Florida Gov. DeSantis announces proposed legislation to provide toll relief

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On Wednesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a legislative proposal that would provide discounts on tolls for commuters using any toll roads across the state.

The proposed legislation would give Floridians with toll transponders like SunPass or E-PASS a 50 percent credit on their monthly bill if they have 40 or more transactions in a month. DeSantis’s office estimated the proposal would benefit some 750,000 Floridians who commute and would save the average commuter around $550 a year.

“Last month, I announced a short-term SunPass Savings program for Florida commuters, but I promised that we would continue to look for more ways to save Floridians money on their daily commute,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This proposal will require legislative approval and is more far-reaching – it provides a 50% discount on all tolls throughout the state of Florida, saving the average commuter $550 per year.”

On August 25, DeSantis announced a SunPass Savings program that will provide more than $38 million in savings to those who use the Florida Turnpike System and toll facilities owned by the Florida Department of Transportation. That program runs for the next six months.

If passed, the legislation would go into effect on July 1, 2023, and run through June 30, 2024. The legislation applies to all toll roads in the state, DeSantis’ office said. The discount would only apply to commuters with at least 40 paid monthly transactions.

“For over a decade, I have fought tirelessly to ensure that our expressway authorities, specifically Miami-Dade Expressway Authority, were being transparent and accountable to Floridians, as well as providing much-needed toll relief,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “This expanded toll savings program has the potential to positively impact families in South Florida and beyond. I join Governor DeSantis in calling on the Legislature to pass this important piece of legislation during the 2023 Legislative Session.”