Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the suspension of tolls in Central and West Florida, including Alligator Alley, to aid evacuations ahead of Hurricane Milton. The suspension began at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024, and will last for seven days.
“At my direction, tolls are suspended today as of 10:30 AM,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “With evacuation orders imminent, this will help keep traffic moving and be one less thing for people to worry about ahead of Milton.”
The decision is aimed at facilitating quick and safe evacuations for residents and visitors in the affected areas. Tolls are expected to resume on Monday, October 14, at noon unless conditions require an extension.
“The Department is committed to ensuring motorists can get where they need to go as quickly and safely as possible, especially in preparation for a major hurricane. Suspending tolls across the central and west part of the state and Alligator Alley offers an additional option for families to easily get out of the storm’s direct path,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E.
Toll collection has been halted on various facilities including Alligator Alley in Collier and Broward Counties; Suncoast Parkway; I-4 Connector; Selmon Expressway; Veterans Expressway; Gateway Expressway; 275 Express; Pinellas Bayway; Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco Counties; Turnpike Mainline between I-75 (MP 309) and Canoe Creek Service Plaza (MP 229); 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 in Osceola, Orange, Lake, Seminole, Sumter and Polk Counties.
The suspension includes toll facilities managed by FDOT, FTE, Central Florida Expressway Authority, and Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority.
In addition to suspending tolls, FDOT is implementing Emergency Shoulder Use along parts of Interstate 4 (I-4) and Interstate 75 (I-75) to support traffic flow during evacuations.
Florida's 511 Traveler Information System provides real-time updates on road conditions during emergencies. This service can be accessed through FL511.com or via its mobile app available on Apple and Android devices.