Is The Florida SunPass Worth It In 2024?

Whether you’re planning your next road trip or just on your daily commute, driving can get expensive. From gas prices to car repairs and paying for toll roads, it all adds up. But, Is the Florida SunPass worth it?

We were looking through the r/Tampa Reddit thread last week when we came across an interesting post. The post said, “Is SunPass worth it? Is SunPass really needed? It seems as if the tolls are all the same either way. What do you think??”

One of the top-upvoted comments says, “The major toll roads in the area are toll-by-plate. Having a SunPass is worth it if you take toll roads often. You get a discount for having one, and you do not have to worry about toll-by-plate fees.”

These days, it’s rare to see an actual tollbooth collecting tolls. Especially here in Florida, most tolls are all TOLL-BY-PLATE.

Here's an example. We’re going to start in Ybor City and hop on I-4 to the Brandon Mall taking the fastest route. The 9.6-mile drive (16-minute trip) costs $2.60 while using the SunPass. That saves you $0.63 on a 16-minute drive. That may not seem like a lot, but imagine what that can do while on a road trip across the state.

Another user said, “Are there really people that live here that don’t have the sunpass?” At this point, if you’re new to Florida and don’t have some sort of E-Z pass, you’re throwing money out the window.

There are two different options when it comes to purchasing a SunPass. The SunPass Mini is $4.99 + tax and the SunPass PRO is $14.95 + tax. Both are great options, but the PRO has a few benefits that the Mini does not.

The SunPass Mini is cheaper by about $10. It has SunPass Plus Parking and also works in Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and some areas of Texas. Like the PRO, it directly charges your account, saving you money, when you pass through the SunPass lanes.

The SunPass PRO might just be the best overall bang for your buck. Like the Mini, it saves you time and money, has SunPass Plus Parking and works in Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and some areas of Texas. 

But, what other benefits does the PRO offer that the Mini does not? The PRO transponder is moveable from car to car, can be used with motorcycles, and also works where the E-ZPass is accepted. If you’re heading on long road trips across the country or have a multi-car family, the PRO is the better option.

In my opinion, the SunPass is a necessity. If you're driving anywhere in FL, it will almost instantly pay for itself. The SunPass PRO is the better option for anyone looking to travel towards MN, IL, IN, OH, KY, WV, VA, MD, DE, NJ, PA, NY, RI, MA, NH, or MW.

Not sure why you'd want to go to a few of those states, but you have the option. Both deduct the toll charges from your prepaid toll accounts, electronically.

So, is the SunPass worth it? Absolutely.  You can pick up a SunPass at thousands of different stores throughout the state including Publix, CVS, Walgreens, and more.

Looking to move out of Florida? If the answer is yes, some states will pay you to move there. I love it here in St. Petersburg, so I will not be moving anytime soon. I often hear people complaining about the cost of living and saying that Florida has become overcrowded. If you are one of those people and want to get paid to move, you have come to the right article.

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average cost of living per year in the Sunshine State is $50, 689 per person. That comes out to about $4,224 per person each year. Do you agree with this assessment? Is it more or less for you each month/year? Feel free to email me Babs@wild941.com.

I'm a single woman with no kids, but my rent has increased. My car is paid off and I really need a new one, but have you seen the price of cars lately? People are paying anywhere from $600 a month for car notes for cars that are not even luxury. I think I will hold off until the prices go down. Everything around us has seemed to go up except our paychecks right? lol

If you were to move out of Florida, what state would you move to? I always said I would either move back to Michigan or move to Georgia with my mom. I have no intention of doing so, but If it came down to it those are the states I would move to. Sadly, those are not the states that will pay you to come there.

There Are however 6 states that will pay you to move there. If money is a motive for you, check out the list below. Will be sad to see you leave Florida, but hey, you have to do what you have to do.

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If you move to Topeka Kansas, you receive $15k! If you move there this fund can work for both remote and on-site jobs in Shawnee County.

West Virginia has a program called Ascend West Virginia, and they will provide you with $12K in payments, access to free outdoor recreation and free coworking space.

Alaska has a incentive program called Permanent Fund Dividend. Citizens can qualify for up to $16K for just living in the state. To receive the grant you just have to remain in the state for an entire calendar year! 

You can receive up to $10K if you move to Alabama and work from the Shoals. This is called the remote shoals program and you reap the benefits in Northwest Alabama.

If you move to Tulsa, Oklahoma you are eligible for $10K in grants. This is offered to remote workers or entrepreneurs. The program is called the Tulsa Remote Plan. 

If you move to the Rochester region, you could receive up to $19k in grants if you are a remote worker. They also have homebuyers incentives and more. The program is called Greater Roc Remote.