Florida UNI E-ZPass is a portable toll transponder that lets drivers pay tolls across Florida and most U.S. toll states without using cash. Issued by the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX), the UNI transponder works on Florida toll roads, SunPass lanes, E-PASS systems, and the entire EZPass network covering 19 states. Drivers move the device between cars, trucks, motorcycles, and rental vehicles in seconds.
What Is the Florida UNI E-ZPass Transponder?
The Florida UNI E-ZPass transponder is a small, battery-powered electronic tag that mounts to a vehicle’s windshield using suction cups. Unlike sticker-style transponders, the UNI is portable and can move from one vehicle to another without permanent installation.
The device uses radio frequency identification (RFID) to communicate with toll gantries and overhead readers. When a driver passes through a toll point, the reader detects the UNI, deducts the toll from a prepaid account, and opens the gate or clears the lane.
The UNI is sold under the E-PASS brand and carries the official E-PASS logo. It replaced older, vehicle-specific models and now serves as the flagship product from CFX.
Who Issues the UNI Transponder?
The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) issues the UNI transponder. CFX operates more than 125 miles of toll roads in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake counties, including State Road 408, State Road 417, State Road 429, and State Road 528.
Even though the Florida Department of Transportation’s SunPass system covers most state highways, CFX runs the UNI through its own billing platform. Both systems share the same transponder technology, so one UNI tag works across both networks.
Key Features of the Portable UNI
- Suction-cup mount: No adhesive required, no damage to windshields.
- Moveable between vehicles: One tag covers a household with multiple cars.
- Battery-powered: Internal battery lasts about 5 to 7 years.
- Multi-protocol RFID: Reads on Florida toll systems and EZPass lanes.
- Real-time account updates: Tolls post within minutes of travel.
How UNI Works with E-ZPass in Florida
The UNI works with EZ-Pass in Florida because it uses the same multi-protocol chip as standard E-ZPass transponders issued in 19 member states. This shared technology is the result of the EZPass Interagency Group (IAG) interoperability agreement, which mandates that all member transponders work on all member toll facilities.
Florida joined the EZ-Pass network through a series of interoperability upgrades completed between 2018 and 2021. Today, drivers who hold an E-ZPass account from states like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, or Illinois can also use their home transponders on Florida toll roads without signing up for a separate Florida account.
E-ZPass Interoperability Explained
Interoperability means one transponder can pay tolls on roads owned by different agencies in different states. Before interoperability, a New York E-ZPass would not work in Florida, and a Florida SunPass would not work in New Jersey.
Today, the E-ZPass Group includes toll authorities in 19 states: Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, and Georgia. The UNI transponder is fully compatible with all of them.
States That Accept the Florida UNI
The Florida UNI works in all 19 E-ZPass states. It also works on the following toll systems that are not part of the E-ZPass Group but maintain separate interoperability agreements with CFX:
- SunPass (Florida statewide)
- LeeWay (Lee County, Florida)
- Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX) toll roads
- Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise
Setting Up Your Florida UNI Account
Setting up a Florida UNI account takes less than 10 minutes. Drivers can complete the entire process online through the official CFX E-PASS portal at cfxway.com or through the E-PASS mobile app available for iOS and Android.
During setup, drivers provide their name, address, email, phone number, vehicle license plate, and a payment method. A credit card, debit card, or bank account is required to fund the prepaid toll balance.
The minimum opening balance is $10. Most drivers fund between $25 and $50 to start. Once funded, the account activates immediately, and the UNI transponder can be used on toll roads right away.
Where to Buy the UNI Transponder
Drivers can buy the UNI transponder directly from CFX in three ways:
- Online: Order through the official E-PASS website and have it shipped to any U.S. address.
- By phone: Call the E-PASS customer service center at 1-800-353-7277.
- In person: Visit any authorized E-PASS retail location, including select Publix supermarkets, AAA offices, and CFX service plazas along SR 408, SR 417, and SR 429.
As of 2026, the cost of the UNI is $14.95 plus tax. Shipping is free for online orders within Florida. Out-of-state shipping fees apply based on the destination.
Costs and Fees for Florida UNI
The Florida UNI has no monthly account fee. Drivers pay only for the transponder itself, the prepaid toll balance, and any optional convenience charges.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| UNI transponder | $14.95 |
| Minimum account balance | $10.00 |
| Auto-replenish threshold | $10.00 below balance |
| Auto-replenish amount | $25.00 default |
| Lost or damaged replacement | $14.95 |
| Returned check fee | $25.00 |
Toll rates charged through the UNI are the same as the rates charged to any E-PASS customer. CFX tolls cost less than the cash rate and the Toll-by-Plate rate, which means UNI drivers save on every trip compared to drivers without a transponder.
Using the Florida UNI in Rental Cars
The Florida UNI works in rental cars, which makes it a popular choice for tourists and business travelers. Because the UNI mounts with suction cups, drivers can attach it to the rental car’s windshield at the start of the trip and remove it when returning the vehicle.
To use the UNI in a rental, drivers must add the rental car’s license plate to their E-PASS account. This can be done through the E-PASS app or website and takes effect within minutes.
Rental car companies charge up to $4.95 per day plus actual tolls for using their own transponder service. Using a personal UNI in a rental car eliminates that daily fee and keeps tolls at the standard E-PASS rate.
Comparing UNI, SunPass, and E-PASS Stickers
Many drivers ask how the UNI compares to SunPass Pro and E-PASS sticker transponders. All three work on every toll road in Florida, but they differ in portability, cost, and battery life.
| Feature | UNI (Portable) | SunPass Pro | E-PASS Sticker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portability | Yes (suction-cup) | Yes (suction-cup) | No (permanent) |
| Works on EZ Pass | Yes | Yes | No |
| Battery | 5-7 years | 5-7 years | 10 years |
| Cost | $14.95 | $14.95 | Free with account |
| Mounting | Suction-cup | Suction-cup | Adhesive |
| Works on motorcycles | Yes | Yes | No |
The main difference between the UNI and SunPass Pro is the issuing agency. CFX issues the UNI; the Florida Department of Transportation issues SunPass Pro. Both tags work on the same toll roads and both work on EZ-Pass lanes in 19 states.
Florida UNI vs. Out-of-State E-ZPass Tags
An out-of-state EZPass tag, such as one from New York’s MTA or New Jersey’s EZ Pass, also works on Florida toll roads. Drivers do not need a Florida UNI to use Florida tolls if they already have a valid EZ-Pass.
The reason to choose the Florida UNI over an out-of-state EZPass depends on trip volume. Florida residents who drive Florida toll roads daily pay lower toll rates with a Florida-based E-PASS account. Visitors who travel Florida once a year can simply use their home-state EZPass at the standard EZPass rate.
Troubleshooting Florida UNI Issues
Most UNI issues fall into a few common categories. The table below lists frequent problems and their fixes.
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Toll posts to Toll-by-Plate | License plate not linked to account | Add plate through the E-PASS app |
| Tag not reading at gantry | Mounted behind tint strip or wiper | Move tag 2 inches below windshield header |
| Low balance warning | Balance under $10 | Add funds or enable auto-replenish |
| Beeping at toll point | Low battery or invalid account | Replace tag or update payment method |
Florida UNI Customer Service and Support
CFX runs the E-PASS customer service center for all UNI transponder questions. Drivers can reach support by phone, online chat, or in person.
Phone: 1-800-353-7277, available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Walk-in Center: 7625 S. Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32809, open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Online: Account holders can chat with a live agent through the E-PASS website or send a secure message after logging into their account.
Florida UNI E-ZPass Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions cover the most common search queries about the Florida UNI transponder and its role in the E-ZPass network. Each answer is based on current CFX policies, the EZ Pass Interagency Group standards, and real driver experiences on Florida toll roads.
Does the Florida UNI work with E-ZPass in other states?
Yes. The Florida UNI is a fully interoperable E-ZPass transponder. It works on every toll road that accepts EZPass, including highways in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, and the other 12 member states. Drivers do not need to carry a second tag when crossing state lines.
Can I use the Florida UNI in a rental car?
Yes. The UNI mounts with suction cups, so it can attach to any windshield. Add the rental car’s license plate to your E-PASS account before driving, and the tolls will post to your account. Remove the UNI when returning the rental to avoid leaving it behind.
How much does the Florida UNI cost in 2026?
The UNI transponder costs $14.95 plus tax. There is no monthly fee. Drivers must fund a prepaid balance of at least $10 to activate the account. Replacement tags for lost or damaged units also cost $14.95.
Is the Florida UNI the same as SunPass?
No. The UNI is issued by CFX and runs on the E-PASS system. SunPass is issued by the Florida Department of Transportation. Both transponders work on every Florida toll road and on the EZ Pass network, but they are billed through separate accounts.
How long does the battery last in a Florida UNI transponder?
The internal battery in a UNI transponder lasts 5 to 7 years under normal use. When the battery runs low, the tag beeps at toll points. Drivers should replace the tag at that point by ordering a new one through the E-PASS website or calling customer service.
What happens if my UNI account balance goes negative?
If the balance drops below zero, the account moves into a negative status. Tolls continue to post, but a $5 low-balance fee may apply. CFX sends a notice by email and text. Auto-replenish prevents this by adding funds automatically when the balance falls below $10.
Can motorcycles use the Florida UNI transponder?
Yes. The UNI works on motorcycles when mounted on the front fairing or handlebar area using a compatible mounting kit. Riders should contact CFX for motorcycle-specific mounting instructions to ensure the tag reads correctly at toll gantries.