Yes, Sunpass sends text messages, but only if you set up notifications in your account
Sunpass, Florida's toll collection system, can send you text messages about your account — but the system does not automatically text you. You have to turn on notifications yourself through your Sunpass account online or in the mobile app. Once you do, you'll receive texts about things like low balance warnings, toll charges, and account issues.
The texts come from Sunpass directly, not from a third party. They arrive from a short code number (usually displayed as "Sunpass" in your phone) and contain information specific to your account. Because you control whether notifications are on or off, you can stop receiving them at any time.
Key Takeaways
- Sunpass text notifications are optional and must be enabled through your online account or mobile app — they do not turn on by default.
- You can receive texts about low balance alerts, toll transactions, payment confirmations, and account status changes.
- To receive texts, you must provide a valid mobile phone number to Sunpass and confirm you want text notifications.
- You can disable text messages at any time through your account settings without affecting your Sunpass service.
What types of messages Sunpass sends
Sunpass typically sends text messages in these situations: when your prepaid balance drops below a threshold you set, when a toll charge is processed, when a payment is received, and when there are account alerts like a transponder malfunction or account suspension.
Low balance alerts are the most common. You can set your own threshold — for example, you might ask Sunpass to text you when your balance falls below $10. Toll transaction texts usually arrive within a few minutes of passing through a toll plaza and show the amount charged and your remaining balance.
Account alerts are less frequent but more urgent. These might notify you that your transponder (the device mounted on your windshield) is not working, that a payment failed, or that your account has been flagged for review.
How to turn on text notifications
Log into your Sunpass account at sunpass.com or open the Sunpass mobile app. Navigate to your account settings or preferences — the exact location varies slightly between the website and app, but both have a "Notifications" or "Alerts" section.
In that section, you will see options for text message notifications. Check the box next to "Text Message Alerts" or "SMS Notifications." Enter or confirm your mobile phone number. You may be asked to verify the number by entering a code Sunpass sends to that phone.
Once verified, you can usually customize which types of alerts you want to receive. Most accounts let you turn low balance alerts on or off separately from transaction alerts. Save your changes, and notifications should begin within a few minutes.
Why you might not be receiving texts
If you expected a text from Sunpass but did not receive one, the most common reason is that text notifications are not turned on in your account. Log back into your account and check the notification settings — if the toggle is off, that is why.
A second reason is that your phone number in the Sunpass system is incorrect or outdated. If you changed your phone number, you need to update it in your account settings. Sunpass cannot send a text to a number that is not on file.
Occasionally, text messages are delayed by your mobile carrier, especially during high-traffic periods. If you passed through a toll plaza but the transaction text arrived several minutes later, that is normal. If you do not receive a text within an hour of an event that should trigger one, check your account online to see if the transaction went through — the text may simply be delayed or blocked by your carrier's spam filter.
Privacy and security of Sunpass texts
Sunpass text messages contain your account information, so treat them like any other sensitive message. Do not share the content with others, and be aware that anyone with access to your phone can see these texts.
Sunpass does not ask for passwords or payment information via text. If you receive a text claiming to be from Sunpass and asking you to click a link or provide account details, do not respond — that is a phishing attempt. Legitimate Sunpass texts inform you of account activity; they do not ask you to take action or provide information.
Your phone number is stored in Sunpass's system and protected by their privacy policy. Sunpass does not sell your number to third parties or use it for marketing purposes unrelated to your toll account.
Turning off text notifications
You can disable text messages at any time without affecting your Sunpass account or toll service. Log into your account, go to notification settings, and uncheck the box for text message alerts. Your account will continue to work normally — you simply will not receive texts.
If you want to turn notifications back on later, follow the same steps to re-enable them. There is no penalty for turning them off and on, and you can change your notification preferences as often as you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Sunpass text me about every toll I pass through?
Only if you have transaction alerts turned on. Most people turn on low balance alerts but leave transaction alerts off to avoid too many texts. You can customize which types of alerts you receive in your account settings.
Can I get Sunpass alerts on my email instead of text?
Yes. Most Sunpass accounts offer email notifications as an alternative to or in addition to text messages. Check your notification settings to see email options and enter your email address if you prefer that method.
What if I get a text from a number claiming to be Sunpass?
Legitimate Sunpass texts come from their official short code and appear as "Sunpass" in your phone. If a text asks you to click a link, call a number, or provide account details, it is not from Sunpass — do not respond. Report it to your carrier as spam.
Do I have to provide my phone number to use Sunpass?
No. A phone number is only required if you want to receive text notifications. You can use Sunpass without any notifications by simply not entering a phone number or by leaving text alerts turned off.
How long does it take to receive a text after I enable notifications?
Text notifications should begin working within a few minutes of you saving your settings. If you do not receive a test alert within 15 minutes, check that your phone number is correct and that the notification toggle is actually on in your account.