Sun Pass needed in Florida have questions

[tigercat]

I know that a Sun Pass is used in Florida for the toll roads. We have in the pass just paid cash but noticed in the new trip tik that some places will only accept the Sun Pass. I will need it for my next trip in Feb. as well because we will be in Miami.

Where do you buy one and how do you put money on it?

Does the Sun Pass expire? If I get one and load it up with money will I lose the money that isn't used up on this trip?

Are there different one's you can buy? If so what would be the most economical way of buying it? Especially since I will only be using it in October for my trip and then I will need it again in Feb.

What happens if you don't have enough money on it? I don't want to have to put a lot of money on it and then not be able to use it up.

I have looked up the web site but I can't find some of the information that I need. It probably isn't that confusing but though I'd get it straight from someone who knows what they are talking about.

tigercat

 

[sonnyjane]

They used to just send you a bill in the mail if you didn't have a Sunpass but I haven't lived there for a few years now.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

I've always bought mine at Publix. There are instructions in the box that explains how to activate it online and load it via credit card. I've only done automatic refills, so not sure about just putting a certain amount. The cheapest receiver is the one-application sticker kind that costs about $5, but once you remove it, it's deactivated forever. There's a moveable/reusable one but it's like $20 or so.

 

[Lehuaann]

I know that a Sun Pass is used in Florida for the toll roads. We have in the pass just paid cash but noticed in the new trip tik that some places will only accept the Sun Pass. I will need it for my next trip in Feb. as well because we will be in Miami.

Where do you buy one and how do you put money on it?

Does the Sun Pass expire? If I get one and load it up with money will I lose the money that isn't used up on this trip?

Are there different one's you can buy? If so what would be the most economical way of buying it? Especially since I will only be using it in October for my trip and then I will need it again in Feb.

What happens if you don't have enough money on it? I don't want to have to put a lot of money on it and then not be able to use it up.

I have looked up the web site but I can't find some of the information that I need. It probably isn't that confusing but though I'd get it straight from someone who knows what they are talking about.

tigercat

We purchased ours at Publix, I believe (it's been several yrs), and set up the transponder with an online SunPass account. From there you can add vehicle information and funds to the account. Easy.

We keep approx $20 on file. Around $10 or less causes the toll sign to flash a low account funds warning.

No, they don't expire. However, the transponder models can become obsolete. But I think they upgrade models for free. Or they did with the last one (btw - loved the older model that beeped when going thru toll. New one doesn't make any sounds, but also doesn't require batteries).

No, you won't lose the money. Any unused funds can/will be returned. I usually just leave ours alone in our account. Those trips come back around fast.

Just make sure to log into your account prior to a trip to add appropriate funds.

There are 2 versions of SunPass:

1) sticker type that is permanent and not meant for multi-vehicle use.

2) box type with suction cups that can be moved to various vehicles. Just make sure you update the vehicle in your account.

Economical would probably be the sticker type. It's much cheaper than the box. But, again, it's permanent, so the sticker needs to remain on your windshield for 4 months (or until you remove it). For me, I want to remove and reuse, so it's the box transponder.

Hopefully I've answered most of your questions. If you drive to FL a lot, they are great to have. We happen to have family in FL. Good luck with your decision

 

[CF'er]

I got mine at the first travel plaza on the toll road. It does come in handy and it's also reciprocal for use in GA too I believe. And thanks for the reminder, I went in and added funds to my account. You can fund online in a single payment or you can trigger a dollar amount to automatically refund the card in a preset amount.

 

[tigercat]

So if I got the sticker one I could just leave it on my car until after our trip in Feb. Then get the rest of the money refunded. Does it matter that I am in Canada?
tigercat

 

[Nagle]

We bought one last month on our drive to Orlando from Ontario. We bought it at the Florida Welcome Centre on I95. We have a USD Mastercard. We bought the transferable unit for $20 USD at a vending machine there. Then we took it inside where there is a desk with someone there to help set it up.
Once set up, we put $25 dollars into the account with an automatic top-up whenever we go below $10 in the account, charged to our Mastercard.we bought this unit because we can remove it and use it on rental cars for whenever we fly to Florida.
Very straight forward and easy so far. Will see how easy the rental car setup goes in November.

John