Bob Sikes Bridge to Accept SunPass®, Puts Drivers in the fast lane to Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach visitors and residents can take advantage of the Florida Turnpike Enterprise’s SunPass® prepaid electronic tolling system on the Bob Sikes Bridge starting in May. The new system will officially launch on Pensacola Beach May 31; however, users with a SunPass® can begin using the SunPass® lanes on May 26.

SunPass® will provide a smoother, more convenient tolling experience for drivers and will eliminate the need to find a dollar as you go to the beach. For drivers who choose not to use SunPass®, cash will continue to be accepted. Both SunPass® and cash tolls on the Bob Sikes Bridge will remain $1 per vehicle. The Pensacola Beach Annual Pass will now be integrated with the SunPass® and with one additional step, residents and frequent beach goers will have a true 365-day pass for the Bob Sikes Bridge, good for one full year from the date of purchase with unlimited passage. 

As the Bob Sikes Bridge transitions to SunPass® from May 26 through May 30, all toll lanes on the bridge will continue to accept cash. Beginning May 31, the far left tolling lane on the Bob Sikes Bridge will be a designated SunPass®/Pensacola Beach Annual Pass Only lane. No cash will be accepted in this lane. The remaining lanes will continue to be open for all drivers, including SunPass® users, Pensacola Beach Annual Pass holders and customers paying cash.

How to get your SunPass® transponder:

• Online: Visit www.SunPass.com.
• In person: Retail outlets including Publix, CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens. For a full list, visit https://www.sunpass.com/sunPassRetailers.
• SunPass® transponders may also be purchased at the Santa Rosa Island Authority office, located at 1 Via De Luna Drive on Pensacola Beach.

SunPass® users may activate and deposit funds into their prepaid accounts at www.sunpass.com, or by calling 888-865-5352 and using a credit or debit card. Customers may also replenish with cash by visiting any of thousands of retail locations statewide. For a complete list of retail locations, visit www.sunpass.com/cashReplenishment.

How to get your Pensacola Beach Annual Pass:

• Online: Visit www.myescambia.com/PensacolaBeachPass.
• In Person: Visit the Santa Rosa Island Authority office on Pensacola Beach, located at 1 Via De Luna Drive. Beach residents must bring a proof of homestead exemption from the property tax office in order to get a discounted annual pass. 

How much is a Pensacola Beach Annual Pass?

• Pensacola Beach Annual Passes are $50 per year for public annual passes and $70 per year for commercial annual passes (all vehicles displaying any commercial markings or advertising, including magnetic or rooftop signs, or vehicles owned by a commercial business).
• Homestead residents are allowed up to two $5 Pensacola Beach Annual Passes. To be a homestead resident, you must obtain the designation of your primary residence on Pensacola Beach from the Escambia County Property Appraiser's Office.

Note: A SunPass® transponder must be purchased and activated before participating in the Pensacola Beach Annual Pass program. The Pensacola Beach Annual Pass is only valid for the Bob Sikes Bridge toll plaza.

Need help?

SunPass® registration and Pensacola Beach Annual Pass assistance will be available at two upcoming sign-up sessions:

• Tuesday, April 19 from 4:30-7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 7  from 8 a.m. to noon

The SunPass® sign-up sessions will take place at the Santa Rosa Island Authority office. Those needing assistance may come at any time during the allotted time frame.

Escambia County will also offer extended hours at the Santa Rosa Island Authority office during the month of May in preparation for the SunPass® launch, providing additional help to residents. Temporary hours will be:

• Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon

Questions?

For answers to frequently asked questions about SunPass and the Pensacola Beach Annual Pass, click here. 

For more information about the Bob Sikes toll plaza upgrades, visit the project page or contact Project Manager David Forte at (850) 595-3404 or [email protected].

For more information about how to use SunPass®, which is compatible with all Florida toll roads and most bridges and is also accepted in Georgia and North Carolina, visit https://www.sunpass.com/howSunPassWorks.

To register your transponder and manage your account online, visit www.sunpass.com/accountLogin. 

Online Tools:

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