Florida Governor Suspends Toll Road Fees, Penalties Until June 1

Editor's note: This story is from 2019 and refers to Gov. Ron DeSantis suspending toll fees due to problems with the toll road operator, Conduent. If you're looking for a story related to the suspension of tolls for the coronavirus outbreak, see Group Wants FL Tolls Suspended During Coronavirus Closures.

TAMPA, FL -- Florida SunPass customers concerned about mounting fees due to billing errors received some good news from Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday.

DeSantis has ordered that all toll road fees and penalties be suspended until June 1.

"Since I've been governor, I've heard the concerns from citizens and customers of SunPass and the hardships they've been facing related to their delayed bills and billing errors by the contractor, Conduent," DeSantis said. "I've directed the Florida Department of Transportation to continue suspending fees and penalties until June 1."

Due to a technical glitch that began last June, SunPass customers and pay-by-plate toll road users have complained about receiving inflated bills. Conduent said it has now remedied the problem but customers say they're still being fined penalties for times they didn't use the toll roads.

“This is a technology issue for Conduent, but it’s a customer service issue for citizens," said DeSantis. "I’ve been working closely with the new FDOT secretary, Kevin Thibault, to ensure customers are protected and receive a premium level of service.”

Although the fees and penalties have been suspended until June 1, SunPass and pay-by-plate customers may still find bills in their mailboxes. The final reminders for transactions through the end of 2018 were mailed out before the governor's announcement.

Thibault said the Florida Department of Transportation has made a number of personnel and procedural changes to address the billing problem, including appointing a new acting director of toll systems.

“From my first day on the job, correcting this has been a priority for Governor DeSantis and me,” explained FDOT Secretary Kevin Thibault. “One of the first directives I gave was to continue to withhold payments to Conduent for its performance since Go-Live in June of 2018. I’ve also instructed the Turnpike’s executive director to assess maximum performance penalties allowed under the contract for the Conduent’s operational and performance deficiencies, which totals $4.6 million to date.”

For questions about bills, visit the SunPass website or call 1-888-865-5352.