In Florida, tolls are charges that are collected for the use of certain roads, bridges, and tunnels. Tolls are used to help fund the construction and maintenance of these transportation facilities, and they are generally paid by drivers who use them. However, there are some cases in which drivers may be exempt from paying tolls. Here is a closer look at who is exempt from tolls in Florida.
One group of people who are exempt from tolls in Florida are emergency vehicles. This includes vehicles that are used by law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and ambulance services. These vehicles are typically equipped with special lights and sirens that allow them to bypass toll plazas and other traffic restrictions when they are responding to an emergency.
Another group of people who are exempt from tolls in Florida are military personnel. Active duty military members who are traveling on official business may be able to use certain toll roads without having to pay a toll. In order to be exempt, military personnel must be driving a military-owned vehicle or a privately-owned vehicle that has been authorized for official use.
People who are transporting a deceased person’s body for burial may also be exempt from tolls in Florida. This includes funeral directors, hearses, and other vehicles that are used to transport the body to a funeral home or cemetery. In order to be exempt, these vehicles must have a special sticker or permit that identifies them as being used for this purpose.
In some cases, people who are traveling to or from a medical appointment may be exempt from tolls in Florida. This includes patients who are being transported by ambulance or by a medical transportation service, as well as people who are driving themselves to a medical appointment and have a disability that prevents them from paying the toll. In order to be exempt, these individuals must have a special sticker or permit that identifies them as being eligible for a toll exemption.
Finally, people who are driving low-emission or fuel-efficient vehicles may be exempt from tolls in Florida under certain circumstances. The Florida Department of Transportation has a program called the SunPass Green Discount Plan, which provides discounts on tolls for drivers who use hybrid or electric vehicles. In order to be eligible for this discount, drivers must have a SunPass account and must meet certain requirements, such as having a vehicle that gets at least 45 miles per gallon or produces 90% fewer emissions than a standard vehicle.
Overall, there are a number of different groups of people who may be exempt from tolls in Florida. This includes emergency vehicles, military personnel, funeral directors, people who are traveling to or from a medical appointment, and drivers of low-emission or fuel-efficient vehicles. If you are unsure whether you are exempt from tolls in Florida, you can contact the Florida Department of Transportation or the SunPass customer service team for more information.