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.
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).)
There are three classes of CDLs corresponding to the weight of the truck and/or trailer(s).
Combined Weight |
Tractor Weight |
Trailer(s) Weight |
|
Class A |
26,001 or more pounds |
26,001 or more pounds |
Over 10,000 pounds |
Class B |
26,001 or more pounds |
26,001 or more pounds |
10,000 pounds or less |
Class C |
Less than 26,001 |
Less than 26,001 |
10,000 pounds or less |
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.
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.
The process and requirements for getting a Florida CDL are outlined below.
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).)
After hold a CLP for at least 14 days, the driver can take the driving test to obtain a CDL.
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.
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.
A driver with at least two years of military service operating a CMV can be exempted from the CDL driving test.
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).)
The commission of multiple "serious traffic offenses" within three years will result in license revocation. "Serious traffic offenses" include:
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.
A CDL will be disqualified for one year upon the following convictions:
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.
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.
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.
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.