(1) The department is authorized to incur expenses for paid advertising, marketing, and promotion of toll facilities and electronic toll collection products and services. Promotions may include discounts and free products.

   (2) The department is authorized to receive funds from advertising placed on electronic toll collection products and promotional materials to defray the costs of products and services.

   (3)(a) The department or any toll agency created by statute may incur expenses to advertise or promote its electronic toll collection system to consumers on or off the turnpike or toll system.

   (b) If the department or any toll agency created by statute finds that it can increase nontoll revenues or add convenience or other value for its customers, the department or toll agency may enter into agreements with any private or public entity allowing the use of its electronic toll collection system to pay parking fees for vehicles equipped with a transponder or similar device. The department or toll agency may initiate feasibility studies of additional future uses of its electronic toll collection system and make recommendations to the Legislature to authorize such uses.

s. 16, ch. 97-280; s. 16, ch. 2000-266; s. 35, ch. 2007-