ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida drivers are paying more at the tolls, and for now, there’s no relief in sight.
The state’s toll rebate program ended this week, and as lawmakers continue budget talks in Tallahassee, there’s no indication it will be reinstated.
For drivers like Nizam Ali, that means higher costs with no way around them.
“I just had to pay $1,000 in tolls,” Ali said. “That’s going to hurt. They should bring that back and give people a little bit of relief. You’re kind of forced to use the toll road now. It’s getting so congested here that for some, like me, you have no choice but to use it.”
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The rebate program, which gave frequent drivers 50% back on tolls, was designed to ease the financial burden for commuters. Its expiration comes as Florida’s toll road system — already the largest in the country at more than 719 miles — could expand further.
The Central Florida Expressway Authority is considering adding another toll road to connect State Road 417 to Orlando Sanford International Airport.
Ali, like many drivers, is frustrated by the prospect of more toll roads without any financial relief.
“What’s that going to cost us now?” he said, laughing.
With budget hearings underway, state lawmakers could act to reinstate the rebate program, but so far, there’s been no movement. For now, drivers will have to pay full price at the tolls — with no discounts in sight.
