Central Florida toll roads to remain free for now

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Although it’s been nearly two weeks since Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida, many toll roads remain free for drivers.

While not having to pay tolls is a good thing for many drivers, toll operators say it’s costing them money.

The Central Florida Expressway Authority estimates it is losing $1.6 million per day in uncollected tolls.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

READ: How having flood insurance hurt one Central Florida man impacted by Hurricane Ian

Central Florida Expressway spokesman Brian Hutchings said the Authority also didn’t know when toll collections would resume.

“We have not received any word yet,” Hutchings said “We’ve been checking the governor’s website … religiously for updates.”

In its yearly budget filings, the Authority projected it would collect approximately $537 million in tolls and fees during the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

READ: Economy, inflation ‘motivating voters’ this election season, analyst says

That money is needed to cover the cost of maintenance, repaving projects, and new construction.

Officials said it remains to be seen which projects, if any, could be delayed because of the loss in revenue.

READ: Biketoberfest to rev up this week despite damage to many Daytona Beach hotels

“Once they are the toll suspensions lifted, and we really have a good handle of the dollar amount that we’re looking at, then we’re going to have those conversations,” Hutchings said.

As to when drivers could see the tolls return, the only definitive date would be the mandated 60-day expiration date of Nov. 22.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2022 Cox Media Group