Couple frustrated over problems with SunPass bill

OCOEE, Fla. (FOX 35 Orlando) - In June 2018, a routine SunPass website upgrade turned into a weeks-long shutdown of the system. When it came back up, drivers say that they were overcharged or left in the dark with how much they were spending on tolls.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has since directed the Florida Department of Transportation to suspend fees and penalties until June 1 -- a full year after the debacle began. 

Still, many like Paul Ellis have no choice but to pay up now.   Ellis walked out of the local SunPass Customer Service office is Ocoee Monday morning, trying to keep his composure.  

“I spent a lot of money. I don’t think I owed that much,” said Ellis.  

Ellis said things came to a head when his wife went to re-new her tags last month. She said she was told she could not renew, because there was a citation on her account due to SunPass.  The tag office worker also told her that her license was about to be suspended.  The more the couple looked into the situation, the worse it got.   

“The citation was for $15.  That turned into $56 dollars...that turned into $300 dollars,” said Ellis.  

By the time the he walked out of the service center, he said they paid SunPass nearly $600.  Adding to the frustration, they said they were stuck paying full price for the tolls they used, instead of playing the discounted rate that comes with owning a SunPass.  

“This was not our fault,” said Ellis.  

They are now looking to joining a class action law suit.