Florida Is Changing How They Collect Toll Fees Amid The Covid-19 Pandemic

In just a few short weeks, Coronavirus or Covid-19 has affected nearly every aspect of our lives. To maintain public safety and health, schools and businesses have closed in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus. Now, according to a recent announcement made by the Florida Department of Transportation, all cash tolls are to be suspended.

According to a story appearing on the NBC Miami website, as of noon on Thursday, March 19th, cash tolls were suspended on the tollways until further notice. Closing cash tolls is expected to limit the number of people workers may come in contact with and limit the spread of the virus through the currency itself.

Motorists who use the Florida Turnpike will still be charged regular toll fees, but other, potentially more convenient, avenues are being used to collect the fees. Drivers must pay their fees either through the Sunpass system or by their license plate. Coin lanes are always open, but there will be no attendants to make or collect change.

State officials for the agency have not issued a time table as to how long the changes are expected to be in effect. As bolstering public health becomes a national primary concern, it can be expected that the cash tolls will remain closed until the threat of Covid-19 wanes.

According to the Florida Department of Transportation and the Turnpike Enterprise Group, which oversees the operations of the toll system within the state of Florida, the changes are expected to last for several weeks or potentially months.