E-PASS: Complete Options for Tolls, Costs, and Setup

Florida buy E-PASS gives every driver a simple way to pay tolls across Central Florida without stopping at cash booths. The E-PASS system runs through the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) and works on most Florida toll roads, plus select states in the Southeast and Northeast. Whether someone drives a personal car, a rental, or a motorcycle, a transponder opens faster lanes and cuts toll costs by up to 25% each month.

CFX issues multiple E-PASS products, each with its own price and purpose. Some transponders mount permanently to a windshield, while others move between cars. Visitors, daily commuters, and business fleets all have an account type that fits their travel pattern. The next sections break down every option, the costs, the steps to set up an account, and the ways to keep the transponder working for years.

E-PASS Transponder Types and Current Prices

CFX sells three main categories of E-PASS equipment. Each one carries a different price and serves a different driving habit. The table below lists the current options as of 2026.

Transponder Price Best Use Key Features
E-PASS Sticker Free Daily commuters with one car Permanent mount, works in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, low-profile design
E-PASS Uni $14.95 + tax Drivers with multiple vehicles, motorcyclists, RV owners Portable, works in 19 states, battery-powered, switchable between cars
CollegePass / CollegePass Uni $9.95 – $14.95 + tax University of Florida and UCF fans Branded design, same features as standard sticker or Uni

The free E-PASS Sticker suits drivers who stay with one vehicle and want no out-of-pocket cost. The Sticker bonds to the windshield with adhesive and reads at toll gantries across Florida and the E-ZPass network in Georgia and North Carolina. Because the Sticker has no battery, it cannot move between vehicles.

The E-PASS Uni costs more up front but adds flexibility. A small battery inside the Uni powers the transponder, so a driver can swap it between cars, trucks, or motorcycles. The Uni also works in 19 states from Florida to Maine, making it the right pick for anyone who travels north each summer or splits driving between household vehicles.

CollegePass options carry the Gators or Knights logo and cost the same as the standard models. These branded transponders work at every toll plaza that accepts E-PASS, so the only difference is the design printed on the front.

Pay-by-Plate: The Option Without a Transponder

Drivers who do not want a transponder can still pay tolls through Pay-by-Plate. A camera over the lane photographs the license plate, and the toll bills to the registered owner by mail or through the online account. No hardware is required, and no upfront deposit is needed.

Pay-by-Plate works on every CFX road and most Florida toll facilities. The catch is the price. Pay-by-Plate tolls cost up to 50% more than E-PASS rates, and late payments add extra fees. Pay-by-Plate fits a one-time visitor or a short rental, but a frequent driver pays far less with a transponder.

Where to Buy E-PASS in Florida

Drivers have three ways to get an E-PASS: online, in person, or over the phone.

Online Purchase

The official E-PASS website lets a driver order a Sticker or Uni from home. The account setup takes about five minutes: enter a name, address, license plate, and payment method, then choose auto-reload. The transponder ships in 7 to 10 business days, and expedited shipping is available for an extra fee.

In-Person Service Centers

CFX runs service centers across the Orlando area. The main location at 525 South Magnolia Avenue in Orlando stays open Monday through Friday until 6 PM and on Saturdays until 2 PM. Walk-in customers leave with an active transponder the same day. Smaller retail partners, including select Publix stores and AAA offices, also sell E-PASS Stickers for instant pickup.

Phone Orders

Drivers who prefer phone help can call CFX customer service at 407-690-5200. A representative opens the account, processes the payment, and mails the transponder. Phone hours cover weekdays and select weekends.

Florida E-PASS Account Setup

Setting up an E-PASS account online takes a few steps. The order of the process matters because the account must link to a payment method before the transponder activates.

  1. Gather the driver’s license number, license plate, and a credit card or bank account.
  2. Visit the official site and click “Get E-PASS.”
  3. Select the Sticker (free) or the Uni ($14.95 + tax).
  4. Enter vehicle details, including plate number and state.
  5. Choose a prepaid balance; the minimum opening balance is $10.
  6. Set up auto-reload so the account never drops below a chosen amount.
  7. Submit the form and wait for the confirmation email.

The $10 minimum opening balance covers a few tolls, and auto-reload keeps the balance topped up. Drivers can change the auto-reload amount or turn it off at any time through the online portal.

E-PASS Activation After Delivery

Once the transponder arrives, the driver must activate it before use. The activation link arrives by email, or the driver can call customer service. The E-PASS system links the transponder to the license plate, so a driver does not need to mount the device right away to drive through a toll lane.

Sticker installation requires a clean, dry windshield. The driver peels the backing and presses the Sticker against the glass behind the rearview mirror. Once mounted, the Sticker cannot be removed without breaking it.

The Uni does not need a permanent mount. The driver can place it on the dashboard or in a glove box, then press the button on top to turn it on. The Uni works as long as the battery holds a charge; batteries last about five years before a replacement is needed.

E-PASS vs SunPass vs E-ZPass

Florida drivers often compare E-PASS with SunPass and EZ Pass. All three read tolls electronically, but the networks and fees differ.

Feature E-PASS SunPass EZPass
Issued by CFX Florida Department of Transportation Multiple agencies in 19 states
Monthly fee None None (Sticker) / $1.50 (Hard Case) Varies by state
Discount on CFX tolls Up to 25% Up to 25% Up to 25%
Other states 19 states with Uni Limited reciprocity 19 states

E-PASS and SunPass both work on Florida toll roads, but E-PASS offers a free Sticker while SunPass charges a small fee for a portable transponder. The E-PASS Uni matches EZ-Pass coverage in the Northeast, so a driver who splits time between Florida and New York only needs one device.

Toll Savings and the E-PASS Volume Discount

CFX gives drivers a monthly discount based on the number of trips. The discount grows as the trip count rises:

  • 0–39 trips: base toll rate
  • 40–79 trips: 5% off
  • 80–119 trips: 10% off
  • 120+ trips: 20% off

The discount applies automatically at the end of each billing cycle. Drivers who commute daily on CFX roads reach the 20% tier within a few weeks of regular use.

E-PASS for Out-of-State Drivers and Visitors

Tourists driving from another state can buy an E-PASS Uni before the trip or grab a Sticker at a Florida service center. The Uni works in 19 states, so the same device handles tolls on the way down and the way home. Visitors who only stay for a few days can skip the transponder and use Pay-by-Plate, but the higher toll rate adds up fast on busy routes like the 408 or the 528.

Rental car drivers face a special case. Most rental fleets include a transponder, but the rental company adds a daily service fee of $3 to $5. Buying a personal E-PASS and removing it before returning the car is often cheaper for trips longer than a week.

E-PASS Reload Options and Account Management

Funding an E-PASS account happens through several channels:

  • Credit or debit card on the official website
  • Bank transfer through the online portal
  • Cash at any E-PASS service center or partner retailer
  • Check by mail to the CFX billing office

The E-PASS mobile app shows the balance, recent tolls, and account alerts. Drivers can set a low-balance warning so auto-reload triggers before the account drops below the minimum. Statements are available as PDFs inside the account dashboard.

E-PASS Customer Service Phone Number and Hours

CFX customer service operates seven days a week. The phone number is 407-690-5200 for all E-PASS questions, including account setup, transponder replacement, and billing disputes. The office in Orlando handles walk-in traffic at 525 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801, Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM. The office is closed on Sundays and major holidays.

For online account access, visit the official E-PASS portal at epass.cfxway.com to log in, manage vehicles, update payment methods, or order a replacement transponder. The portal also shows a map of every service center and retail partner across Central Florida.

E-PASS Transponder Replacement and Battery Service

A lost, stolen, or damaged transponder can be replaced through the account portal. The replacement fee matches the original price: a free Sticker remains free, and a Uni costs $14.95 plus tax. The old transponder is deactivated, so no one else can use it after the report.

The Uni battery lasts about five years. When the battery dies, the driver can mail the unit to CFX for a battery swap, or trade it in for a new Uni at a service center. The Sticker has no battery and never needs service, but a broken Sticker requires a free replacement through the account portal.

Florida Toll Roads That Accept E-PASS

Every CFX road accepts E-PASS, plus most toll facilities owned by the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Turnpike Enterprise. The list includes:

  • State Road 408 (East-West Expressway)
  • State Road 414 (Apopka Expressway)
  • State Road 417 (Central Florida GreeneWay)
  • State Road 429 (Daniel Webster Western Beltway)
  • State Road 451
  • State Road 453
  • State Road 528 (Beachline Expressway)
  • State Road 538 (Poinciana Parkway)
  • Florida Turnpike mainline and spurs
  • I-4 Express lanes in Orlando and Tampa

Outside Florida, the E-PASS Uni works on EZPass roads in Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio.

E-PASS Mistakes to Avoid

A few errors trip up new E-PASS drivers. Knowing the right steps prevents toll violations and extra fees.

  • Mounting the Sticker on a dirty windshield. Clean the glass with alcohol before applying.
  • Forgetting the low-balance auto-reload. A $0 balance triggers a violation notice at the toll lane.
  • Removing the Sticker. The adhesive breaks the Sticker, so a new one is needed.
  • Leaving the Uni off. The button on top must be pressed until the light shows green before driving through a toll.
  • Linking the wrong plate. A transponder tied to the wrong vehicle reads the toll at the wrong rate.

Following these steps keeps the account in good standing and avoids the $25 to $50 administrative fee that comes with a toll violation.

Benefits for Business Fleets and Commercial Vehicles

Companies that run multiple vehicles can open a business E-PASS account. The account groups all transponders under one billing statement, which simplifies expense tracking and tax reporting. Business accounts also offer volume discounts on bulk transponder orders and priority customer service for fleet managers.

A business account requires a federal tax ID, a list of company vehicles, and an authorized signer. CFX reviews the application within two business days, then issues the transponders for each vehicle. Monthly statements break down tolls by plate, date, and road, so the accounting team can match each toll to a job or trip.

E-PASS Discount Program for Frequent Drivers

CFX rewards drivers who log more trips with deeper discounts. The volume discount structure is automatic, so no separate sign-up is required. The discount applies to the monthly statement, not the per-toll rate, so every driver sees the savings at the end of the cycle.

Drivers who reach the 120-trip threshold save 20% on every CFX toll for the rest of the month. The discount resets each month, so consistent driving keeps the savings rolling. A second tier at 200 trips in a month adds a 25% discount on the entire statement, which is the maximum reward for personal accounts.

How to Handle a Lost or Stolen E-PASS

A lost E-PASS should be reported right away. The driver logs into the account, marks the transponder as lost, and orders a replacement. The old serial number is blocked, so no one else can charge tolls to the account. The replacement ships in 7 to 10 business days, or a driver can pick up a new one at the Orlando service center the same day.

If the lost transponder is a Uni, the driver can transfer the balance to the new unit by calling customer service. The remaining prepaid balance does not disappear, and the new Uni picks up where the old one left off.

Moving From Another State to Florida

New Florida residents often keep their E-ZPass from their home state. The reciprocity agreement lets E-ZPass units work on Florida toll roads, but the discount rates match the home state’s plan, not the CFX plan. A new Florida resident can save more by switching to an E-PASS, which applies the full volume discount on CFX roads.

The driver opens a Florida E-PASS account, picks up a free Sticker, and keeps the E-ZPass for trips back north. The two transponders work in parallel, so the driver does not need to choose or swap units at the border.

E-PASS and Cash Tolls: The Final Switch to All-Electronic Lanes

CFX removed all cash toll booths from its expressways in 2018. Every CFX road now accepts payment only through E-PASS, SunPass, or Pay-by-Plate. Drivers without an account receive a Pay-by-Plate invoice in the mail at the higher toll rate.

The Florida Turnpike still accepts cash on some ramps, but the system will move to all-electronic tolling by 2027. Drivers who plan to use Florida toll roads for any length of time save the most money by opening an E-PASS account and mounting a transponder.

FAQs About Florida Buy E-PASS

The following questions cover the most common points drivers ask about E-PASS, from purchase steps to cross-state travel. Each answer reflects the current CFX policy and toll rates as of 2026.

How much does an E-PASS cost in Florida?

The E-PASS Sticker is free. The E-PASS Uni costs $14.95 plus tax. Both options require a $10 minimum opening balance on the prepaid account. There are no monthly account fees for either transponder, and CFX charges no activation or cancellation fee.

Can an out-of-state driver buy an E-PASS?

Yes. Drivers from any state can open an E-PASS account online or by phone. The account requires a U.S. mailing address for shipping and a credit card or bank account for payment. Many snowbirds and tourists order an E-PASS Uni before driving to Florida so the same device works on toll roads back home.

Where is the closest E-PASS service center near Orlando?

The main E-PASS service center sits at 525 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. The office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM. Walk-in customers can pick up a new transponder, reload a cash payment, or replace a damaged unit.

Does E-PASS work on the Florida Turnpike?

Yes. E-PASS, SunPass, and EZPass are accepted on every Florida Turnpike toll plaza, including the mainline and the Homestead Extension. E-PASS drivers pay the same toll rate as SunPass users, and the volume discount applies to Turnpike tolls when the statement closes each month.

What happens if my E-PASS balance runs out?

The toll lane still opens, but the account drops to a negative balance. The driver has 30 days to fund the account before CFX charges a $25 violation fee. Setting up auto-reload at the time of purchase prevents the balance from falling below zero, because the system adds funds automatically when the balance drops under a chosen threshold.

Can I use one E-PASS for two cars?

With the E-PASS Uni, yes. The portable transponder moves between cars, motorcycles, or RVs, and a single account can list multiple license plates. The E-PASS Sticker is tied to one vehicle and cannot be transferred without a replacement. Drivers who switch cars often save money by buying the Uni instead of ordering multiple Stickers.

How do I replace a lost E-PASS transponder?

Log into the E-PASS account, select the lost transponder, and choose “Report Lost.” The system deactivates the old serial number and offers a replacement. A Sticker is free, and a Uni costs $14.95 plus tax. The replacement ships in 7 to 10 business days, or a driver can pick one up at the Orlando service center the same day.