How Do Tourists Pay Tolls In Florida?

When considering a trip to Florida, you might be contemplating how do tourists pay tolls in Florida? This is a simple question one would find within a myriad of queries put forward by tourists from outside the state. Florida is home to numerous outstanding beaches, cities, and attractions, and as such, there is a comprehensive network of toll roads in place.

It does not matter if you are in the state for leisure travels or business, it is important to understand how the payment of tolls works. Let’s take a look at how you can pay tolls and drive through the main toll roads including the workings of the E-ZPass NH system.

Understanding Toll Roads in Florida

Florida has a network of toll bridges and floors, as well as express roads, all of which make use of a toll charging mechanism. It doesn’t matter whether you are travelling in your own car or renting one; the motorways and other routes have toll booths located at strategic places. Understanding these practices is important for avoiding fines and other issues.

This part discusses the internal mechanisms of the Florida toll payments system which apply to tourists.

Toll Roads Categories in FL

Florida Turnpike: It is one of the most active toll roads used for and connects Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and other cities.
State Road: Some state roads, like SR 417 and SR 528 also have a toll fee.
Express Lanes: It is known that certain express lanes on I-95 and I-595 are toll lanes to enable swift movement.

The majority of tolls are collected using electronic methods, which implies that cash payments at toll booths are becoming obsolete.

Key Toll Payment Methods in Florida

How do tourists pay tolls in Florida? For tourists, there are many options to choose from, but each comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Here are the most common ways:

1. Rental Cars With Toll Transponders

Paying tolls in Florida as a tourist is easy with the use of toll transponders from car rental businesses. It’s usually known as a Sunpass and Toll-By-Plate system.

How it works: Most rental car businesses allow you to request Sunpass or toll transponders for your rental vehicle. With the device, the rental car can drive through toll lanes without halting at booths.
Fees: Costs tend to differ from company to company. On average, daily rental fees for the Sunpass are about $5 to $10. Other administrative fees, for toll processing, are also charged by the rental companies.
Convenience: You are conveniently billed after the rental, which eliminates the need to stop at each toll booth.

In essence, using a rental car toll transponder is an easy and straightforward option for a tourist when driving on toll roads in Florida.

2. Sun-Pass Transponder for Visitors

This system functions similarly to the E-ZPass in states like New Hampshire and is referred to as the SunPass in Florida.

How it works: You can get a SunPass transponder for use while traveling in Florida over the internet, at select retail outlets, and at service areas on major highways. Simply buying them is not enough. You are required to attach it on your windshield and then you will be able to drive through designated toll lanes without coming to a halt for payment.
Where to buy: You can buy SunPass transponders from Publix, CVS, and Walgreens along with their respective online platforms. They are also available on the official website of SunPass.
Benefits: Electronic toll collection barriers for expressways and bridges will prove to be much easier and cheaper with SunPass. Payments for continuous tolls can be deposited in advance which is another helpful feature.

3. Toll-by-Plate

Toll-by-Plate is offered to visiters who do not want to use a physical transponder.

How it works: If you do not possess a transponder, you will be billed using automated license plate recognition billing. Toll road cameras will capture your vehicle license plate number, and the toll will be billed to the address associated with the license plate.
Fees: It is common for Toll-by-Plate users to incur more costs than what transponder users do. Extra administrative penalties are also incurred.
Paying the Toll: An invoice is often sent via mail to the address associated with the vehicle and should arrive within a couple of weeks.

Essentially Toll-by-Plate is a service provisioning cost to plate users who do not have a transponder, but it is often at a more expensive rate.

Can Tourists Use E-ZPass NH in Florida?

How do tourists pay tolls in Florida? and if it’s possible for them to use their own E-ZPass NH device. Fortunately, E-ZPass is accepted in Florida for the purpose of paying tolls.

E-ZPass NH is accepted in Florida because it is a part of a larger system that accepts E-ZPass, and so, the answer to the compatibility of E-ZPass is Yes.
Existing E-ZPass users who are in other states, specifically New Hampshire, are able to use the same pass at the toll roads of Florida, which in turn makes it easier to manage travel.
- There is no need to stop at tolls; just put the pass on the window and payment is deducted from the user’s account automatically.

It is very important to make sure that your E-ZPass account has sufficient funds and that the device is properly affixed for effective working.

4. Pay-By-Plate with SunPass

For those not willing to purchase a transponder, SunPass has a pay via use plate program for tourists.

Way it operates: Instead of purchasing a SunPass or E-ZPass, you are allowed to use the toll lanes and your license plate will be photographed. Afterward, you can easily settle the toll payments on the internet.
Invoice Recipient: An invoice that details the tolls accrued alongside an added service fee is compiled and mailed.

This is a good option for tourists unwilling to purchase a SunPass and still use the toll roads in Florida.

5. Cash Payment (Limited Availability)

Cash payments are on the decline, however some toll booths exist that accept cash, especially on smaller roads or bridges, although this method is quickly becoming outdated. Cash payments will, in all likelihood, be greatly limited as electronic toll payments become the standard.

While very easy for some, cash payment is not common or very recommendable in the Florida toll paying system.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you’re asking, How do tourists pay tolls in Florida? there is no need to worry as there are many methods to this solution which ensures easier travel. From renting a toll transponder at the car rental, buying a SunPass, or even using an E-ZPass NH. It cannot get any easier than this.

In order to enhance your enjoyment during the time spent in Florida, we encourage you to use the SunPass or E-ZPass Methods. With one or two plans put into place, you can take full advantage of Florida’s scenic roads and wonderful sites as your financial concerns will be virtually non-existent.