Florida’s toll roads don’t mess around. Miss a payment and you’re looking at higher fees, mailed invoices, and a $2.50 monthly admin charge on top. Knowing where to buy SunPass before you hit the road can save you real money. This guide covers every purchase option — online, retail, service plazas, and walk-in centers — so you can grab the right one fast.
First, Know Which SunPass You Actually Need
Before you buy, pick the right unit. There are two options, and they’re not interchangeable.
SunPass Mini ($4.99)
The Mini is a sticky RFID sticker you press to your windshield. It stays there permanently — peel it off and it’s dead. It works in six states: Florida, Georgia, Kansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas. It’s cheap, simple, and perfect for everyday Florida commuting in a single vehicle.
SunPass PRO ($14.95)
The PRO uses suction cups, so you can move it between cars. It’s compatible with the full E-ZPass network across 23 states, covering the entire Eastern Seaboard up through Maine and across to Illinois. It’s also the only option for motorcycles, since the Mini needs a glass surface to work properly.
Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Feature | SunPass Mini | SunPass PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Price (before tax) | $4.99 | $14.95 |
| Form Factor | Adhesive sticker | Portable with suction cups |
| States Covered | 6 | 23 (E-ZPass network) |
| Motorcycle Use | ❌ Not compatible | ✅ Fully compatible |
| Warranty | 45 days | 2 years |
| Best For | Single-vehicle FL commuting | Multi-state travel & rentals |
If you’re staying in Florida, the Mini works fine. If you drive out of state or switch vehicles often, go with the PRO.
Buy SunPass Online at SunPass.com
The easiest way to get a SunPass is through www.sunpass.com. You pick your transponder, set up your account, and fund it — all in one place.
Here’s what you’ll need at checkout:
- A credit or debit card (minimum $10 opening balance required)
- Your vehicle’s license plate number and state
- Your contact and billing details
Delivery takes four to five business days by mail. It’s the smartest option if you’re planning a Florida trip in advance or just moved to the state. The transponder arrives ready to use once you activate it.
Prefer to Call?
Dial 1-888-TOLL-FLA (1-888-865-5352) and a rep will walk you through the purchase. Phone support runs Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Delivery works the same way — expect about a week.
Where to Buy SunPass In-Store
Don’t want to wait for mail? Florida has thousands of retail locations stocking both the Mini and the PRO. Head to any of these and you’ll walk out with one in your hand.
Statewide Retail Stores
These chains carry SunPass at locations across Florida:
- Publix Super Markets – Check the customer service desk or the automotive aisle. Publix is the most consistent statewide option.
- CVS Pharmacy – Look in the batteries and electronics section. Many CVS locations are open 24 hours, which makes them a solid backup late at night.
- Walgreens – Usually stocked in the travel or automotive accessories aisle.
- Amscot – Handy for urban areas where you can handle purchase and replenishment in one stop.
- AAA Travel Centers – Good option if you want staff to walk you through E-ZPass compatibility before you buy.
South Florida-Specific Stores
If you’re in Miami-Dade or Broward County, these retailers also stock SunPass:
- Sedano’s Supermarkets – A go-to spot in the Miami-Dade and Broward communities
- Navarro Discount Pharmacy – High-traffic locations across the Miami metro area
Here’s the thing with retail purchases: the transponder isn’t active when you buy it. You still need to register it online at SunPass.com or through the mobile app. Enter the 13-digit ID on the device, add your vehicle info, and fund the account with the $10 minimum. Don’t skip this step or the transponder won’t work at toll gantries.
| Retailer | Coverage | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Publix | Statewide | Mini & PRO |
| CVS Pharmacy | Statewide | Mini & PRO |
| Walgreens | Statewide | Mini & PRO |
| Amscot | Select regions | Mini & PRO |
| AAA Travel Centers | Statewide | Mini & PRO |
| Sedano’s | South Florida | Mini & PRO |
| Navarro Pharmacy | South Florida | Mini & PRO |
Buy SunPass at Florida Turnpike Service Plazas
Already on the road and don’t have a transponder? The eight service plazas along the Florida Turnpike Mainline (SR 91) are your best bet. They’re spaced roughly every 40 miles and sell SunPass at gift shops or Shell convenience stores.
Here’s where each plaza sits:
| Service Plaza | Mile Marker | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Snapper Creek | 19 | 24 Hours |
| Pompano Beach | 65 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| West Palm Beach | 94 | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Fort Pierce | 144 | 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Fort Drum | 184 | 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Canoe Creek | 229 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Turkey Lake | 263 | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Okahumpka | 299 | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
The Snapper Creek plaza near Miami runs 24/7 — useful if you’re hitting the road at odd hours. The Okahumpka plaza at mile marker 299 is the first stop for anyone crossing into Florida from Georgia via I-75. Pull in and grab a transponder before you rack up Toll-By-Plate charges down the line.
Remember, plaza purchases still need online activation before the transponder goes live.
SunPass Walk-In Service Centers (Leave Fully Activated)
Walk-in centers are the only places where you walk out with a transponder that’s already active. Staff handle setup, registration, and account funding on the spot. These centers also handle fleet accounts and billing issues.
Florida’s Five Walk-In Centers
- Orlando – 2145 Metrocenter Blvd, Suite 140
- Tampa (Brandon) – 2056 Badlands Drive
- Miami (Doral) – 7902 NW 36th Street, Unit 203
- Boca Raton – 7941 Glades Road
- Pinellas Bayway (St. Petersburg) – 4501 54th Avenue South
Most centers are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They’re closed Sundays and major holidays.
County Tax Collector Offices
Several counties let you buy a SunPass while you’re handling vehicle registration or a license renewal. That’s two birds, one trip. Participating offices include locations in:
- Palm Beach County – West Palm Beach, Belle Glade, Delray Beach, Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach
- Citrus County – Inverness and Crystal River
- Martin County – Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, Palm City
- Indian River County – Main office, West Vero, Sebastian
- Highlands County – Sebring, Avon Park, Indiantown, Lake Placid
- Charlotte County – Punta Gorda, Englewood, Murdock, Port Charlotte
Visiting Florida? Here’s What to Do at the Airport
Rental car company toll programs are notoriously expensive. Most charge daily service fees that stack up fast. Here are smarter options.
Orlando International Airport (MCO): Visitor Toll Pass™
The Visitor Toll Pass™ is a temporary hangtag accepted on all SunPass-equipped roads across Florida. You grab it from vending machines near the car rental counters:
- Terminals A & B – Level 1, near car rental counters
- Terminal C – Level 4, near car rental counters
It’s free to reserve through a mobile app and saves you up to 80% compared to rental company toll programs. At the end of your trip, drop it in the return box at the airport to avoid a $10 unreturned tag fee.
Miami (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Travelers
No special airport kiosk here. Your best move is picking up a SunPass PRO before or shortly after arrival. The Miami Doral Walk-In Center is close to MIA. The Pompano Beach Service Plaza is a quick detour for FLL arrivals heading north.
Why SunPass Saves You Real Money
Skipping a SunPass costs more than most people realize. The SunPass rate is about 25% lower than the Toll-By-Plate rate, plus Toll-By-Plate adds a $2.50 monthly admin fee per invoice.
Here’s a concrete example: a full-length Florida Turnpike trip from Miami to Wildwood costs $17.45 with SunPass — but $22.59 via Toll-By-Plate. That’s a $5 difference on a single trip.
Frequent users can unlock even more savings:
- Monroe County Card Sound Bridge – 40% rebate after 28 trips in a calendar month (SunPass required)
- Sunshine Skyway – 10% rebate for vehicles with 3+ axles making 40+ transactions monthly
- Pinellas Bayway Annual Pass – $50 for unlimited passage, linked to a registered SunPass
Activating Your SunPass After Purchase
Whether you bought online, at a store, or at a service plaza, activation follows the same steps:
- Go to SunPass.com or open the SunPass app
- Enter the 13-digit transponder ID printed on the device
- Add your vehicle’s plate number, state, and year/make/model
- Fund the account with a minimum $10 balance
- Set up Easy Pay so your balance auto-replenishes — and it’s required for SunPass Plus airport parking
One tip on mounting: stick the Mini directly to the glass — don’t tape it or hold it up manually. The glass itself helps the antenna read correctly at 915 MHz toll gantry frequency. The PRO attaches with suction cups and can move between vehicles anytime.
Quick Summary: All the Ways to Get a SunPass
| Channel | Where | Best For | Ready to Use? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | SunPass.com | Planning ahead | After 4-5 days (mail) |
| Retail | Publix, CVS, Walgreens | Immediate local need | After online activation |
| Service Plazas | Turnpike (8 locations) | Drivers already on the road | After online activation |
| Walk-In Centers | 5 locations statewide | Instant full setup, fleet help | Yes — live on-site |
| Tax Collector Offices | Select counties | Residents doing vehicle admin | Yes — assisted setup |
| MCO Visitor Toll Pass | Orlando Airport | Short-term rental drivers | Yes — instant hangtag |
The bottom line: Florida’s made it pretty easy to get a SunPass. You can buy it from your couch, grab one at Publix during your weekly shop, pick one up mid-trip at a service plaza, or walk out of a service center fully set up. There’s no good reason to keep paying Toll-By-Plate rates.
