Florida toll roads charge you per trip, and you can pay by setting up an account, using a transponder, or paying at a booth

Florida has three toll road systems: the Florida's Turnpike Enterprise (which runs the Florida Turnpike), the Central Florida Expressway Authority (SunPass), and local toll authorities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. You do not have to own a transponder to use toll roads — you can pay cash at toll booths or by mail — but having an account saves time and usually costs less per trip.

The most common way to pay is through SunPass, Florida's statewide transponder program. You buy a transponder device (usually $25 to $50), load money onto it, and the toll is deducted automatically as you drive through. If your balance runs low, the account can be set to auto-replenish. You can also pay tolls without a transponder by having your license plate photographed and receiving an invoice by mail, though this method costs more per toll.

Key Takeaways

  • SunPass is the main transponder program for Florida tolls, and you can buy one online, by phone, or at retail locations like Publix and Walgreens.
  • You can drive through tolls without a transponder and pay by mail invoice, but the per-toll cost is higher than with a transponder.
  • Setting up auto-replenishment on your SunPass account prevents your balance from dropping to zero and triggering late fees.
  • If you receive a toll invoice by mail and do not pay within the important date, Florida adds a $2.50 administrative fee and can suspend your vehicle registration.

How to get a SunPass transponder

You can order a SunPass transponder online at sunpass.com, by calling 1-888-865-0000, or by visiting a retail partner. Publix Super Markets, Walgreens, and some Winn-Dixie locations sell SunPass transponders at the customer service desk. The transponder itself costs $25 to $50 depending on the type (standard, mini, or motorcycle), and you load money into the account separately.

When you order online, you will need your vehicle's license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method. The transponder ships to your address and typically arrives within 5 to 7 business days. Once it arrives, you mount it on your windshield or inside your vehicle and set up it through your online account or by calling customer service.

If you already have a SunPass account from a previous vehicle, you can transfer the transponder to your new vehicle by updating your vehicle information online. You do not need to buy a new transponder unless the old one is damaged or lost.

Loading money and setting up auto-replenishment

After you set up your transponder, you load money into your account using a credit card, debit card, or bank account. You can add as little as $10 or as much as you want. The toll amount is deducted each time you pass through a toll plaza.

Auto-replenishment is optional but recommended. When you turn it on, your account automatically adds money (usually $25 to $100, your choice) when your balance drops below a threshold you set. This prevents your account from going negative and triggering a $2.50 administrative fee. You can set up auto-replenishment when you create your account or anytime afterward through your online account or by calling 1-888-865-0000.

Paying tolls without a transponder

If you do not have a SunPass transponder, you can still use Florida toll roads. Your license plate is photographed at the toll plaza, and you receive an invoice by mail within 30 days. The invoice shows the toll amount plus a $2.50 administrative fee. You pay by the important date listed on the invoice, usually 30 days from the date it was mailed.

Paying by mail costs more than using a transponder. For example, a toll that costs $1.50 with a transponder might cost $4.00 or more when paid by mail invoice. If you use toll roads regularly, a SunPass transponder will save you money over time.

What happens if you do not pay a toll invoice

If you receive a toll invoice and do not pay by the important date, Florida adds a $2.50 administrative fee to your account. If you continue not to pay, the toll authority can report the debt to a collection agency. More importantly, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles can suspend your vehicle registration until you pay the outstanding tolls and fees.

If you receive an invoice you believe is incorrect — for example, you think you already paid or the toll amount is wrong — contact the toll authority that issued it. The invoice will list a phone number and website. Do not ignore the invoice; contact them to dispute it before the payment important date passes.

Checking your SunPass balance and account history

You can check your SunPass balance and view your toll history anytime through your online account at sunpass.com or by calling 1-888-865-0000. The online portal shows each toll you have paid, the date, the location, and your current balance. This is useful if you want to track your spending or verify that a toll was charged correctly.

If you notice a toll you do not recognize or believe was charged in error, contact SunPass customer service with the date and location. They can review the transaction and, if warranted, issue a credit to your account.

Replacing a lost or damaged transponder

If your SunPass transponder is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact SunPass customer service at 1-888-865-0000 or through your online account. You can request a replacement transponder, which usually costs $25 to $50. Your account balance transfers to the new transponder, so you do not lose the money you have already loaded.

If your transponder is damaged but still readable, customer service may be able to reactivate it without charging you for a replacement. Always report a lost or stolen transponder as soon as possible so that someone else cannot use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same SunPass transponder in multiple vehicles?

No. Each transponder is linked to one vehicle. If you own multiple vehicles and want to use tolls in all of them, you need a separate transponder for each. However, you can manage all transponders through one online account.

What if I move out of Florida but still own a vehicle registered here?

You can keep your SunPass account active and use it if you return to Florida. If you no longer plan to use Florida tolls, you can close your account online or by phone. Any remaining balance can be refunded to your original payment method.

Do I have to use SunPass, or can I use a different transponder?

SunPass is the official transponder for most Florida toll roads. Some toll authorities accept other transponders like E-Pass (used in other states), but SunPass is the most widely accepted and usually offers the lowest toll rates. Check with the specific toll authority if you have a different transponder.

How long does it take to get a refund if I close my SunPass account?

Refunds are typically processed within 30 days of closing your account. The money is returned to the payment method you used to load it. If you used a credit card, the refund appears as a credit on your next statement.

Can my vehicle registration be suspended for unpaid tolls?

Yes. If you do not pay toll invoices by the important date, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles can suspend your registration. You must pay the outstanding tolls and fees to have your registration reinstated. This is why it is important to pay invoices on time or set up a SunPass account to avoid mail invoices altogether.