Whether you're commuting to work, heading to the beach, or exploring Southwest Florida, chances are you'll use a toll road at some point. From bridges and express lanes to Florida's Turnpike, understanding your toll payment options can help you save money and avoid unnecessary fees.
Florida drivers commonly use SunPass, Toll-by-Plate, and in Lee County, LeeWay. While all three help you pay tolls, they work a little differently.
What Is SunPass?
SunPass is Florida's statewide prepaid electronic toll collection program. A small transponder is placed inside your vehicle and communicates with toll readers as you drive through.
Instead of receiving a bill later, tolls are automatically deducted from your prepaid account.
Benefits of SunPass
- Lowest available toll rates on most Florida toll roads
- Automatic payments with no mailed invoices
- Faster travel through electronic toll lanes
- Easy online account management
- Accepted on most toll roads, bridges, and express lanes throughout Florida, as well as many toll facilities in neighboring states
What Is LeeWay?
If you live in Lee County, you've probably heard of LeeWay.
LeeWay is Lee County's local electronic toll program that uses the same type of transponder technology as SunPass. It's designed for drivers who frequently use the Cape Coral bridges and other participating toll facilities in Southwest Florida.
Benefits of LeeWay
- Automatic toll payments
- Local discounts on eligible Lee County toll facilities
- Convenient account management
- Can be linked with SunPass compatibility on many Florida toll roads, depending on your transponder and account setup
For many Southwest Florida residents, LeeWay can be a great option if much of your driving is within Lee County.
What Is Toll-by-Plate?
Toll-by-Plate is designed for drivers who don't have a transponder.
Instead of reading a transponder, cameras photograph your vehicle's license plate. A bill is then mailed to the registered owner.
Things to Know
- No transponder required
- Bills are mailed after your trip
- Higher toll rates than electronic transponder users
- Additional service fees may apply
- Late payments can result in penalties
Quick Comparison
| Feature | SunPass | LeeWay | Toll-by-Plate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requires Transponder | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Automatic Payments | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Lowest Toll Rates | ✅ | ✅ (on eligible Lee County tolls) | ❌ |
| Bill Mailed | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Best For | Frequent Florida drivers | Southwest Florida residents | Occasional toll road users |
Which Option Is Best?
Choose SunPass if you:
- Travel throughout Florida
- Use toll roads regularly
- Want the lowest statewide toll rates
- Frequently travel outside Lee County
Choose LeeWay if you:
- Live or work in Lee County
- Regularly cross Cape Coral bridges
- Want to take advantage of eligible local toll discounts
Choose Toll-by-Plate if you:
- Rarely use toll roads
- Are visiting Florida
- Don't want to purchase a transponder
The Bottom Line
Whether you choose SunPass, LeeWay, or Toll-by-Plate, understanding how each system works can help you avoid unexpected fees and make traveling around Florida more convenient.
For many Florida drivers—especially those who use toll roads regularly—a transponder like SunPass or LeeWay can provide both convenience and savings compared to paying by plate.
Disclaimer: Toll rates, discounts, participating roadways, and program features are subject to change. Check with the appropriate toll authority for the most current information before traveling.