Florida toll suspensions in force as Hurricane Milton hits

Move in place till 14 October designed to help ease evacuation from path of storm
Charging, Tolling & Road Pricing / October 10, 2024
By Adam Hill
Hurricane Milton storm chaser hard shoulder Ron Desantis © Zenobillis | Dreamstime.com
FDoT paused operations on active construction projects within the projected path of the storm (© Zenobillis | Dreamstime.com)

Toll suspensions are in force until noon on Monday 14 October across Central Florida and West Florida, as well as Alligator Alley and 595 Express, as Hurricane Milton impacts the US state.

Drivers were urged to avoid unnecessary travel and follow local guidance, and Florida Department of Transportation (FDoT) suspended operations on active construction projects within the projected path of the storm. 

Governor Ron DeSantis said at the beginning of this week: “With evacuation orders imminent, this will help keep traffic moving and be one less thing for people to worry about ahead of Milton.”

“Suspending tolls across the central and west part of the state and Alligator Alley offers an additional option for families to easily get out of the storm’s direct path,” said FDoT secretary Jared W. Perdue. 

Toll facilities for FDoT, Florida's Turnpike Enterprise (FTE), Central Florida Expressway Authority, and Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority are included within this - but authorities said the suspension "may be extended as needed depending on evolving conditions".

FDoT implemented Emergency Shoulder Use along Interstate 4 (I-4) and portions of Interstate 75 (I-75) to help facilitate the flow of traffic for travellers evacuating the storm’s potential impact area.

The south-eastern US was recently hit by Hurricane Helene, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is providing $32m for Tennessee DoT and $100m for North Carolina DoT from the Quick Release Emergency Funding Program to repair critical infrastructure and help with relief efforts.

US Department of Transportation said it is "closely following developments related to Hurricane Milton".