ORLANDO, Fla. – Starting in August, State Road 417 will no longer accept cash payments.
The move is part of a larger plan by the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) to phase out cash toll collection entirely by the end of 2025.
In April, CFX went cashless overnight on all its expressways. Now, the transition is underway, with one expressway at a time going cashless to help drivers adjust smoothly
According to CFX, most drivers have already moved on from cash.
Daniel Whittington, a driver, said, “I’ve had the electronic pass for about six years now. Just because of the discounts and everything that applies with it, so it’s been really helpful that way, and it’s easier to reload.”
[VIDEO: Central Florida drivers adjust budget for toll costs]
The agency reports that 98% of customers use transponders like SunPass or E-Pass. But some, like Ashley Flores’ aunt, are part of the 2 percent who still rely on cash.
“[My aunt] was just furious, she’s like it should’ve been at least one line just for cash and the rest all technology,” Flores said.
“She’s so used to using cash only, and then when she read the news, she’s like, ‘I don’t know what to do.’ And I’m like, you’re going to have to have the plate read.”
Drivers have two options: get a transponder or pay by plate. Paying by plate means the toll authority will send a bill in the mail, but it comes with a higher cost.
“It’s always double, I know that for a fact, because I’ve seen that,” Flores said.
On the CFX website, explaining the transition to cashless tolling, they say that going cashless will make driving smoother, safer, and more efficient.
Still, some drivers worry about relying on electronic tolling.
“Part of me thinks it’s good, but another part of me is worried about the technology for the pass. If it’s going to go well or not,” Flores said. “We have had it glitch out once, and it was a pain trying to pay it off.”
The last day to pay by cash on SR-417 is Aug.19. After that, if you pay by plate, you will receive an invoice in the mail for your tolls.
The Central Florida Expressway Authority warns that they will never text or call you about outstanding balances. For more information on payment options, click here.