How to pay Florida tolls
You can pay Florida tolls three ways: with a SunPass account (the state's electronic toll collection system), at a toll booth with cash or card, or through a rental car company's toll service if you're driving a rental. SunPass is the fastest option—you drive through toll plazas without stopping, and the charge posts to your account automatically. If you don't have SunPass, you can still use cash lanes at most toll plazas, though lines move slower. Rental car companies like Enterprise and Hertz offer their own toll programs that charge your rental agreement instead of requiring a separate account.
The toll amount depends on which road you're using and how far you travel. Florida's toll roads include the Florida's Turnpike, Suncoast Parkway, Polk Parkway, Leesburg-Wildwood Turnpike, and several bridges and causeways. Each road has its own toll schedule. You can look up the exact toll for your route on the SunPass website or by calling the toll authority for that specific road.
Key Takeaways
- SunPass is Florida's electronic toll system and lets you drive through toll plazas without stopping; charges post automatically to your account.
- You can open a SunPass account online, by phone, or at a customer service center, and you'll need a valid payment method and vehicle information.
- If you don't have SunPass, cash and card lanes are available at most toll plazas, though they're slower than electronic lanes.
- Rental car companies offer their own toll programs that charge your rental agreement, so you don't need a separate SunPass account.
- Toll amounts vary by road and distance; check the SunPass website or call the toll authority for your specific route before you drive.
Opening a SunPass account online
Go to the SunPass website (sunpass.com) and click "Open an Account." You'll need to provide your name, address, phone number, email, and driver's license number. Have your vehicle information ready—the license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and vehicle type (car, truck, motorcycle, or RV). The system will ask you to choose a payment method: credit card, debit card, or bank account. SunPass charges a one-time account opening fee of $1.75, which is added to your first bill.
After you submit your information, the account opens when ready and you can start using it right away. Your SunPass transponder (the small device that communicates with toll plazas) will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can still use the toll roads—the system will read your license plate and bill your account. Once your transponder arrives, mount it on your windshield according to the instructions included in the package. The transponder makes tolls process faster and more reliably than plate-based billing.
Setting up SunPass by phone or in person
If you prefer not to open an account online, call SunPass customer service at 1-888-865-5352. A representative will walk you through the account setup over the phone. You'll provide the same information as the online process: personal details, vehicle information, and payment method. The account opens while you're on the call, and your transponder ships the same day. This method takes about 15 minutes.
You can also visit a SunPass customer service center in person. Locations are available at several Florida rest areas and service plazas along the Turnpike, as well as at some DMV offices. Staff will help you open the account and can give you a transponder on the spot, so you don't have to wait for mail delivery. Call ahead to confirm hours and location before you go.
Paying tolls without SunPass
Most Florida toll plazas have cash and card lanes alongside the electronic SunPass lanes. Drive into a cash lane and pay the toll attendant with cash, credit card, or debit card. The toll amount is posted on a sign before you enter the lane. This method works but is slower than SunPass because you have to stop and wait for the attendant to process your payment. During rush hours, cash lanes can have significant backups.
Some newer toll plazas have all-electronic toll collection, meaning there are no cash lanes. If you drive through an all-electronic plaza without SunPass or a valid transponder, the system photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice by mail. The invoice includes the toll amount plus a $2.50 administrative fee. You have 30 days to pay the invoice online, by phone, or by mail. If you don't pay within 30 days, the fee increases and the toll authority may suspend your vehicle registration.
Using a rental car's toll program
When you rent a car in Florida, the rental company will ask whether you want to use their toll service. If you say yes, any tolls you incur during the rental period are charged to your rental agreement at checkout. The rental company typically adds a daily fee (usually $3 to $5 per day) plus the actual toll charges. This is convenient because you don't need to set up a separate SunPass account, but it's more expensive than having your own SunPass account.
If you decline the rental company's toll service and drive through a toll plaza without SunPass, the system will photograph your plate and send an invoice to the rental company. The rental company will then charge you for the toll plus their own administrative fee, which can be $15 to $25 per toll event. This is the most expensive option. Most travelers find it cheaper to either use the rental company's toll service or open a temporary SunPass account before the trip.
Checking your SunPass balance and history
Log into your SunPass account at sunpass.com anytime to see your current balance, recent toll charges, and payment history. You can also call 1-888-865-5352 to speak with a representative. The website shows each toll transaction with the date, time, location, and amount. If you notice a charge you don't recognize or believe is incorrect, you can dispute it through your account or by calling customer service.
SunPass sends you a statement by email or mail each month, depending on your preference. You can change this setting in your account. If your balance gets low, you can set up automatic replenishment so that a set amount is charged to your payment method whenever your balance drops below a certain threshold. This prevents your account from going negative and incurring fees.
Adding funds to your SunPass account
You can add money to your SunPass account online, by phone, or at a customer service center. Online, log into sunpass.com, go to "Manage Account," and select "Add Funds." Choose your payment method and the amount you want to add. The minimum is $10 and the maximum is $500 per transaction. The funds post to your account when ready if you use a credit or debit card, or within one business day if you use a bank account.
By phone, call 1-888-865-5352 and a representative will process the payment for you. At a customer service center, staff can add funds using cash, check, or card. If you set up automatic replenishment, you won't have to manually add funds—the system will charge your payment method automatically when your balance drops below your chosen threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use one SunPass transponder on multiple vehicles?
No. Each vehicle needs its own transponder registered to that vehicle's license plate. If you drive multiple cars, you can add them to the same SunPass account, but each one needs a separate transponder. You can manage all your vehicles from one account and set up a single payment method for all of them.
What happens if I drive through a toll plaza with an expired or inactive SunPass account?
The system will photograph your license plate and send you an invoice by mail. You'll have 30 days to pay the toll plus a $2.50 administrative fee. If you don't pay, the fee increases and the toll authority may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal.
Can I get a refund if I overpay my SunPass account?
Yes. If your account balance is positive and you no longer need it, you can request a refund through your account or by calling 1-888-865-5352. Refunds are processed within 7 to 10 business days. Some toll authorities may charge a small processing fee for refunds.
Do I need SunPass to drive on Florida toll roads?
No. You can pay tolls with cash or card at toll booths, or you can drive through all-electronic plazas and pay the invoice by mail. However, SunPass is faster and cheaper because it avoids the $2.50 administrative fee charged on plate-based invoices.
How do I report a toll charge I think is wrong?
Log into your SunPass account and click "Dispute a Charge," or call 1-888-865-5352 to speak with a representative. Have your transaction details ready—the date, time, location, and amount. The toll authority will investigate and respond within 30 days.