On December 1, 2026, tolls on the Shepard Broad Causeway will increase from $2.00 to $3.25 for two-axle vehicles using SunPass, while the toll-by-plate rate will double from $3.25 to $6.50. This follows an earlier adjustment by the Town of Bay Harbor Islands, which reduced its annual pass to $200 for local residents while maintaining a $350 rate for drivers coming from North Miami, including Keystone Point and Keystone Islands.
Located at the eastern terminus of NE 123rd Street, the causeway serves as a vital artery connecting mainland North Miami to Bay Harbor Islands, Bal Harbour, and the beaches. Because the bridge is owned and operated by Bay Harbor Islands, non-resident commuters pay toll rates set by a municipality in which they do not vote.
Transitioning from a Bascule to a 65-Foot Fixed Bridge
Toll revenues directly support the ongoing operation and planned replacement of the aging causeway. According to a Biscayne Times report, the Town invested $17 million in 2017 and $3 million in 2023 into essential causeway repairs while maintaining the structure in a safe, operational state.
A Federal Highway Administration notice published December 11, 2025, outlined plans to replace the existing bascule drawbridge with a fixed, 65-foot high-level span connecting Bay Harbor Islands to North Miami. Following FDOT's approval of the project's Type 2 Categorical Exclusion in October 2025, the Town initiated designer selection through a bridge-design RFQ in April 2026, moving toward final design consultant negotiations later that fall.
What the New Clearance Means for Keystone Boat Owners
For Keystone vessel owners, the shift from a drawbridge to a fixed span is far more consequential than the rate hike. Unlike a bascule bridge that opens on demand, a fixed 65-foot span establishes a permanent vertical clearance limit.
While most local watercraft clear 65 feet comfortably, owners of sailboats with tall masts or motor yachts with high tuna towers should verify their vessel's air draft before navigating south past the causeway.
At the Ross Milroy Group, we closely monitor infrastructure developments affecting coastal communities, waterfront real estate, and navigable waterways. If you have questions about how these causeway changes may impact your property value or boating access, Book a Dock‑to‑Doorstep Consultation with our team today.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances.
