How to pay FDOT tolls
You can pay Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) tolls in three ways: through a SunPass account (the state's electronic toll collection system), by paying cash or card at a toll booth, or by mail if you receive an invoice. SunPass is the fastest option — your account is charged automatically as you drive through tolled roads. If you don't have SunPass, most toll plazas accept cash and credit cards at staffed lanes, though some newer express lanes are SunPass-only. If you miss a toll, FDOT will mail you an invoice with payment instructions.
The method you choose affects how much you pay. SunPass users typically receive a discount on tolls — usually 25 to 50 percent off the cash rate, depending on the road. Paying by mail after receiving an invoice costs more because a processing fee is added. Setting up SunPass takes about 10 minutes online or by phone, and you can fund it with a credit card, debit card, or bank account.
Key Takeaways
- SunPass is an electronic account that charges you automatically as you pass through tolls and typically saves you 25 to 50 percent compared to paying cash.
- You can open a SunPass account online at sunpass.com, by phone at 1-888-865-5352, or at a SunPass customer service center, and fund it when ready with a credit or debit card.
- Cash and credit card payments are accepted at most toll booths during staffed hours, but some express lanes only accept SunPass.
- If you drive through a toll without paying, FDOT will mail you an invoice with a processing fee added to the toll amount.
- Your SunPass account balance can be checked online anytime, and you can set up automatic replenishment so you never run out of funds.
Opening a SunPass account
To open a SunPass account, visit sunpass.com and click "Open an Account." You'll enter your name, address, email, and phone number, then choose a funding method — credit card, debit card, or bank account. You must add at least $25 to start, though you can add more. The account is active within minutes, and you'll receive a transponder (a small device that mounts on your windshield) by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you prefer not to order online, you can call 1-888-865-5352 to open an account by phone, or visit a SunPass customer service center in person. There are centers throughout Florida, including at some rest stops and service plazas. When you open an account by phone or in person, you can sometimes get a transponder when ready instead of waiting for mail delivery.
Once your transponder arrives, mount it on your windshield following the instructions included in the package. The transponder communicates with toll readers as you pass through, and your account is charged automatically. You don't need to do anything else — just drive.
Paying cash or card at toll booths
Most FDOT toll plazas have staffed lanes where you can pay with cash or a credit or debit card. Drive into a lane marked for cash or card payment, and an attendant will tell you the toll amount. Hand over your payment, and they'll wave you through. This method works every time you encounter a toll, but you'll pay the full cash rate, which is higher than the SunPass discount.
Some newer toll roads in Florida, particularly express lanes, only accept SunPass and do not have cash lanes. Before driving on an unfamiliar toll road, check FDOT's website or call 1-888-865-5352 to confirm whether cash is accepted. If you accidentally drive into a SunPass-only lane without a transponder, you'll receive an invoice by mail.
Paying at the booth is slower than SunPass because you have to stop and exchange money with an attendant. During rush hour, cash lanes can have longer waits. If speed and savings matter to you, SunPass is the better choice.
What happens if you don't pay a toll
If you drive through a toll plaza without paying — whether you missed a booth, your SunPass account was empty, or you took a wrong turn — FDOT will photograph your license plate and mail you an invoice. The invoice includes the toll amount plus a processing fee. The processing fee varies but is typically $2.50 to $5.00 per missed toll.
The invoice will arrive at the address registered with your vehicle's license plate. It will include instructions for payment, usually online through the FDOT website or by mail. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check. If you receive multiple invoices for the same trip (for example, if you missed several tolls on one road), each one will have its own processing fee.
If you ignore an invoice, FDOT can suspend your vehicle registration or report the debt to a collection agency. Paying promptly when you receive an invoice avoids these consequences. If you believe you were charged in error, you can contact FDOT customer service at 1-888-865-5352 to dispute the charge.
Managing your SunPass account
Once your account is open, you can check your balance and transaction history anytime at sunpass.com by logging in with your email and password. The website shows every toll you've paid, the date and time, and your current balance. You can also set up automatic replenishment, which adds funds to your account when the balance drops below a level you choose — for example, $10 or $25.
Automatic replenishment prevents your account from running empty and means you won't receive invoices for missed tolls due to insufficient funds. You can change your replenishment settings or turn it off anytime through your account dashboard. If you prefer to manually add funds, you can do that online, by phone, or at a customer service center.
If your transponder is damaged, lost, or stops working, contact SunPass customer service to request a replacement. There is usually no charge for a replacement transponder. If you're selling your vehicle or no longer need your account, you can close it online or by phone and request a refund of any remaining balance.
SunPass discounts and toll rates
SunPass users pay less than drivers who pay cash at the same toll plaza. The discount ranges from 25 to 50 percent depending on which road you're using. For example, on some Florida Turnpike segments, a SunPass toll might be $1.50 while the cash toll is $2.50. On other roads, the difference is smaller. FDOT sets these rates, and they can change.
The discount applies every time you use a tolled road with your SunPass transponder. Over time, especially if you drive tolled roads frequently, the savings add up. You can see the exact toll amount for any road on sunpass.com before you drive, so you know what to expect.
Some SunPass accounts may have access to for additional discounts if you meet certain criteria — for example, if you're a frequent user or a resident of a specific county. Check sunpass.com or call 1-888-865-5352 to see if you may have access to for any special rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my SunPass in another state?
SunPass works only on Florida toll roads operated by FDOT and some private toll operators in Florida. It does not work in other states. If you travel to states with tolls, such as Georgia or South Carolina, you'll need to pay cash or use that state's toll system.
What if my SunPass account runs out of money while I'm driving?
If your balance reaches zero, your transponder will not charge the toll, and you'll receive an invoice by mail with a processing fee added. To avoid this, set up automatic replenishment so your account refunds before it empties, or check your balance regularly and add funds manually.
How long does it take to receive my SunPass transponder?
Transponders ordered online typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need one faster, visit a SunPass customer service center in person — many locations have transponders available when ready. You can find center locations and hours at sunpass.com.
Can I transfer my SunPass account to a different vehicle?
Yes. Log into your account at sunpass.com and update your vehicle information with the new license plate number and vehicle details. Your transponder will work on the new vehicle right away. You don't need a new transponder unless the old one is damaged.
What should I do if I receive an invoice I think is wrong?
Contact FDOT customer service at 1-888-865-5352 with your invoice number and the details of the charge you're disputing. They can review the toll transaction and correct the charge if an error occurred. Keep your invoice and any supporting documents until the dispute is resolved.