How to pay your FDOT toll
You can pay Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) tolls through SunPass, the state's electronic toll collection system, or by mail if you received a toll notice. SunPass is a prepaid account linked to your vehicle that deducts tolls automatically as you drive. If you don't have SunPass and drive a toll road, you'll receive an invoice by mail weeks later, which you can then pay by check, money order, or online through the FDOT website.
The method you use depends on whether you drive tolls regularly or occasionally. Regular drivers benefit from opening a SunPass account because tolls are discounted compared to the pay-by-mail rate. Occasional drivers can straightforward wait for the invoice and pay it when it arrives.
Key Takeaways
- SunPass is Florida's electronic toll system that charges your account automatically as you drive toll roads, and offers lower rates than paying by mail.
- You can open a SunPass account online, by phone at 1-888-865-5352, or at retail locations, and link it to a vehicle and payment method.
- If you don't have SunPass, FDOT will mail you a toll invoice within two to three weeks, which you can pay by check, money order, or through their website.
- Toll rates vary by road and distance traveled, and SunPass discounts range from 10 to 50 percent depending on the toll facility.
Opening a SunPass account
To set up SunPass, visit sunpass.com or call 1-888-865-5352 to open an account online. You'll need your vehicle's license plate number, a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account), and a minimum prepaid balance. The minimum balance varies by account type but typically starts at $25 to $50.
You can also open an account in person at SunPass customer service centers, which are located at rest areas along major highways and at some retail locations. Once your account is active, your vehicle is registered and tolls are deducted automatically each time you use a toll road. You can add multiple vehicles to one account if you drive different cars.
SunPass accounts require you to maintain a positive balance. When your balance drops below a threshold (usually $10), you'll receive a notice to add funds. If your balance reaches zero and you drive a toll road, you'll be charged the higher pay-by-mail rate and receive an invoice later.
Paying by mail after receiving a toll notice
If you drove a toll road without SunPass, FDOT will mail you a toll invoice to the address registered with your vehicle's license plate. The invoice typically arrives two to three weeks after you drove the toll. The notice will show the toll amount, the road you used, and the date you drove it.
You can pay the invoice by mailing a check or money order to the address listed on the notice, or by paying online through the FDOT toll payment website. Online payment is faster and you can pay when ready without waiting for mail delivery. Have your invoice number ready when you pay online.
If you receive multiple toll notices over time, you can convert to SunPass to avoid future invoices and receive discounted rates. Some drivers find it worthwhile to open a SunPass account after receiving their first toll notice, especially if they drive toll roads regularly.
Understanding toll rates and SunPass discounts
Toll amounts depend on which road you use and how far you drive. Florida's toll roads include the Florida Turnpike, Suncoast Parkway, Sawgrass Expressway, Beachline Expressway, and several others. Each road has its own toll schedule based on distance or zone.
SunPass holders pay less than drivers who pay by mail. Discounts typically range from 10 to 50 percent depending on the specific toll facility. For example, on some roads a SunPass user might pay $2.50 while a pay-by-mail driver pays $3.50 for the same trip. The larger the discount, the more you save if you drive tolls frequently.
You can view current toll rates for each road on sunpass.com or by calling customer service. Rates occasionally change, so checking before a long trip can help you budget for toll costs.
What to do if you lose your SunPass transponder
Your SunPass transponder is the small device mounted on your windshield that communicates with toll readers. If it's lost, stolen, or damaged, contact SunPass customer service at 1-888-865-5352 to report it and request a replacement. You'll typically be charged a replacement fee, which varies but is usually between $25 and $50.
Until you receive your replacement transponder, your account remains active but tolls won't be deducted automatically. You'll receive pay-by-mail invoices instead. Once your new transponder arrives and you mount it on your vehicle, automatic toll deduction resumes.
Disputing a toll charge or invoice
If you believe a toll charge is incorrect or you have questions about an invoice, contact SunPass customer service with your invoice number or account details. Common disputes include being charged twice for one trip, being charged for a road you didn't use, or transponder malfunction.
SunPass can review your trip history and toll records to investigate. If an error is found, they will issue a credit to your account. Keep your invoices and any documentation of your travel in case you need to reference them during a dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my SunPass in other states?
SunPass works only on Florida toll roads. If you travel to other states with toll roads, you'll need to pay those tolls separately through their systems or receive invoices by mail. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Florida, but you cannot use a single SunPass account across state lines.
What happens if I don't pay a toll invoice?
If you ignore a toll invoice, FDOT may suspend your vehicle registration or place a hold on your driver's license renewal. Unpaid tolls can also result in collection efforts and additional fees. It's best to pay invoices promptly to avoid these consequences.
Can I transfer my SunPass account to a different vehicle?
Yes, you can update your account to register a different vehicle. Log into your SunPass account online or call customer service to change the license plate associated with your account. You can also maintain multiple vehicles on one account if you drive different cars.
How do I check my SunPass balance?
Log into your account at sunpass.com, call 1-888-865-5352, or visit a SunPass customer service center. Your balance and recent trip history are available online anytime. You can also set up automatic reloading so your account is replenished when the balance drops below a certain amount.
Is there a difference between SunPass and other toll payment methods in Florida?
SunPass is the official FDOT electronic toll system and offers the lowest rates. Some rental car companies and third-party services offer their own toll payment options, but they typically charge higher fees or rates than SunPass. Using SunPass directly gives you the best discount.