Florida tolls are paid through SunPass, a prepaid account system, or by mail after the toll authority photographs your license plate

Most tolls in Florida are collected by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and several regional toll authorities. You have three ways to pay: set up a SunPass account and link it to your vehicle, use a rental car's built-in toll system, or receive an invoice by mail after your license plate is photographed. SunPass is the fastest and cheapest option because you get a discount on every toll. The mail option is the slowest and most expensive because you pay a processing fee on top of the toll amount.

Which method you use depends on whether you drive Florida tolls regularly, whether you own or rent your vehicle, and whether you want to prepay or pay after you drive. Understanding each option helps you avoid surprise bills and unnecessary fees.

Key Takeaways

  • SunPass is a prepaid account that gives you a discount on every toll and works on all Florida toll roads, bridges, and expressways.
  • If you don't have SunPass, the toll authority will photograph your license plate and mail you an invoice, which includes a processing fee.
  • You can open a SunPass account online, by phone, or in person at a retail location, and it takes a few minutes to set up.
  • Rental cars in Florida usually have their own toll systems built in, and the rental company charges you separately for tolls you use.
  • If you receive a toll invoice by mail and don't pay it, the toll authority can suspend your vehicle registration or report the debt to a collection agency.

How SunPass works and what it costs

SunPass is a prepaid account system run by the Florida Department of Transportation. You load money into your account, attach a small electronic tag to your windshield, and the tag is read automatically as you drive through toll plazas. The toll is deducted from your account balance when ready. SunPass gives you a discount on every toll—typically 25 to 50 percent off the cash toll rate, depending on the road.

To open a SunPass account, you need a valid driver's license, 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 1-888-865-8627, or at a SunPass retail location. The account itself is free to open. You choose how much money to load into your account—the minimum varies but is typically $25 to $50. When your balance drops below a certain threshold, you can set up automatic replenishment so money is added to your account without you having to remember.

If you drive a rental car, the rental company's toll system is usually already set up. The rental company charges you for tolls separately on your rental agreement or your credit card statement. You do not need to open your own SunPass account for a rental.

What happens if you don't have SunPass

If you drive through a toll plaza without SunPass, a camera photographs your license plate. The toll authority looks up your vehicle registration and mails you an invoice. The invoice includes the toll amount plus a processing fee, which is typically $2.50 to $5 per transaction. You have a important date to pay—usually 30 days from the date the invoice is mailed—and payment instructions are printed on the invoice.

You can pay a toll invoice online, by phone, by mail, or in person, depending on which toll authority issued it. The main toll authorities in Florida are the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Central Florida Expressway Authority, the Turnpike Enterprise, and several county-based authorities. Each has its own payment website and phone number, which are listed on your invoice.

If you don't pay a toll invoice by the important date, the toll authority can send you a second notice with a higher penalty. If you still don't pay, the authority can suspend your vehicle registration, report the debt to a collection agency, or place a lien on your vehicle. Paying as soon as you receive the invoice is cheaper and simpler than dealing with these consequences.

Opening a SunPass account step by step

The fastest way to open a SunPass account is online at sunpass.com. Click "Open an Account" and enter your driver's license number, vehicle registration information, and the state where your vehicle is registered. You'll create a username and password, then choose a payment method and how much money to load into your account. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. Once you complete it, you can order a SunPass tag to be mailed to you, or you can pick one up at a retail location.

If you prefer to open an account by phone, call 1-888-865-8627. A representative will walk you through the same information and can answer questions about your account. If you want to open an account in person, SunPass tags are sold at many Publix Super Markets, Winn-Dixie stores, and other retail locations across Florida. Staff at these locations can help you set up your account on the spot and give you a tag when ready.

Once you have a tag, peel off the backing and stick it to the inside of your windshield, centered and below the rearview mirror. The tag should be flat against the glass with no air bubbles. If you move the tag or it falls off, tolls may not be deducted from your account, and you'll receive an invoice by mail instead.

Tolls on specific Florida roads and bridges

Florida has tolls on expressways, toll roads, and bridges throughout the state. The Florida Turnpike runs from Miami to the Georgia border and charges tolls based on distance—a short trip might cost $1 to $3, while a long trip could cost $10 or more. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge near Tampa charges a flat toll of around $2.50 per vehicle. The Dade Expressway, Broward Expressway, and Palm Beach Expressway in South Florida all accept SunPass and have different toll rates depending on the segment.

The toll rate you pay depends on whether you have SunPass and what time of day you drive. Some roads charge higher tolls during rush hour and lower tolls at other times. SunPass always gives you the discounted rate, regardless of the time of day. If you pay by mail, you pay the full cash rate plus the processing fee.

You can find a complete list of tolled roads and current toll rates on the FDOT website or by calling the toll authority for the specific road. Toll rates change occasionally, so checking before a long trip helps you budget for the cost.

What to do if you receive a toll invoice

When you receive a toll invoice by mail, read it carefully to make sure the vehicle, license plate, and toll date are correct. The invoice will show the toll amount, the processing fee, the total due, and the payment important date. It will also list the toll authority that issued it and how to pay.

Pay the invoice by the important date using the method listed on the invoice. Most toll authorities accept online payment through their website, payment by phone, payment by mail, or payment in person. Online and phone payments usually process within one business day. If you pay by mail, allow at least two weeks for the check to arrive and be processed.

If you believe the invoice is wrong—for example, if you had SunPass and the toll was deducted from your account, or if the license plate is not yours—contact the toll authority listed on the invoice right away. Provide them with proof, such as your SunPass account statement or a copy of your vehicle registration. The toll authority can investigate and correct the invoice if it was issued by mistake.

SunPass account management and troubleshooting

Once you have a SunPass account, you can manage it online at sunpass.com or by calling 1-888-865-8627. You can check your balance, view your toll history, update your payment method, change your automatic replenishment settings, or add another vehicle to your account. If you sell your vehicle or no longer need SunPass, you can close your account and request a refund of any remaining balance.

If your SunPass tag stops working—for example, if it falls off your windshield or gets damaged—you can order a replacement tag online or by phone. There is usually a small fee for a replacement tag, typically $5 to $10. While you wait for the replacement to arrive, tolls will be collected by license plate photography, and you'll receive invoices by mail.

If you notice that tolls are being deducted from your account but you don't have a SunPass tag, or if you see charges you don't recognize, contact SunPass customer service right away. They can review your account history and investigate whether the charges are correct. If there is an error, they can refund the incorrect charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SunPass in other states?

SunPass works only on Florida toll roads. If you drive to other states with tolls, such as Georgia or South Carolina, you'll need to pay those tolls separately through their own systems or by mail. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Florida, meaning they accept SunPass tags, but you should check with the specific state before you travel.

What if I don't pay a toll invoice?

If you don't pay by the important date, the toll authority will send a second notice with a penalty fee. If you still don't pay, they can suspend your vehicle registration, report the debt to a collection agency, or place a lien on your vehicle. This makes it much more expensive and complicated than paying the original invoice, so paying promptly is always the better choice.

Do I need SunPass if I only drive tolls occasionally?

You don't need SunPass, but it saves you money if you drive tolls more than a few times a year. The discount on each toll is significant—often 25 to 50 percent—so even occasional drivers usually save money. If you drive tolls only once or twice, paying by mail is fine, though you'll pay the processing fee each time.

Can I transfer my SunPass tag to a different vehicle?

Yes, you can add another vehicle to your SunPass account online or by phone, and you can move your tag between vehicles. However, the tag must be registered to a vehicle in your account for tolls to be deducted from your account. If you move the tag to an unregistered vehicle, tolls will be collected by license plate photography instead.

How long does it take to get a SunPass tag by mail?

If you order a tag online, it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need a tag sooner, you can pick one up at a retail location the same day you open your account. Once you have the tag and attach it to your windshield, tolls are deducted from your account when ready at the next toll plaza.