Florida’s Commercial Driver’s License Laws

To operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in Florida, the operator must possess a commercial driver’s license (CDL). There are many different classes of CDLs and various endorsements that are required for certain cargo. This article outlines the requirements for obtaining the different types of commercial licenses and how an operator can lose this privilege.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Requirements in Florida

A CDL is required to operate any combination of vehicle(s) weighing 26,001 or more pounds or designed to carry hazardous materials or 16 or more passengers. Exceptions to these requirements exist for farm machinery used around the farm, military and emergency vehicles, and RVs and personal property transports. (Fla. Stat. Ann. § 322.01 (2024).)

Florida's CDL License Classes

There are three classes of CDLs corresponding to the weight of the truck and/or trailer(s).

The driver’s license must meet or exceed the applicable weight limits. For example, a class A CDL can be used to operate any size or weight of CMV.

Florida's CDL Endorsements for Passengers and Certain Cargo

While CDL classes govern the weight of the vehicle, the type of vehicle and cargo can require special endorsements. Carrying passengers or hazardous materials requires a hazmat or passenger endorsement. Each endorsement carries special rules and testing requirements.

How To Get a CDL in Florida

The process and requirements for getting a Florida CDL are outlined below.

Commercial Driver Permits

Generally, to obtain a CDL in Florida, an applicant must first hold a Florida driver’s license, followed by a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). To get a CLP, the driver must have a valid driver’s license, provide proof of residency, and pass a background check. The CLP applicant must also pass a written test. A CLP holder can operate a CMV while under the supervision of a CDL-holder who’s at least 21 years old. (Fla. Admin. Code Ann. r. 15A-7.005 (2024); Fla. Admin. Code Ann. r. 15A-7.011 (2024).)

Driving Test for a Florida CDL

After hold a CLP for at least 14 days, the driver can take the driving test to obtain a CDL.

CDL Age Restrictions

Applicants must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CLP or CDL. However, drivers who are younger than 21 years old can’t transport hazardous materials or operate a CDL out-of-state.

CDL Medical Examinations

All applicants must obtain a medical certification from their physician indicating proper physical health to operate a CMV. This certification must be updated every two years.

Exemptions to CDL Requirements

A driver with at least two years of military service operating a CMV can be exempted from the CDL driving test.

Florida's Rules for CDL Revocation and Disqualification

An operator can face CDL disqualification or revocation for certain rule violations and criminal convictions. A disqualified driver can’t obtain a hardship or work CDL. (Fla. Stat. Ann. § 322.61 (2024).)

Serious Traffic Offenses

The commission of multiple “serious traffic offenses” within three years will result in license revocation. “Serious traffic offenses” include:

• speeding 15 miles per hour or more over the limit
• improper lane change
• following too closely
• driving a CMV without a proper CDL, and
• any traffic violation involving a fatality.

Two serious traffic offenses in three years result in a 60-day revocation and having three or more violations in three years carries a 120-day revocation.

Criminal Convictions

A CDL will be disqualified for one year upon the following convictions:

• chemical test refusal
• DUI (driving under the influence)
• a DUI in a CMV,
• leaving the scene of an accident
• using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony
• driving a CMV while disqualified, and
• negligently causing a CMV-related fatality.

The revocation will be three years if the violation occurred in a hazmat vehicle. Any subsequent conviction of the above-stated violations will result in lifetime CDL disqualification. The production or transportation of controlled substances using a motor vehicle will also result in lifetime CDL disqualification.

CDL Out-of-Service Orders

Certain rule violations (like driving after consuming alcohol) can result in an immediate out-of-service order (OSO). The OSO is often issued by the investigating police officer and driving during an OSO will result in license disqualification.

• First offense. 180-day to one-year license disqualification (180 days to two years if in hazmat CMV or vehicle designed for more than 15 passengers).
• Second offense in 10 years. Two- to five-year license disqualification (three to five years if in hazmat CMV or vehicle designed for more than 15 passengers).
• Third offense in 10 years. Three- to five-year license disqualification.

Railroad Crossings Rules for Commercial Vehicles

CMV operators must take care at railroad crossings. Failure to leave enough room in front of or below the CMV can result in a violation. A railroad crossing violation will result in a 60-day, 120-day, and one-year license revocation for a first, second, and third violation in three years.

Implied Consent Rules for Commercial Drivers

All CMV operators are considered to have given consent to a test of the driver’s blood, breath, or urine to identify the presence of alcohol or drugs. An officer who has reasonable cause to believe the driver has consumed alcohol or drugs can request a chemical test. Test refusal will generally result in license disqualification and possible criminal penalties.