ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Turnpike Commission has brought in almost $1 billion this year in revenue. At the same, it’s also lost tens of millions of dollars that was supposed to go to keep the roads in good condition and prevent tolls from going up.
Channel 9 learned that money is being lost on people who are using the road for free.
Some drivers have found a way around paying the tolls, and it's costing millions of dollars
Channel 9 obtained pictures from the Florida Turnpike Commissioner showing cars without license plates driving through tolls. One was of a tractor-trailer, and the other was a motorcycle.
The state has lost more than $53 million this year.
The Central Florida Expressway Authority has lost more than $13 million.
“Some of these people have run the tolls thousands of times, hoping not to get caught my law enforcement,” said Sgt. Kim Montes, of the Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP troopers said tourists are notorious for zipping through the toll booths without paying.
Dump trucks are next on the list.
Troopers said sometimes, drivers rub mud all over the license plate to obscure the tag.
While it’s difficult to track the drivers down, FHP works with the turnpike to identify chronic toll violators.
Someone who obscured their tag and gets caught could be charged with a misdemeanor.
A habitual offender could pay a hefty fine.