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Florida CDL Requirements
Florida law requires all CDL drivers to have a valid DOT medical card, unless the type of commerce you drive qualifies as ‘Excepted’.
- Non-Excepted Interstate (Category A)
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements. - Non-Excepted Intrastate (Category C)
You must meet state of Florida medical certification requirements.
CDL holders can no longer claim exemption from medical certification requirements because they are not currently operating in non-excepted interstate or intrastate commerce.
If not specifically included in ‘Excepted’ categories, you must maintain your medical certification or downgrade to a non-commercial license. If you self-certify in a category exempt from medical certification requirements (Category B or D) and later change to a non-exempt type of operation (Category A or C), you must recertify in the appropriate category and provide proof of valid medical certification to avoid potential enforcement actions.
If you downgrade to a non-commercial license and later need to upgrade back to a commercial license, you may do so without additional testing.
CDL Self-Certification
Florida’s CDL Self-Certification System allows Commercial Driver License holders to meet the new federal requirements for self-certification without needing to go to a driver license office.
Online:
Go to FLORIDA Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Website
You may use the online process only if you have a valid Florida Commercial Driver License.
In Person:
At any Florida Driver License Issuance Office.
Medical Certificate Update
Drivers certifying in non-excepted interstate or intrastate commerce (Category A or C) must ensure their medical documentation is on file with the state issuing agency and that it remains current. Failure to maintain current medical documentation on file may result in CDL disqualification.
Online:
Go to FLORIDA Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Website
You may use the online process only if you have a valid Florida Commercial Driver License.
Other Contact Information:
Website: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Medical Certification Requirements FAQ
Special Information Updates Pertaining To ALL STATES
MEDICAL EXAMINERS MUST CONTINUE TO ISSUE MEDICAL CERTIFICATES TO ALL DRIVERS
The FMCSA has requested that all medical examiners continue providing drivers with a paper copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate – Form MCSA-5876, so that Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders can provide a copy to the State licensing agency, and the non-CDL drivers can provide the documentation to their employers and Federal and State enforcement officials.
The Agency is currently completing efforts to put into place an electronic system to enable medical examiners to transmit the medical certificate information from the National Registry system to the State licensing agencies.
Until that system is completed, which compliance date according FMCSA is June 23, 2025, medical examiners must continue to issue paper copies of the medical certificates to drivers who pass the medical exam.
ALL DRIVERS MUST CONTINUE TO CARRY A PAPER COPY OF THEIR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
Commercial Drivers – You still need to carry a paper copy of your medical card, until FMCSA announces that this is no longer necessary.
Your Feedback Is Welcome
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But when it comes to State Regulations — There are 50 different sets of rules. Someone could move the goal posts at any time…
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i was a texas cdl holder since 1976m came to florida, and the time came to renew in texas, it was past my birthday, now im fl resident, what is needed to renew my status, i have my medical certificate. problem is my air brake truck is in tx, i need to go get it.??
@ marc r
Are you renewing in TX. or have you shifted to a Fla. license? If TX., then get a copy of your medical certificate to TX DLD. If Fla. then check with your local DLD for guidance.
What is the difference between a federal DOT physical and the State of Florida DOT physical
@ Gordo
Federal standards are more strict and are for class A cdl holders traveling interstate, long haul (OTR). State standards are less strict for lesser class cdl holders. Best to confirm with your local DLD.
In Florida, how long before my CDL medical certificate expires can I renew the medical certificate (not the license). Thank you.
@ Elise
Anytime that works for you, no limitations.
My med card expired on the 16th and I got a new one on the 18th. Is there a grace period? Am I able to update my med card or am I going to lose my class A ?
@ Richard R
Nearly all states are running behind, at least a few days. So it is not a given grace period, just a running behind period. You should be fine, just get your copy to your local authorities ASAP.
can a motor carrier require their non CDL driver to obtain a physical card if the motor carrier only has intrastate authority?
@ Mike M
Most states require a medical card for any (even non cdl) driver who is operating any type of commercial (making money) vehicle. Best to confirm with your local DLD.
Thanks! I know FL doesn’t require basically any regs for intra state 26,000 and under.
I had rotator cuff surgery and my medical certification for my cdl expires before I am able to return to driving. Can I still get a physical and renew my medical certification in Florida? Thank you.
@ Belinda M
For a class A cdl, you will need to be fully released before you would qualify for the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. Lesser class cdl is under the states regulations. Best to be fully released before going for medical exam. Florida has a short grace period, like so many others, before they would require more than a new medical card.
i’m a florida resident with a florida license with a massachusetts business,can i get a medical exam in massachusetts?
@ Ken W
Yes, medical cards are good nationwide.
i retired from MTA buses in NY two yrs ago and i’m currently a residence of Orlando. when i changed my license, i kept my current CDL status. Am i bound by Florida CDL holders to have a DOT med card thought i’m not working in that capacity?
@ Anthony
Most states require a valid medical card to maintain your cdl. Best to confirm with Florida drivers license department (DLD) and go with their process.
I am also a MTA buses retiree. I was allowed to keep my cdl in Florida but didn’t have a medical card. So I am not allowed to drive any buses or trucks interstate, only locally, this was what they told me at the drivers license office/ tax collector.
After a bypass surgery, I have always had a yearly medical card and 2 year stress test required has that changed?
@ Tim
No changes from DOT/FMCSA.
How you don gradecdl to regular license do to injury
@ George W. 3rd
You contact your local drivers license department and then follow their guidelines and process.
How does one get their cdl reinstated if it is suspended for failure to update medical card?
@ Eitsew
You will need to contact your local drivers license department for guidance on this issue.