News Summary
Starting August 17, all tolls along State Road 417 in Orlando will no longer accept cash payments, shifting to an electronic tolling system to enhance efficiency and traffic flow. This change, announced by the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX), follows a similar cashless model adopted in Seminole County. With cash transactions only accounting for about 2% of tolls, other CFX toll roads are expected to follow suit. E-Pass users will benefit from volume discounts, while recent toll rate increases aim to support infrastructure needs without relying on local tax revenue.
Orlando, Florida – Starting August 17, the remaining tolls along State Road 417 (SR 417) on the east and south sides of Orlando will no longer accept cash payments. In a move toward modernization and efficiency, the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) will transition all tolls to electronic tolling and pay-by-plate systems. This change aims to streamline toll collection and improve traffic flow on one of Central Florida’s major roadways.
The announcement was made through billboards displayed along SR 417 last Friday, alerting drivers to the significant shift in toll payment methods. This transition follows a similar cashless approach implemented by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for tolls in Seminole County in the previous year. CFX’s recent decision to eliminate cash options altogether aligns with broader goals to modernize toll collection by 2025.
CFX spokesman Brian Hutchings noted that SR 417 is currently the only road moving to a cashless toll system. However, it is anticipated that other toll roads managed by CFX, such as SR 408, will also switch to cashless tolling in the near future. This strategic decision comes in light of the fact that only about 2% of all toll transactions across CFX facilities are currently completed in cash.
Implications of the Transition
CFX operates an extensive network of 125 miles of toll roads in Central Florida, encompassing highways including SR-408, SR-414, SR-417, SR-429, SR-451, SR-453, SR-538, and segments of SR-528. Monthly transactions on these roadways frequently exceed one million, with the vast majority being handled electronically.
In conjunction with this transition, CFX has already raised toll rates between $0.02 and $0.05 as of July 1. This increase, prompted by rising operational costs, is anticipated to support the region’s infrastructure and fund a freshly approved five-year work plan. CFX does not rely on state or local tax revenue, meaning that the higher toll prices will directly address the financial requirements tied to the agency’s operational and infrastructure initiatives.
Discounts for E-Pass Users
As part of its continued efforts to encourage electronic payments, CFX is reinstating a volume discount program for E-Pass users. Customers enrolled in this program can receive discounts of up to 25% on tolls based on their monthly transaction volume. For those completing between 40 to 79 transactions a month, a 20% discount will apply, while a 25% discount is available for users surpassing 80 transactions.
Current Toll Rates Status
While CFX moves forward with its toll price increase, other toll authorities, such as the Florida Turnpike Authority and the FDOT, have opted to maintain their current toll rates throughout Central Florida for the time being. The decision reflects an ongoing assessment of operational and infrastructure needs within the region.
Conclusion
The shift to cashless tolls on SR 417 represents a significant step in Central Florida’s transportation evolution. It is in line with a nationwide trend aimed at improving efficiency and reducing congestion on busy roadways. As CFX continues to implement its modernization plan, residents and travelers can expect further enhancements in the way tolls are collected and managed across the Greater Orlando area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
CFX to Implement Toll Rate Increases for Central Florida Roads
Additional Resources
- WFTV: SR 417 Orlando End Cash Tolls Switch to Electronic Pay-by-Plate Next Month
- Florida Daily: Central Florida Expressway Authority Increases Tolls
- Click Orlando: Florida Drivers Face Higher Toll Costs as Rebate Program Ends
- Herald Tribune: Florida Tolls Reinstated, Still Suspended Hurricane Milton
- Wikipedia: Toll Road
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
