Yes, SunPass sends text messages, but only if you set it up that way

SunPass is Florida's toll collection system. It does not automatically send text messages to your phone. You have to turn on text notifications yourself through your SunPass account online or through the SunPass mobile app. Once you do, SunPass will text you about things like low balance warnings, toll charges, and account changes.

The confusion usually comes from the fact that SunPass can send notifications through multiple channels — text, email, or the app itself. Many people set up an account, forget they chose text as their notification method, and then wonder why they are getting messages from a number they do not recognize.

Key Takeaways

  • SunPass text messages only arrive if you manually enable text notifications in your account settings.
  • Common SunPass texts include low balance alerts, toll transaction confirmations, and notices about account issues.
  • You can change your notification preferences at any time through the SunPass website or app to switch to email or app-only alerts.
  • SunPass text messages come from legitimate SunPass numbers, but scammers sometimes impersonate SunPass in phishing texts.

How to turn SunPass text notifications on or off

Log into your SunPass account at sunpass.com or open the SunPass mobile app. Go to your account settings or preferences section — the exact location varies slightly between the website and the app, but both have a "Notifications" or "Communication Preferences" area. You will see checkboxes for text message, email, and push notifications. Uncheck the text message box if you do not want texts, or check it if you want to turn them on.

If you want to receive texts but change which phone number gets them, you can update your phone number in the same settings area. SunPass will send a verification text to confirm the new number before it starts using it. Save your changes when you are done, and the system usually updates within a few minutes.

What SunPass text messages actually say

The most common SunPass text is a low balance warning. This arrives when your prepaid account balance drops below a threshold you can set yourself — usually $10 or $25. The message tells you your current balance and gives you a link to add money online.

You may also get texts about individual toll transactions if you have that option turned on. These arrive shortly after you pass through a toll plaza and tell you the amount charged and your new balance. Some people find these helpful for tracking spending; others find them annoying and turn them off.

Less common texts include notices that your account has been updated, that a payment method failed, or that your transponder (the device in your car) needs service or replacement. These are always legitimate SunPass messages if they come from an official SunPass number.

How to spot a fake SunPass text message

Scammers sometimes send texts that look like they come from SunPass to trick you into clicking a link or giving up account information. A real SunPass text will come from a number that SunPass has publicly listed, usually a short code or a number that identifies itself as SunPass in the message itself. If you are unsure, do not click any link in the text — instead, go directly to sunpass.com in your web browser and log in to check your account.

Fake SunPass texts often ask you to "verify your account," "confirm your payment method," or "update your information." SunPass will never ask you to do these things via text message. If a text message asks you to click a link and enter your password or credit card number, it is a scam. Delete it and report it to SunPass by forwarding it to their fraud team.

Another red flag is a text claiming you owe money or have a violation. SunPass handles serious account issues through email or official mail, not through a single text message. If you get a text like this, log into your actual SunPass account to see if there is a real problem, rather than responding to the text.

Why SunPass might text you even if you do not remember signing up

If someone else in your household set up the SunPass account using a family phone number, you might receive texts meant for the account holder. This is common in families where one person manages the toll account but multiple people use the car. Ask the account holder to change the phone number on file to their personal number, or ask them to turn off text notifications and switch to email instead.

Another possibility is that you set up the account yourself but forgot about it. SunPass accounts stay active as long as you have a balance or an active payment method on file. If you have not used the account in years, it may still be sending texts. You can close the account through your online settings if you no longer need it.

How to manage SunPass notifications without deleting your account

You do not have to close your SunPass account to stop receiving texts. straightforward log in, go to notification settings, and uncheck all the boxes for text messages. You can keep email notifications on if you prefer that method, or turn off all notifications entirely and just check your balance when you need to.

If you want to keep the account active but change which phone number receives texts, update your phone number in the account settings. This is useful if you have changed phone numbers or if you want texts to go to a different family member. You can also set a higher balance threshold for low-balance alerts so you get fewer texts overall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get SunPass notifications without a text message?

Yes. You can receive notifications through the SunPass mobile app, through email, or not at all. Log into your account settings and choose which notification methods you want. Many people prefer email or app notifications because they are easier to organize and less likely to be mistaken for spam.

What phone number do SunPass texts come from?

SunPass texts come from a short code or a number that identifies itself as SunPass in the message. The exact number can vary, but it will always say "SunPass" in the message itself. If you are unsure whether a text is real, do not click any links — go to sunpass.com directly and log in to check your account.

If I ignore a low balance text, what happens?

Your account will eventually run out of money. When that happens, you will not be able to use the toll lanes until you add funds. You may also receive a notice in the mail about the unpaid toll. It is better to add money when you get the low balance warning so you do not get stuck at a toll plaza.

Can I report a fake SunPass text?

Yes. Forward the fake text to SunPass's fraud team — you can find the current email address on the official SunPass website. Also report it to your phone carrier and to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Do not respond to the fake text or click any links in it.

Does SunPass sell my phone number?

SunPass uses your phone number only to send you notifications about your account. The company does not sell your contact information to third parties. Your phone number is protected under Florida's privacy laws and SunPass's own privacy policy, which you can read on their website.