Tallahassee, Fla. (BLOOM) – Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered the suspension of tolls across Central and West Florida, as well as Alligator Alley, to assist with evacuations ahead of Hurricane Milton. The suspension took effect at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, and will last for seven days, until noon on Monday, Oct. 14.
The move is intended to ease traffic flow and provide Floridians and visitors with a safer, more efficient route as evacuation orders are issued. “This will help keep traffic moving and be one less thing for people to worry about ahead of Milton,” said Gov. DeSantis.
Tolls will be suspended on major roadways, including the Suncoast Parkway, Veterans Expressway, I-4 Connector, and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, among others in the affected counties. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is working to implement Emergency Shoulder Use along sections of I-4 and I-75 to accommodate the expected increase in traffic.
FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue emphasized the importance of the suspension: “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.”
Motorists are encouraged to monitor real-time traffic updates and road conditions through Florida’s 511 Traveler Information System at FL511.com or by using the mobile app. The toll suspension may be extended based on the storm’s impact.