E-PASS vs E-ZPass comes down to where you drive most often and how much you want to save on tolls. E-PASS serves Central Florida through the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX), while EZPass covers 20 states along the East Coast and Midwest. Both passes use radio-frequency transponders that deduct tolls automatically as you drive through toll plazas.
Choosing the right pass affects your toll costs, account fees, and how smoothly you travel across state lines. This comparison breaks down costs, coverage areas, discounts, and real-world performance so you can pick the pass that fits your driving habits.
What Is E-PASS and How Does It Work
E-PASS is an electronic toll collection system owned by the Central Florida Expressway Authority. The authority operates toll roads in the Orlando metro area, including State Road 408 (East-West Expressway), State Road 414 (Apopka Expressway), and State Road 429 (Western Beltway).
The system uses a small transponder mounted on your windshield. When you pass through a toll plaza, a sensor reads the transponder and deducts the toll from your prepaid account. CFX charges no monthly account fees, which sets E-PASS apart from most other toll systems.
E-PASS Transponder Options and Prices
E-PASS offers two transponder types:
- E-PASS Sticker: Free with account opening. Mounted permanently on the windshield. Works only on Florida toll roads and CFX-operated expressways.
- E-PASS Uni: Costs $14.95. Portable, battery-powered, and transferable between vehicles. Works on Florida toll roads plus E-ZPass lanes in 20 states.
Both transponders require a starting balance of $10 to activate your account. You can add funds through the E-PASS app, website, or by calling customer service.
Where E-PASS Works
E-PASS sticker transponders are accepted on:
- All CFX expressways in Central Florida
- Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise toll roads
- Most Florida toll bridges and causeways
E-PASS Uni expands your coverage to:
- All 20 E-ZPass states (from Maine to Illinois to Florida)
- North Carolina toll roads (Quick Pass)
- Georgia toll roads (Peach Pass)
What Is E-ZPass and How Does It Work
E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system created in 1993 by seven toll agencies. Today, the EZ Pass Group includes agencies from 20 states, making it the largest toll interoperability network in the United States.
The system works the same way as E-PASS. A transponder on your windshield communicates with overhead sensors. Your account balance drops automatically each time you pass through a toll point.
E-ZPass Transponder Options and Prices
EZ-Pass prices vary by state because each agency sets its own fees:
- Standard transponder: $20 to $35 depending on the issuing state
- Flex transponder: Available in some states for carpool lanes, costs $30 to $50
- Account minimum: $20 to $30 starting balance, plus prepaid tolls
Many E-ZPass agencies charge a small annual fee or a monthly account maintenance fee. These fees range from $1 to $3 per month depending on the state.
Where E-ZPass Works
EZ Pass is accepted in these 20 states:
- Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island
- New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland
- Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina
- Georgia, Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky
Since 2021, E-ZPass works on all Florida toll roads without any additional fees for E-ZPass customers.
Direct Comparison: E-PASS vs E-ZPass
The table below shows how E-PASS and EZPass compare on key features:
| Feature | E-PASS | EZPass |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Area | Florida + 20 EZPass states (with Uni) | 20 states across East Coast and Midwest |
| Sticker Transponder Cost | Free | Not available in most states |
| Portable Transponder Cost | $14.95 (Uni) | $20 to $35 |
| Monthly Account Fee | $0 | $0 to $3 depending on state |
| Florida Toll Discount | Up to 50% on CFX roads | No Florida-specific discount |
| Out-of-State Toll Discount | Same as E-ZPass rates | 30% to 75% depending on state |
| Cashless Tolling Compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes (E-PASS app) | Depends on issuing state |
Cost Differences That Matter
E-PASS wins on upfront costs. You can start with a free sticker transponder and avoid monthly fees entirely. EZ-Pass agencies usually charge $20 to $35 for the transponder and may add monthly fees.
EZPass wins on out-of-state coverage. If you drive regularly through multiple states, one EZPass account works everywhere without switching transponders. E-PASS Uni also works across the EZ Pass network, but the standard sticker transponder stays in Florida.
Discount Programs and Savings
E-PASS offers these discount programs in 2026:
- Volume Toll Savings Program: Frequent CFX users earn up to 25% back as account credits based on monthly toll spending
- Local driver discounts: Up to 50% off standard toll rates on CFX expressways
EZ-Pass discounts vary by state:
- New York: 30% to 50% off cash tolls with EZPass
- New Jersey: Up to 75% off during off-peak hours
- Pennsylvania: 35% off on the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Can You Use E-ZPass on Florida Toll Roads
Yes. Every Florida toll road, bridge, and expressway accepts E-ZPass as of 2026. Florida joined the E-ZPass interoperability network in 2021, which means your E-ZPass transponder works at every toll location in Florida without extra charges.
This change benefits travelers who enter Florida from northern states. Before 2021, out-of-state drivers sometimes got surprise toll-by-plate bills. Now their EZ-Pass accounts are charged directly at the same rate as Florida residents.
Can You Use E-PASS in E-ZPass States
E-PASS Uni works in all 20 EZ-Pass states. The standard E-PASS sticker transponder does not work outside Florida. If you travel north from Orlando, you need the Uni version for seamless toll payment.
The Uni transponder costs $14.95, which is still cheaper than most E-ZPass transponders. CFX designed the Uni to work across the entire EZPass network without requiring a separate account.
E-PASS Violations and Out-of-State Driving
If you drive through an E-ZPass state with only a standard E-PASS sticker, the toll system cannot read your transponder. You will receive a toll-by-plate bill in the mail, usually with an extra administrative fee.
To avoid violations when traveling out of state:
- Upgrade to E-PASS Uni for cross-state trips
- Add your license plate to your E-PASS account for toll-by-plate coverage
- Check your transponder type before leaving Florida
Which Pass Should You Choose
Pick E-PASS if you live in Central Florida and drive mostly within the state. You get free transponders, zero monthly fees, and the deepest discounts on CFX expressways. Add the Uni transponder if you take occasional road trips to northern states.
Pick E-ZPass if you travel frequently across multiple states on the East Coast or Midwest. One account covers tolls from Maine to Florida to Illinois. You pay more upfront, but the convenience of one transponder for many states outweighs the cost for frequent travelers.
Many Florida drivers carry both: an E-PASS sticker for daily CFX discounts and an EZ Pass for northern travel. Since the two systems are now fully interoperable, this setup works without conflicts.
Contact Information for E-PASS
Central Florida Expressway Authority operates the E-PASS system. You can reach them at:
Address: 4974 ORL Tower Road, Orlando, FL 32807
Phone: 407-823-7277
Website: GetEPASS.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers address the most common questions drivers ask when choosing between E-PASS and EZ Pass. Each answer reflects current policies and pricing as of late 2026.
Is E-PASS cheaper than E-ZPass?
E-PASS has lower upfront costs. The sticker transponder is free, and the Uni costs $14.95. Most EZPass agencies charge $20 to $35 for their transponders. E-PASS also charges no monthly fees, while some E-ZPass states charge $1 to $3 per month. For pure cost, E-PASS wins on transponder price and account maintenance fees.
Do I need E-PASS if I already have E-ZPass?
You do not need E-PASS if your E-ZPass works in Florida. Since 2021, E-ZPass is accepted on all Florida toll roads. Your existing EZ Pass account will be charged when you drive through Florida toll plazas. However, E-PASS offers deeper discounts on CFX expressways that EZPass does not match.
What happens if I drive through an E-ZPass state with only an E-PASS sticker?
The toll system cannot read your sticker transponder outside Florida. You will receive a toll-by-plate bill by mail at the address on your vehicle registration. Each bill includes the original toll plus an administrative fee, which varies by state. Adding your license plate to your E-PASS account can reduce or eliminate these extra fees in some states.
Can I have both E-PASS and E-ZPass on the same vehicle?
Yes. Many drivers carry both transponders mounted side by side on the windshield. The two systems do not interfere with each other. This setup gives you the deepest Florida discounts from E-PASS and full coverage across the EZPass network for northern travel.
Does E-ZPass work on the entire Florida Turnpike?
EZ-Pass works on the entire Florida Turnpike and all other Florida toll roads, bridges, and expressways. This includes CFX roads in Central Florida, the SunPass system in South Florida, and toll facilities operated by the Florida Department of Transportation. Full interoperability has been active since September 2021.
Which pass is better for someone moving from New York to Florida?
If you are moving permanently to Central Florida, E-PASS offers the best value. You get free transponders, no monthly fees, and the strongest discounts on CFX expressways where most Orlando-area driving happens. Keep your EZPass for occasional trips back north, or upgrade to E-PASS Uni for one transponder that works everywhere.
How do I replace a lost or damaged E-PASS transponder?
Log into your E-PASS account online or call 407-823-7277. Report the lost transponder so it gets deactivated. CFX charges $14.95 for a replacement Uni or $5 for a replacement sticker. Your account balance transfers to the new transponder automatically.