How you can pay Florida tolls

Florida tolls can be paid in three ways: through a prepaid toll account (SunPass or a compatible transponder), at a toll booth with cash or card, or by mail after receiving an invoice. Most drivers use SunPass, which is a radio-frequency transponder that deducts tolls automatically as you pass through toll plazas. If you do not have a transponder, you can pay cash at staffed toll booths on some roads, though many newer toll roads have no cash lanes. If you pass through a toll without paying and do not have an account, the toll authority will mail you an invoice based on your license plate.

The method you choose affects how much you pay. SunPass account holders receive a discount on most tolls — typically 25 to 50 percent off the cash rate. Paying by mail after receiving an invoice costs the full cash rate plus an administrative fee. Paying at a toll booth with a credit or debit card may also include a processing fee depending on the plaza.

Key Takeaways

  • SunPass is a prepaid transponder account that gives you a discount on tolls and charges your account automatically as you drive.
  • You can set up a SunPass account online, by phone, or at a retail location, and you can use it on all Florida toll roads plus some toll roads in other states.
  • If you do not pay a toll, the Florida Department of Transportation will mail you an invoice based on your license plate, and unpaid tolls accrue late fees and can affect your vehicle registration.
  • Cash payment is still available at some toll booths, but many newer toll roads have no cash lanes and require a transponder or license plate payment.
  • Paying by mail after receiving an invoice costs more than paying with SunPass because you pay the full cash rate plus an administrative fee.

Setting up a SunPass account

To set up a SunPass account, you need a valid driver's license or ID, a vehicle registration, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). You can open an account online at sunpass.com, by calling 1-888-865-7287, or at a SunPass retail location. The account itself is free to open. You will need to purchase a transponder if you do not already have one — the cost varies depending on the type, but a standard transponder typically costs between $10 and $25.

Once your account is active, you load money onto it by credit card, debit card, or automatic bank withdrawal. Most drivers set up automatic replenishment, which adds funds to the account when the balance drops below a threshold you choose. You can also make one-time payments. The money in your account is held by the Florida Department of Transportation and is not FDIC-insured, so if the account is closed, you may request a refund of any remaining balance.

SunPass transponders work on all Florida toll roads, including the Florida Turnpike, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Alligator Alley, and most county toll roads. The transponder also works on toll roads in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina if those roads are part of the interoperable network. You can have multiple transponders on one account — for example, one for each vehicle in your household.

Paying tolls without a transponder

If you do not have a SunPass account, you can still pay tolls at a toll booth with cash or a credit or debit card. However, not all toll plazas have cash lanes anymore. The Florida Turnpike Enterprise has removed cash collection from most of its plazas and now uses license plate-based billing for drivers without transponders. This means if you drive through a toll plaza without a transponder and without paying, the system photographs your license plate and mails you an invoice.

Some county toll roads and older toll facilities still operate staffed cash booths. If you use a cash booth, you pay the full toll rate at that moment. If you use a credit or debit card at a toll booth, you may be charged a processing fee in addition to the toll. The processing fee varies by toll authority but is typically $1 to $2 per transaction.

License plate-based billing is automatic if you do not have a transponder. You do not need to do anything — the toll authority will identify your vehicle and send you an invoice. The invoice will include the toll amount, an administrative fee (usually $2.50 to $5 per toll), and instructions for payment. You can pay the invoice online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center.

What happens if you do not pay a toll

If you receive a toll invoice and do not pay it within the stated important date, the toll authority will add a late fee to your account. Late fees typically range from $5 to $25 per unpaid toll, depending on how long the invoice remains unpaid. If the debt continues to grow, the toll authority can report it to a credit reporting agency, which will affect your credit score.

Unpaid tolls can also affect your vehicle registration. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles can suspend your registration if you have unpaid toll debt above a certain threshold. This means you will not be able to renew your registration until the tolls are paid. Some toll authorities also use collection agencies to pursue unpaid accounts, which can result in additional collection fees.

If you believe you received a toll invoice in error — for example, because you had a transponder that malfunctioned or because the license plate was misread — you can dispute the invoice. Contact the toll authority that issued the invoice with documentation of your dispute. Most toll authorities have a dispute process that takes 30 to 60 days to resolve.

Transponder types and compatibility

Florida offers several transponder options. The standard SunPass transponder is the most common and works on all Florida toll roads. The SunPass Mini is a smaller version that fits in a visor clip. The SunPass Portable is designed for rental cars and temporary use. All three types work on the same account and receive the same discounts.

Other states' transponders may also work on Florida toll roads if they are part of the interoperable network. For example, a Georgia Peach Pass or a North Carolina E-ZPass will work on some Florida tolls, though you will not receive the SunPass discount rate. If you travel frequently between states, you can use your home state's transponder in Florida, but you will pay the cash rate rather than the discounted rate.

If your transponder is damaged, lost, or stolen, you can request a replacement through your SunPass account. Replacement transponders typically cost $10 to $15. If your transponder is not reading properly at toll plazas, you can have it tested at a SunPass retail location or by calling customer service.

Checking your account and disputing charges

You can check your SunPass account balance and transaction history online at sunpass.com or by calling 1-888-865-7287. Your account shows each toll you have paid, the date and location of the toll, and your current balance. You can also set up account alerts to notify you when your balance is low or when a large charge is posted.

If you see a charge on your account that you believe is incorrect, you can dispute it through your online account or by calling customer service. Disputes are typically resolved within 30 days. Common reasons for disputes include duplicate charges, tolls charged to the wrong vehicle, or tolls charged when you did not use that road. If your transponder malfunctioned, SunPass may credit your account for tolls that were not properly deducted.

If you close your SunPass account, any remaining balance will be refunded. You can close your account online or by calling customer service. If you have an outstanding toll debt, closing your account does not eliminate the debt — you will still be responsible for paying any unpaid tolls and associated fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's SunPass transponder in my car?

No. SunPass transponders are registered to a specific vehicle and account holder. Using someone else's transponder is considered toll evasion and can result in fines and legal action. If you borrow a vehicle, you should either use that vehicle's transponder or pay the toll through license plate billing.

What if I move out of Florida and do not use tolls anymore?

You can close your SunPass account at any time. If you have a balance remaining, you can request a refund. If you have unpaid tolls, closing the account does not eliminate the debt, and the toll authority can still pursue collection.

Do I have to use SunPass, or can I always pay cash?

Cash payment is still available at some toll booths, but many newer toll roads have removed cash lanes entirely. On those roads, you must have a transponder or pay by license plate billing. Check the specific toll road's website to see whether cash lanes are available.

How long does it take to receive a toll invoice if I do not have a transponder?

Toll invoices are typically mailed within 30 days of passing through the toll plaza. You will have at least 30 days from the invoice date to pay before late fees are added. If you do not receive an invoice, contact the toll authority to check whether your address is current.

Can I get a SunPass discount if I already have an account with unpaid tolls?

You can open a new SunPass account and receive discounts on future tolls, but unpaid tolls from the past remain your responsibility. Resolving old toll debt does not automatically happen when you open a new account. You should contact the toll authority to settle any outstanding balance before opening a new account.