I-4 Express dynamic tolls: What Florida drivers need to know | FOX 35 Orlando
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I-4 Express dynamic tolls: What Florida drivers need to know

By and
Updated  February 24, 2025 1:00pm EST
Orlando
FOX 35 Orlando

I-4 Express Lanes to introduce dynamic toll pricing

Get ready to pay more when you hit the I-4 Express Lanes during the morning commute on Monday. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is starting "dynamic pricing" next week.

The Brief

    • Starting Feb. 24, "dynamic tolling" begins on the Interstate 4 Express Lane in Central Florida, FDOT has confirmed.
    • "Dynamic tolling" means the price per segment changes throughout the day as demand for the I-4 Express lanes changes.
    • Essentially, during peak times – such as the morning and evening commutes – the toll will go up. Currently, the price per segment has been $.50. FDOT said the max price would be $3 per segment, though it does not anticipate a "significant" increase in cost once the dynamic tolling starts.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Beginning this week, Florida drivers using the Interstate 4 Express Lanes throughout Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties may be a little more – and possibly a little less – than before. That's because the Florida Department of Transportation has quickly introduced "dynamic tolling," which means the toll price will increase or decrease as demand increases and decreases.

The announcement of dynamic tolling was somewhat unexpected as an Orlando City Commissioner announced the news before FDOT did. For Florida drivers who use the I-4 Express Lanes, here is what you need to know.

When does dynamic tolling start on I-4 Express lanes?

What we know:

FDOT confirmed that "dynamic tolling" on the I-4 Express Lanes would begin on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. Electronic signage above the toll lanes alerted drivers to the change over the weekend. FOX 35 first reported on the proposed change last week.

What is dynamic tolling?

Under dynamic tolling, the cost (toll) to use the I-4 Express lanes will change throughout the day, depending on demand. The more people using the I-4 Express lanes during "peak" times will increase the toll.

How much will the toll be with the new system?

What we know:

Under the previous system, Florida drivers would pay a flat rate – $0.50 – per segment to use I-4 Express Lanes. If you traveled 3 segments, it would cost $1.50.

With dynamic tolling, the pricing will increase during "peak" times and decrease at off-peak times – or as fewer cars use it.

FDOT has not provided a range. However, on its website, it states that the maximum toll for each segment would be $3.00. However, FDOT also said on its website that it does not expect there to be a "significant" increase in the tolls once dynamic pricing is launched.

What are the "peak" travel times on I-4 Express Lanes?

According to FDOT, the peak travel times would likely be during the morning and evening commutes during the week: 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

How will I know the cost?

The cost of the new tolls will be displayed on electronic signs at the entrance of the Express Lanes. Drivers will then have to decide if they want to pay it. Overhead signs will display real-time toll prices as drivers enter the express lanes. FDOT said on its website that the toll price would change every 15 minutes, depending on demand.

If a driver enters the Express lane at one price, and it increases, the driver would pay the lower price, according to FDOT's website.

How long are the I-4 Express lanes?

By the numbers:

The I-4 Express Lanes are in the middle of I-4 separated from the rest of the traffic by a concrete barrier wall. 

I-4 Express begins at mile marker 75, just west of Kirkman Road in Orange County, and continues for 21 miles to mile marker 95, just east of State Road 436 in Seminole County. The I-4 Express website states the lanes stretch 21-miles.

What's next:

FDOT is currently working to extend the Express Lanes westbound from where the lanes currently end near Universal to near EPCOT Center Drive. Those additions are expected to open in 2027. 

In addition, an eastbound Express Lane is also being planned in the area.

Work has also just started on more Express Lanes planned from Walt Disney World through ChampionsGate and Osceola County, to US-27 in Polk County.

Dynamic tolling coming to I-4 express lanes

Changes are on the way for how you use the I-4 express lanes. This impacts the pricing for tolls. Although it is undetermined when the changes will happen, the announcement involves dynamic tolling on the I-4 express lanes. This means the price of traveling in the express lanes will vary throughout the day.

Why did FDOT make the change?

What they're saying:

It took FDOT nearly 48 hours to comment on the proposed change. Several requests from FOX 35 and other media outlets went unanswered, according to various reporting.

On Friday, FDOT sent a short news release confirming dynamic tolling and deferred people to its website. FDOT said dynamic tolling was always the plan for the I-4 Express Lanes, and said it has been successful on toll roads in South Florida. However, FDOT did not define what "success" meant.

FDOT said the goal was to prevent congestion on highly traveled roads – and to ensure reliable travel times.

Why use the toll roads?

Why you should care:

Orlando's growing population and increasing commuter traffic have made congestion a persistent issue. 

Since opening, FDOT said it has taken less than three years for the I-4 Express Lanes to record 50 million trips.

Dynamic tolling is an attempt to manage demand while maintaining reliable travel times for those willing to pay.

Similar tolling systems are already in place in cities like Miami and Washington, D.C., where express lane prices fluctuate based on congestion levels. The success of those programs has influenced FDOT’s decision to bring the model to Central Florida.

According to FDOT, Express Lanes can potentially save drivers time – up to 4 minutes – during high traffic. 

Officials said travel speeds in the general-use lanes have increased by 5 mph on average in the morning and 8 mph on average in the afternoon.

Lane-blocking incidents on I-4 have dropped 58% since the opening of I-4 Express Lanes, according to the I-4 Express website. 

Since the I-4 Express Lanes opened, FDOT also said both safety and efficiency have improved.

Officials said vehicle crashes have decreased 42% since the Express Lanes opened.

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The Source: This story was written based on information gathered from previous reporting, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the I-4 Express website. 

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