The Florida Turnpike Enterprise’s SunPass® prepaid electronic tolling system is launching Thursday, May 26 on the Bob Sikes Bridge, providing a more convenient tolling experience for drivers and eliminating the need to find a dollar when going to the beach. During the transition to SunPass May 26-30, cash will be accepted in all toll lanes on the Bob Sikes Bridge, including the far left lane marked "SunPass/Pensacola Beach Annual Pass Only."
Here's what you need to know about SunPass on Pensacola Beach:
- Cash will continue to be accepted for drivers who choose not to use SunPass.
- The toll on the Bob Sikes Bridge will remain $1 per vehicle, whether drivers pay with cash or a SunPass account.
- Beginning Tuesday, 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 as of May 31. Drivers who go through this lane without a SunPass or Pensacola Beach Annual Pass will be mailed a bill for the $1 toll plus a $2.50 administrative fee.
- 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.
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:
- Wednesday, June 1 from 4-7 p.m.
- Thursday, June 2 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The SunPass® sign-up sessions will take place at the Santa Rosa Island Authority office. Come anytime during the session and a SunPass representative or Santa Rosa Island Authority staff member will walk you through the process of purchasing and activating a SunPass transponder and, if you choose, a Pensacola Beach Annual Pass.
Escambia County is also offering 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.
