Florida is home to many toll roads, expressways, and bridges, which various agencies maintain and operate. If you plan to drive in the Sunshine State, knowing how to pay tolls in Florida is important so you can avoid fines and keep your travels stress-free. This article will outline the various options for paying tolls in Florida and provide step-by-step instructions for each method.
Toll-by-Plate
One of Florida’s most convenient ways to pay tolls is through the Toll-by-Plate system. This system uses cameras to capture the license plate number of vehicles passing through a toll plaza or using a tolled road. The vehicle’s registered owner will then receive a bill in the mail for the toll amount plus a $2.50 administrative fee.
To use the Toll-by-Plate system, you don’t need to do anything special – drive through the toll plaza or use the tolled road as you normally would. If you don’t have a SunPass account (more on that later), the cameras will capture your license plate number, and you’ll receive a bill in the mail.
If you receive a Toll-by-Plate bill and want to pay it online, you can do so through the Toll-by-Plate website or the E-PASS website. You’ll need to enter your account number, which can be found on the bill, and pay the amount due using a credit card or bank account.
SunPass
SunPass is a prepaid toll program that allows you to pay tolls electronically on Florida’s toll roads, expressways, and most bridges. With SunPass, you don’t have to stop at a toll booth or pay a toll invoice in the mail – the toll amount is automatically deducted from your prepaid account as you pass through the toll plaza or use a tolled road.
To use SunPass, you’ll need to open an account and purchase a SunPass transponder, a small, battery-powered device that you attach to the inside of your vehicle’s windshield. The transponder communicates with sensors at the toll plaza and deducts the toll amount from your account as you pass through.
There are two types of SunPass transponders: the SunPass Mini, a sticker transponder that can be placed on the inside of your vehicle’s windshield, and the SunPass Portable, which is a portable transponder that can be moved from one vehicle to another.
To open a SunPass account, you can visit the SunPass website or call the SunPass Customer Service Center at 1-888-TOLL-FLA (1-888-865-5352). You’ll need to provide your personal and vehicle information and select a payment method (credit card or bank account). You’ll also need to choose a transponder type and purchase the transponder online or at a retail location.
Once you have a SunPass account and transponder, you can add funds to your account online, by phone, or at a retail location. You’ll need a positive balance in your account to pay tolls using SunPass.
E-PASS
E-PASS is another prepaid toll program in Florida that works similarly to SunPass. With E-PASS, you’ll need to open an account and purchase an E-PASS transponder, a small, battery-powered device that you attach to the inside of your vehicle’s windshield. The transponder communicates with sensors at the toll plaza and deducts the toll amount from your account as you pass through.
To open an E-PASS account, you can visit the E-PASS website or call the E-PASS Customer Service Center at 1-800-353-TOLL (1-800-353-8655). You’ll need to provide your personal and vehicle information and select a payment method (credit card or bank account). You’ll also need to purchase an E-PASS transponder online or at a retail location.
Once you have an E-PASS account and transponder, you can add funds to your account online, by phone, or at a retail location. You’ll need to have a positive balance in your account to pay tolls using E-PASS.
E-PASS and SunPass are accepted on all toll roads, expressways, and most bridges in Florida. However, they are not interchangeable – you’ll need to use the transponder and account associated with the particular program you’ve signed up for.
Other Toll Payment Options
In addition to Toll-by-Plate, SunPass, and E-PASS, there are a few other options for paying tolls in Florida:
- Cash: Some toll plazas in Florida still accept cash payments, but remember that you’ll need to know the toll amount. Tolls paid with cash are generally higher than electronic tolls, and you’ll need to stop at the toll booth to pay.
- Renting a car with a toll transponder: If you’re renting a car in Florida, you may have the option to rent a car with a toll transponder included. This allows you to pay tolls electronically without opening a SunPass or E-PASS account. Check with the rental car company for details on this option.
- Paying with a rental car’s license plate: If you’re renting a car and don’t want to use a toll transponder, you can still pay tolls through the Toll-by-Plate system. Just be aware that you’ll be charged a higher toll rate and a $2.50 administrative fee.
How to Avoid Toll Violations in Florida?
If you fail to pay a toll in Florida, you may receive a toll violation notice in the mail. This notice will include the toll amount plus a violation fee. If you don’t pay the toll and violation fee within 30 days, additional fines may be assessed, and your vehicle’s registration may be suspended.
To avoid toll violations, pay your tolls on time using one of the mentioned payment methods. If you receive a toll violation notice and believe it’s in error, you can contest it by following the instructions on the notice.
In summary, there are several options for paying tolls in Florida, including Toll-by-Plate, SunPass, and E-PASS. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, so choose the one that best fits your needs. By paying your tolls on time and using the proper payment method, you can avoid toll violations and keep your travels in the Sunshine State stress-free.