When you travel through Florida, it’s inevitable that you pass tolls…upon tolls…upon tolls.
Getting to Disney World requires going through lots of tolls
This is especially true if you travel on the Florida Turnpike (one of the fastest ways to Orlando, depending on which direction you’re traveling from), which is just one big toll road, but for many out of state travelers, the cost is worth saving time. However, for Florida residents who travel these roads every day to get to work? It costs them hundreds of dollars a year. A recent suggestion by Governor Ron DeSantis could change all that, though, and some Floridians are VERY excited, while others are nervous.
According to WESH 2, in a recent cabinet meeting this past Wednesday, Governor Ron DeSantis proposed eliminating tolls for Florida residents. The idea behind this is that seasonal residents and tourists who already pass through the state could still provide the income for the tolls that the state needs.
©CFX
Currently, about $2 billion is collected EACH YEAR on the Florida Turnpike alone, which is wild! Tolls have been collected from all drivers on this road since it opened in 1957 as the Sunshine State Parkway. Originally, the money went towards paying off bonds that financed building the road, as well as financing new projects. DeSantis was quoted as saying, “The tolls have been here since I can remember. As a kid, they had tolls on the turnpike. At what point is all of this going to be paid off?”
©EPASS
Currently, about 80% of those who pass through the tolls use a transponder, such as EPass, which offers a lower rate than paying by cash or toll-by-plate. DeSantis continued in the meeting by saying, “You could charge the visitors. They could probably support it all and give our Florida residents a break. I think that would be really good.” This is where many Floridians begin to get concerned, as they worry higher tolls for the visitors would affect their ability to travel to the state, which would affect overall income.
©Visitor Toll Pass
We’ll have to wait and see if anything comes of these talks, and you can bet we’ll keep a close eye on it all.
Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest travel news so you can stay informed before you head for your Disney World vacation!
This Is Why You Should Never Store Your Valuables In Your Car At Disney World
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
How do you feel about this idea? Tell us in the comments below.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
As someone who drives to Disney World, I will always avoid the way to many toll roads in Florida.
Hopefully, this has been studied. While shifting the cost to the tourists might be a good idea, on the surface, no tolls for residents will increase local usage of the Turnpike, and more traffic. Might the increase in local traffic run the tourists off the Turnpike?
DeSantis is a moron. He frequently make comments about wanting tourists to fund things, yet the state relies heavily on tourism. He should change his thinking and find ways to entice tourism rather than punish it.