using cash, electronic toll-by-plate, or an out-of-state transponder, but SunPass is the best way for Florida residents and visitors to manage tolls in the Sunshine State.

There are four ways to pay for Florida tolls—SunPass, E-Pass (E-Z Pass), toll-by-plate, or in some instances, cash.
Major Florida toll roads include the Florida Turnpike, Alligator Alley, and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
The Florida SunPass Mini transponder can be purchased for $5 plus tax annually, while the SunPass PRO is available for $15 plus tax annually.
If you’re in a
rental car
, pay for tolls directly to avoid getting extra charges from the rental agency.

How to pay Florida toll roads

Most Florida toll roads take payment either via SunPass, E-Pass, toll-by-plate, or cash. No credit cards or debit cards are accepted at payment stations, and toll rates may vary.

Keep in mind: Not all Florida tolls take cash. Many toll roads are shifting to all-electronic forms of payment, meaning that sooner rather than later, cash will no longer be an option.

For visitors to Florida, one of the more convenient options of payment is a Visitor Toll Pass. They operate very similar to a SunPass, and allow you to pay a reduced price while traveling through electronic tolls.

Visitor Toll Passes are only available for guests traveling roundtrip through Orlando International Airport and are free to reserve.

Major Florida toll roads

From Tampa Bay to Fort Lauderdale, there are miles of toll roads. If you’re just moving to Florida, or you’re on vacation, it’s best to be aware of some of the major ones you’ll encounter and their costs:

Florida Turnpike: The Florida Turnpike has two variations—the Mainline and the Homestead Extension. The Mainline is the largest toll road in Florida and runs from northwest Orlando all the way down to southeast Miami. The Homestead Extension (HEFT) connects Interstate 95 to the Homestead south of Miami. The cost to drive on either Florida Turnpike with a car costs $3 for SunPass and $4 for toll-by-plate.

Alligator Alley: Alligator Alley moves in a direct line through Florida, bringing together both the East and West coasts. Vehicles with 2-4 axles can expect to pay $3-$10.

Sunshine Skyway Bridge: This toll road reaches from Tampa Bay to St. Petersburg and Terra Ceia. To drive either a rental car or personal vehicle on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge will cost $1.75-$2, or $1.15 with SunPass.

Other Florida toll roads include Seminole Expressway, Veterans Expressway and Suncoast Parkway, Garcon Point Bridge, and Pinellas Byway Bridges.

MORE:

Driving to Florida: Tips, tricks, and laws

I just moved to Florida—should I get a SunPass?

The simple answer is: yes. If you’ve just moved to the state of Florida and are looking for more convenient ways to pay for toll roads, the SunPass is the cheaper and more effective method.

The SunPass prepaid toll program comes in two levels paid on an annual basis:

SunPass Mini - $5 plus tax

SunPass PRO - $15 plus tax

The SunPass Mini offers features like SunPass Plus parking and can be used in other states, including GA, KS, OK, NC, and TX. However, the SunPass Mini isn’t moveable from car to car, and can’t be used on motorcycles.

The SunPass PRO, on the other hand, provides all of the features listed above, including car transfer and vehicle type.

No matter which option you choose, you can use your SunPass card to skip the line at toll booths. Some locations have ‘SunPass’ lanes, making your commute that much faster.

Can tourists use SunPass?

Yes, tourists can also use SunPass. However, depending on your length of stay and how often you visit Florida, it might be worth considering a Visitor’s Pass as well.

If you opt for a SunPass as a frequent visitor, you’re entitled to all the same benefits as Florida residents, such as saving 25% on toll fees.

For example, using the

toll calculator

, a destination trip from Orlando, FL to South Florida via the Florida Turnpike enterprise will cost around $19 using a SunPass. The same route with toll-by-plate or using cash is $24.

SunPass is the cheapest way to pay for Florida toll roads.

To top it all off, SunPass makes reloading simple. Any account can be updated with funds using Easy Pay, which automatically pulls the pre-set amount from your credit card when your SunPass drops below a predetermined threshold.

Other options of payment include over the phone, online through the SunPass website, in person, or by mail.

How does SunPass work?

The Florida SunPass is a portable or sticker transponder that connects to your vehicle’s windshield for electronic toll payments. Once your account is open and funds are allocated, as your car moves through a SunPass lane—rather than a managed lane—the fee is instantly deducted from your account.

Where can I buy a SunPass?

SunPass Mini and SunPass PRO can both be purchased at

retail stores across Florida

, such as Publix and Walgreens, or a SunPass walk-in center. Most transponders will be mailed between 4-5 business days after checkout.

SunPass discounts in Florida

In the end of 2022, the state of Florida introduced a new SunPass discount for regular commuters to help them save even more. On top of the 25% discounted savings on toll booths, those who use SunPass 35 times in a month (on select roads) can now receive up to 50% of their tolls credited back to their personal accounts.

Currently, this program is set to end in December of 2023, but is projected to save drivers up to $400 this year.

In the past, similar programs were implemented, including the SunPass Savings which allowed frequent travelers to receive a 20% credit. So, keep your eye out for more savings!

How to deal with Florida tolls with a rental car

When using a rental vehicle, toll roads become very tricky—and expensive.

Options like toll-by-plate use image capturing to track and bill your license plate. Those bills ultimately land in the car rental agency’s lap—but they’ll pass the bill along to you, with an additional surcharge. Avoid that extra charge by paying for tolls directly while using a rental car.

When renting a car in Florida from an agency, you may be offered a toll pass. These toll passes are much more expensive than a Visitor Pass or SunPass, charging about $3-$11 a day. For one week, this could add an additional $75 on your expenses!

Some options to beat these extra charges are:

SunPass

E-Z Pass

Peach Pass (Georgia)

Free Visitor Pass via Orlando Airport

Paying with cash, if applicable

Not only do you want to make sure you have a plan for toll plazas when visiting Florida, but with a rental car, you’ll also want to make sure your insurance and

roadside assistance

are ready too.

With AAA, FDOT emergency roadside assistance, and

Jerry

, your trip to Florida will be a breeze.

MORE:

How to save money on a road trip

FAQs

Do tourists have to pay tolls in Florida?

Yes, all vehicles that drive on Florida toll roads must pay the predetermined charge. Payment options vary from cash, to SunPass, Visitors Pass and more, depending on which area of Florida you’re visiting.

Can I drive through Florida without a SunPass?

Yes, you can drive through the state of Florida without a SunPass. However, you will have to choose another payment form when passing through a toll booth.

What is the SunPass phone number?

To reach SunPass customer service, you can contact them toll free in the US and Canada at 1-888-865-5352.

What happens if you don’t have cash for a toll in Florida?

If you don’t have cash for a toll payment in Florida, you can send a check or money transfer to the Florida Department of Transportation. If you don’t pay a toll fee in Florida, you can face repercussions like your car registration being put on hold or you could be issued a moving violation ticket.

Can I use EZPass in Florida?

Yes, E-Z Pass can be used in Florida. Much like SunPass, E-Z Pass uses a transponder to pay each time you pass through a toll booth and is applicable for all toll roads in Florida.

Are you overpaying for car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.

Try Jerry