How SunPass toll payment works

SunPass is Florida's electronic toll collection system. When you drive through a toll plaza on Florida's Turnpike, I-75, I-95, or other toll roads, sensors read a small transponder mounted on your windshield and charge your account automatically. You do not stop at a booth — the transaction happens as you pass through.

The system deducts the toll amount from a prepaid account you set up in advance. If your account runs low, you can add money online, by phone, or through the mail. If your account is empty when you pass through a toll plaza, the system photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice by mail.

SunPass is run by the Florida Department of Transportation. The transponder itself is free, but you must maintain a minimum balance — usually $10 to $25, depending on the account type — to avoid toll-by-plate charges and late fees.

Key Takeaways

  • You can set up a SunPass account online at sunpass.com, by phone at 1-888-SUNPASS, or by mail, and the transponder arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Add money to your account through the SunPass website, the mobile app, by phone, or at participating retail locations like Publix and Winn-Dixie.
  • If you receive a toll invoice in the mail, you can pay it online, by phone, or by mail within 30 days to avoid a late fee.
  • If you do not have a transponder but drive toll roads regularly, you will receive invoices for each toll, and the per-toll cost is higher than the transponder rate.

Set up your SunPass account before your first toll

You need an account and a transponder before you drive through a toll plaza. The fastest way is online at sunpass.com. Click "Open an Account" and enter your name, address, phone number, email, and payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). You will also choose how much money to load onto the account — the minimum is usually $10.

The transponder ships to your address in 7 to 10 business days. Attach it to the inside of your windshield, centered and above the rearview mirror, before you drive on a toll road. If you need the transponder faster, call 1-888-SUNPASS (1-888-786-7277) to see if expedited shipping is available in your area.

If you prefer not to order online, you can call 1-888-SUNPASS to set up an account by phone, or mail a completed process form (available at sunpass.com) with a check or money order. Phone and mail accounts take longer — typically 10 to 15 business days for the transponder to arrive.

Add money to your account

Once your account is open, you can add money (called a "prepaid balance") whenever you want. The most common methods are online and by phone, both of which process when ready or within one business day.

Online: Log into sunpass.com with your account number and password, click "Add Funds," enter the amount, and confirm with your credit card, debit card, or bank account. By phone: Call 1-888-SUNPASS and a representative will take your payment information over the phone. By mail: Send a check or money order with your account number to the address listed on your SunPass statement. At retail: Some Publix Super Markets and Winn-Dixie locations accept SunPass payments at customer service — bring your account number and cash or a card.

You can also set up automatic replenishment, which adds a fixed amount to your account when the balance drops below a threshold you choose. This prevents your account from running empty and triggering toll-by-plate charges.

What happens if you drive through a toll without a transponder

If you pass through a toll plaza without a SunPass transponder and your account is empty, the system photographs your license plate. Within 7 to 10 days, you will receive an invoice in the mail from SunPass. The invoice shows the toll amount plus a $2.50 processing fee.

Pay the invoice within 30 days using the payment methods listed on the invoice: online at sunpass.com, by phone at 1-888-SUNPASS, or by mail. If you do not pay within 30 days, a late fee of $10 is added, and the debt may be reported to a collection agency.

If you drive toll roads frequently without a transponder, the per-toll cost is significantly higher than the transponder rate because of the processing fee. For example, a toll that costs $1.50 with a transponder may cost $4.00 when billed by plate. Setting up an account and keeping a balance is cheaper over time.

Manage your account and check your balance

Log into your SunPass account at sunpass.com anytime to view your current balance, recent toll transactions, and account settings. You can also read the SunPass mobile app (available for iOS and Android) to check your balance and add funds from your phone.

If your balance is low, the website will show a warning. Most accounts are set to alert you by email when the balance drops below $5, but you can change this threshold in your account settings. If you want to receive text message alerts instead, you can enable that option in the app.

Keep your contact information up to date in your account. If your address or phone number changes, update it on the website so you receive invoices and account notices at the correct location.

Resolve problems with your account

If you believe you were charged incorrectly, or if a toll was deducted twice, contact SunPass customer service at 1-888-SUNPASS. Have your account number and the date of the disputed toll ready. A representative can review the transaction and issue a refund or credit if an error occurred.

If your transponder is damaged, lost, or stolen, call 1-888-SUNPASS to report it and request a replacement. A new transponder will be mailed to you at no charge. Until the replacement arrives, you can drive toll roads and pay by plate, though you will incur the higher per-toll cost and processing fees.

If you move out of Florida or no longer drive toll roads, you can close your account online or by phone. Any remaining balance will be refunded to the payment method on file, typically within 5 to 7 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my SunPass transponder in other states?

SunPass works only on Florida toll roads. If you travel to other states with toll roads, you will need to set up separate accounts with those states' toll systems — for example, E-ZPass in the Northeast or TollTag in Texas. Some states allow you to pay by plate if you do not have their transponder.

What if I lose my transponder?

Call 1-888-SUNPASS to report it lost or stolen. A replacement transponder will be mailed to you at no charge. Until it arrives, your account will still work — tolls will be charged to your account by license plate, though you will pay the higher per-toll rate with a processing fee.

How long does it take to get a refund if I overpay?

If your account has a credit balance and you close it, the refund is issued to your original payment method within 5 to 7 business days. If you dispute a specific toll charge and it is found to be an error, the credit is applied to your account when ready and can be used for future tolls or refunded if you close the account.

Can I transfer my SunPass account to someone else?

No, SunPass accounts are tied to the account holder's name and cannot be transferred. If you sell your car or give your transponder to another person, that person must open their own SunPass account. You can close your account and request a refund of any remaining balance.

What if I never received my transponder?

Contact SunPass customer service at 1-888-SUNPASS with your account number and the date you opened the account. A representative can check the shipping status and resend the transponder if it was lost in the mail. If the transponder was delivered but you did not receive it, you may need to check with neighbors or your mail carrier.