Tolls waived across Central and West Florida as Hurricane Milton approaches

In preparation for Hurricane Milton, Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a temporary suspension of tolls across Central Florida, West Florida, and Alligator Alley. Starting at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024, tolls will be waived for seven days to help facilitate smooth evacuations.

“Effective 10:30 a.m. today, we are suspending tolls,” stated Governor Ron DeSantis. “With evacuation orders on the horizon, this step will help ease the stress on families and keep traffic flowing as Floridians prepare for Hurricane Milton.”

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) will reinstate tolls on Monday, October 14, at noon, though the suspension may extend based on changing conditions.

“We’re dedicated to ensuring that everyone can reach safety as efficiently as possible during this critical time,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Waiving tolls gives families a faster route out of harm’s way as they finalize their evacuation plans for Hurricane Milton. Travelers can stay updated on road conditions and closures by visiting FL511.com.”

The toll suspension affects multiple facilities, including:

• Collier and Broward Counties: Alligator Alley
• Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties: Suncoast Parkway, I-4 Connector, Selmon Expressway, Veterans Expressway, Gateway Expressway, 275 Express, Pinellas Bayway, and Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
• Osceola, Orange, Lake, Seminole, Sumter, and Polk Counties: Turnpike Mainline (between I-75 and Canoe Creek Service Plaza), S.R. 453, S.R. 451, Wekiva Parkway, Apopka Expressway, Beachline Expressway, Central Florida Greeneway, East-West Expressway, I-4 Express, Western Beltway, Osceola Parkway, Poinciana Parkway, Southern Connector Extension, Seminole Expressway, and Polk Parkway.

The suspension encompasses toll facilities managed by FDOT, FTE, the Central Florida Expressway Authority, and the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority.

To accommodate the increased traffic flow, FDOT is also implementing Emergency Shoulder Use (ESU) on parts of Interstate 4 (I-4) and Interstate 75 (I-75).

For real-time traffic updates and information on potential road or bridge closures, visit FL511.com or download the Florida 511 app, available on Apple and Android devices.