If you're planning on taking a driving trip through South Florida this spring, you're in luck: The state is making its toll system a bit easier in Miami-Dade County.
Beginning in February 2011, tolls on Florida's Turnpike between Exit 47 and Exit 1 will be collected electronically using either a SunPass www.sunpass.com or the TOLL-BY-PLATE system. This means everyone will pay their tolls without stopping at a booth.
Travelers will still be able to pay using cash on all other parts of Florida's Turnpike, a stretch that reaches from Wildwood to North Miami-Dade County.
SunPass is the state's pre-paid toll system. To use SunPass, you must purchase a $4.99 mini-transponder, which is a credit-card-sized device you can find at Publix, CVS, Navarro Discount Pharmacies, Sedano's Supermarkets, AAA locations in Florida, all Turnpike service plaza gift shops, www.SunPass.com and at 1-888-865-5352.
TOLL-BY-PLATE is the state's alternate non-cash system. A photo is snapped of your car's license plate as it passes the toll station. The state then sends you a bill for your total costs over a 30-day period (plus a $2.50 administrative charge).
Visit www.floridasturnpike.com.