What Pay by Plate Is and How It Charges You

Pay by Plate is Florida's electronic toll collection system that photographs your license plate as you drive through a toll plaza and bills you later by mail. You do not need a transponder or tag on your windshield. The system is used on Florida's Turnpike, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and several other toll roads across the state.

When you pass through a toll booth, cameras capture your plate number and the toll amount is charged to the vehicle registration address on file with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. A bill arrives at your mailing address within two to three weeks. You then pay by mail, phone, or online.

The toll amount varies by location and distance traveled. A single toll on the Florida Turnpike might range from $0.50 to $3.00 depending on which segment you use. If you travel the same route regularly, the costs add up quickly, which is why many drivers switch to a transponder-based system like SunPass to lock in lower rates.

Key Takeaways

  • Pay by Plate bills you by mail after your vehicle passes through a toll plaza, with payment due within a set timeframe.
  • Unpaid tolls trigger late fees, and repeated non-payment can result in a suspended registration or civil judgment against you.
  • You can pay a bill online through the Florida Turnpike website, by phone, or by mail using the invoice number on your bill.
  • If you dispute a toll charge, you must request a hearing within 30 days of receiving the bill.
  • Switching to a SunPass transponder locks in lower toll rates than Pay by Plate and eliminates the need to pay by mail each time.

How to Pay a Pay by Plate Bill

When your bill arrives, you have several ways to pay. The fastest method is online through the official Florida Turnpike website (floridasturnpike.com) or the SunPass website. You will need the invoice number from your bill and a credit or debit card. Payment usually posts within one business day.

You can also pay by phone by calling the Florida Turnpike customer service line at 1-888-TOLL-FLA (1-888-865-5352). Have your bill in front of you when you call. Payment by phone also accepts credit or debit cards and processes the same day.

Mailing a check or money order is slower but still an option. Write your invoice number on the back of the check and mail it to the address printed on your bill. Allow 10 to 14 days for the payment to arrive and post to your account. Do not send cash through the mail.

What Happens If You Do Not Pay On Time

If your bill is not paid by the due date, a late fee is added to your account. The first late fee is typically $2.50, but additional fees accumulate if the bill remains unpaid. After 60 days of non-payment, the Florida Turnpike Authority may report the debt to a collection agency.

Repeated non-payment can lead to a suspended vehicle registration. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will not renew your registration until the toll debt is resolved. In some cases, the Turnpike Authority may file a civil judgment against you, which can affect your credit report and lead to wage garnishment or bank account levies.

If you receive a notice that your registration is suspended due to unpaid tolls, you must pay the full amount owed plus any collection fees before you can renew your registration. This creates a cycle where you cannot legally drive the vehicle until the debt is cleared.

Disputing a Toll Charge

If you believe a toll charge is incorrect — for example, if you were not actually on that road or if you were charged twice for the same trip — you can dispute it. You must request a hearing within 30 days of receiving the bill. Contact the Florida Turnpike customer service line or submit a written dispute through the website.

When you dispute a charge, provide as much detail as possible: the date and time of the toll, the location, and why you believe the charge is wrong. If you have photos, GPS records, or other evidence, include those. The Turnpike Authority will review your claim and either reverse the charge or explain why it is valid.

Do not ignore a bill you disagree with. Disputing it stops the clock on late fees while your case is reviewed. If you straightforward do not pay, late fees continue to accumulate regardless of whether the original charge was correct.

Switching to SunPass to Avoid Pay by Plate Bills

SunPass is a prepaid transponder system that offers lower toll rates than Pay by Plate. Instead of being billed by mail, you load money into a SunPass account and the toll is deducted automatically each time you pass through a toll plaza. A SunPass transponder costs $13.99 and can be ordered online or purchased at retail locations across Florida.

The savings are significant. A toll that costs $1.50 on Pay by Plate might cost $0.75 with a SunPass transponder on the same road. Over time, regular toll users save hundreds of dollars per year. You can also set up automatic replenishment so your account refills when the balance drops below a certain amount.

If you travel toll roads infrequently, Pay by Plate is simpler because you do not need to buy or maintain a transponder. But if you use tolls more than a few times per month, SunPass pays for itself within weeks.

What to Do If You Lose Your Bill or Invoice Number

If your bill arrives damaged or you cannot find your invoice number, you can still pay. Call the Florida Turnpike customer service line at 1-888-TOLL-FLA and provide your license plate number and vehicle registration information. The representative will look up your account and provide the invoice number or process payment over the phone.

You can also create an online account on the Florida Turnpike website using your license plate number and ZIP code. Once logged in, you can view all outstanding bills and pay them directly. This also allows you to set up automatic payments so future tolls are paid without waiting for a bill to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a Pay by Plate bill with a prepaid card or gift card?

Most payment methods accept any card with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover logo, including prepaid cards and gift cards. However, the card must have a billing address on file. Call customer service if you are unsure whether your specific card will work.

What if I moved and the bill went to my old address?

Update your address with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles as soon as possible. You can do this online through their website or at a local DMV office. If you missed a bill because it went to an old address, contact the Florida Turnpike customer service line to explain the situation. They may be able to waive late fees if you can show you updated your address promptly.

Do rental cars use Pay by Plate?

Yes. When you rent a car in Florida and drive on toll roads, the rental company's address receives the bill. Most rental companies charge a processing fee (typically $3 to $5 per toll) on top of the actual toll amount. Check your rental agreement to see if tolls are included or if you will be charged separately.

Can I set up automatic payments for Pay by Plate?

Yes. Create an account on the Florida Turnpike website using your license plate and ZIP code, then enroll in automatic payment. Your account will be charged automatically each time a toll is incurred, eliminating the need to wait for and pay individual bills.

What if my registration is already suspended for unpaid tolls?

Pay the full amount owed, including any late fees and collection charges, through the Florida Turnpike website or by phone. Once payment is confirmed, contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to request reinstatement of your registration. This usually takes one to three business days.