factor into an APR you can compare, and lists questions to ask before you sign. It works for Tesla direct orders and franchise-dealer EVs.
This is not financial advice. Confirm all numbers with the dealer or a qualified professional before you sign anything.