A viral image shared on X, formerly Twitter, claims tolls are still in place on Florida’s Hurricane Milton evacuation route.

why the fuck are tolls still in place on an evacuation route https://t.co/8bt9mf0t6T

— multitude🔻container (@lllliatttt) October 8, 2024

Verdict: False

The claim is false. In an Oct. 7 press release, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis announced tolls were suspended ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall.

Fact Check:

Hurricane Milton made landfall on Wednesday night in Siesta Key, according to NBC News. Officials have confirmed that at least 12 people have died as a result of the hurricane, the outlet reported.

The X image, viewed over 300,000 times as of writing, claims tolls are still in place on Florida’s Hurricane Milton evacuation route. “Why the f–k [censorship added] are tolls still in place on an evacuation route,” the image’s caption reads. The image features a map of Florida’s I-75 and shows an apparent $6.38 toll in effect for residents leaving Tampa.

The claim is false. In an Oct. 7 press release, DeSantis announced tolls were suspended ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall.

“At my direction, tolls are suspended today as of 10:30 AM. With evacuation orders imminent, this will help keep traffic moving and be one less thing for people to worry about ahead of Milton,” DeSantis said via the same release.

The release also appears on the website for Florida’s Department of Transportation (FDOT), noting that tolls would be reinstated on Oct. 14 or a suspension could continue “depending on evolving conditions.”

Likewise, a map showing which counties are impacted by the toll suspension appears on FDOT’s website. The suspension applies to counties in South, Central, and West Florida, according to the same map. (RELATED: No, Viral Montage Does Not Solely Depict Hurricane Milton)

In addition, Check Your Fact found no credible news reports to support the claim. Actually, the opposite is true. On Oct. 10, USA Today debunked the claim, citing the same press release from DeSantis.

Check Your Fact has contacted DeSantis’ office and FDOT for comment.