How to pay Florida tolls
You can pay Florida tolls three ways: at the toll booth when you drive through, online through the toll authority's website, or by mail if you received a toll notice. Most drivers use SunPass, Florida's electronic toll collection system, which charges your account automatically as you pass through tolled roads. If you don't have SunPass and drive a tolled road, you'll receive an invoice in the mail with payment instructions and a late fee added.
The toll authority that collects payment depends on which road you used. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) runs some toll roads, while the Central Florida Expressway Authority, Miami-Dade Expressway Authority, and Hillsborough County manage others. Each has its own payment system, though SunPass works across all of them.
Key Takeaways
- SunPass is Florida's statewide electronic toll system and charges your account automatically when you pass through a toll plaza.
- If you don't have SunPass and use a tolled road, you will receive an invoice by mail with a late fee included.
- You can set up a SunPass account online, by phone, or at a retail location, and link it to a credit card or bank account.
- Payment by mail requires you to send a check or money order to the address on your toll notice within 30 days to avoid additional penalties.
- Different toll authorities manage different roads, but SunPass works across all of them in Florida.
Setting up SunPass for automatic toll payments
To set up SunPass, go to sunpass.com and create an account with your name, address, and vehicle information. You'll need your license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN). Link a credit card or bank account to fund the account, and choose how much money to keep in your balance. SunPass will charge your payment method when your balance drops below a set amount.
You can also open a SunPass account by phone at 1-888-865-8627 or in person at a SunPass customer service center. Retail locations like Publix Super Markets and Winn-Dixie also sell SunPass transponders. Once your account is active, your transponder will work when ready at all tolled roads in Florida.
SunPass offers a discount on tolls compared to paying at the booth. The exact savings depend on the road and time of day, but electronic toll payments are typically 25 to 50 percent cheaper than cash payments at the toll booth.
Paying a toll notice received by mail
If you drove a tolled road without SunPass, you'll receive a toll notice in the mail within two to three weeks. The notice includes the toll amount, a late fee (usually $2.50), the road you used, and the date you used it. You have 30 days from the notice date to pay before additional penalties are added.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice and send it to the address listed. Include the notice itself or write the toll transaction number on your payment. Do not send cash through the mail.
You can also pay online through the toll authority's website. The notice will list the authority that issued it—for example, FDOT, Central Florida Expressway Authority, or Miami-Dade Expressway Authority. Each authority has its own payment portal where you can enter your notice number and pay by credit card or bank transfer.
Paying tolls at the booth without SunPass
If you reach a toll booth without a SunPass transponder, you can pay cash directly to the toll collector. Most toll plazas accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. The cost varies by road and distance traveled, typically ranging from $0.75 to $3.00 per toll plaza.
Paying at the booth costs more than SunPass because you don't receive the electronic discount. If you plan to use tolled roads regularly, setting up SunPass before your next trip will save you money and time.
What happens if you don't pay a toll
If you don't pay within 30 days of receiving a toll notice, the toll authority adds a second late fee and may report the debt to a collection agency. Unpaid tolls can affect your credit score and may prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration in Florida.
If you believe you received a notice in error—for example, your vehicle was misidentified or you already paid—contact the toll authority listed on the notice. You can dispute the charge by mail or phone, and the authority will investigate. Keep any proof of payment or SunPass account statements to support your dispute.
SunPass account management and balance checks
Log into your SunPass account at sunpass.com to check your balance, view transaction history, and update your payment method. You can set automatic replenishment so your account refills when the balance drops below a certain amount, or you can manually add funds whenever you choose.
If you move or change your vehicle, update your account information online or by calling 1-888-865-8627. If you sell your vehicle, remove it from your SunPass account to avoid charges for tolls used by the new owner. You can transfer your remaining balance to a new vehicle or request a refund.
Toll roads and authorities in Florida
Florida has several toll road systems managed by different authorities. The Florida Turnpike, managed by FDOT, runs from Miami to the Georgia border and is the state's longest toll road. The Suncoast Parkway, Polk Parkway, and Seminole Expressway are also FDOT-managed. The Central Florida Expressway Authority manages roads around Orlando, including the Greeneway and Beachline Expressway. Miami-Dade Expressway Authority manages roads in the Miami area, and Hillsborough County manages the Selmon Expressway near Tampa.
SunPass works on all of these roads, so you don't need separate accounts for different systems. If you're unsure which authority manages a specific road, check sunpass.com or call 1-888-865-8627.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use SunPass in other states?
SunPass works only in Florida. If you travel to other states with toll roads, you'll need to pay at the booth or set up separate accounts with those states' toll systems. Some states offer reciprocal agreements, but you should check before traveling.
What if my SunPass transponder stops working?
If your transponder is damaged or not reading properly, contact SunPass at 1-888-865-8627 or visit sunpass.com to request a replacement. You can also pick up a new transponder at a retail location. Your account balance transfers to the new transponder automatically.
Do I need a SunPass transponder in my car at all times?
No, but if you don't have one and use a tolled road, you'll receive a notice by mail with a late fee. If you use tolled roads regularly, SunPass saves money and time. If you use them rarely, paying at the booth or by mail may be more convenient.
Can I get a refund if I overpay my SunPass account?
Yes. If your account has a balance remaining when you close it or transfer it, you can request a refund by contacting SunPass. Refunds are typically processed within two to four weeks.
What if I dispute a toll charge and lose?
If the toll authority upholds the charge after your dispute, you still owe the toll and any late fees. You can pay by mail, online, or through your SunPass account. If you believe the decision was wrong, you can request a second review, but the authority's decision is usually final.