The Florida Visitor Toll Pass.
If you regularly visit Florida, you know about the many toll roads. Planners project more toll roads, and builders create express lanes on highways like I4. First-time Orlando visitors might find the road systems confusing. However, you will quickly learn what to look out for, including the toll roads.
If you hire a car in Florida, you will likely encounter at least one toll road. Many of these toll roads are now automated. You no longer have a cash payment option for them.
Car rental companies often try to upsell their own toll passes. In our experience, these passes cost a lot. They charge a daily fee just to have the device, even if you never use a toll road. For example, a Dollar representative offered us a ‘SunPass’ for $13 per day in early 2024. For a two-week stay, this option would cost you $194.74 regardless of toll road usage.
1. Getting a Florida Visitor toll Pass?
It is a really simple process. The Florida Toll Pass is managed entirely through the Florida Visitor Toll Pass app. This app works on both iPhone and Android devices.
Simply downloaded the app, create an account by entering your personal information as well as your arrival and departure times and dates.
Once your account is set up you will be given a QR code, after arriving into Orlando International Airport, you simply present your QR code at any of the automated booths located in terminals A, B and C. The machine will then issue you with your Florida visitor Toll Pass. It really is that simple.
If you experience any issues, there are staff on hand in the airport.
2. The Cost and Advantages of the Florida Visitor Toll Pass.
During the account setup, you must add a payment card. This card will apply an initial $10.00 credit to your Toll Pass account. If you use many toll roads, your payment card will simply credit your account in $10.00 increments. You will receive email updates about charges. You can also check the status and cost of charges anytime within the app.
We have found the amount the toll roads charge us is less than the amount stated on toll booths. They give them a discounted rate. This reflects the 23% savings on tolls the website advertises. There are no hidden fees. Unlike the SunPass option, the Florida Visitor Toll Pass works on a pay-as-you-go basis. You avoid paying a daily rate whether you use a toll road or not. At the end of your stay, you simply receive a refund for whatever credit remains on your account.
3. How To Activate & Use the Florida Toll Pass?
Once you have collected both your Florida visitor toll Pass and your vehicle you must enter your vehicles registration number into the app before leaving the car rental garage.
Before leaving the car rental garage make sure that you have hung the toll pass from the internal mirror as instructed (barcode facing outward, away from the occupants). It is that simple.
Ensure that nothing obstructs the toll pass, and leave it in situ for the duration of your stay until it is time to return it.
If you have to change vehicles for whatever reason during your stay, then simply add the registration of your new vehicle to your account and hang from the mirror as previous.
4. What Happens When I return my Rental Car at The End of My Stay?
At the end of your stay, remove your Florida Visitor Toll Pass from the rental vehicle. Do this before handing over the keys. Then, place the pass in the designated return bin. These bins are found as you come through the airport tunnel toward the check-in desks. Don’t worry if you forget; the toll pass will expire on the date and time you set. However, replacing a forgotten pass incurs a $10 charge.
We always take a quick picture of the pass and the bin just in case. We have used the Florida toll pass a few times now with no issues whatsoever. If this article was helpful, perhaps you would like to read our other Hills Bay Hideaway blogs.
If you have found this article helpful, perhaps you would also like to read our other Hills Bay Hideaway blogs.
Florida Car Hire
We recommend Smarter Car Hire Florida. They offer zero deposit reservations and free cancellations, meaning that there is no initial financial outlay. Full payment is due 7 weeks ahead of your arrival date.
What we like about this company though is the fact that they automatically track your booking in order to find you a lower price without any compromise to your criteria such as vehicle type of pick up location etc. In the event of a lower price being confirmed, they automatically rebook and send you an email explaining how much you have saved.
On top of this all of their bookings include; Fully comprehensive CDW and SLI insurance with zero excess, and a 24/7 U.K based telephone support line.
Oh and they have always been the cheapest provider for us. See how they compare, get a quote now!
