DOT Physical Doctors

Driver Friendly™ DOT Physical Locations

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Driver Q&A
  • Blog
  • Doctors Only
  • Contact
  • Find a DOT Doctor
You are here: Home / Florida CDL and DOT Medical Card Requirements
Find Driver Friendly™ locations to get your medical card.
Click to find DOT physical locations in  FLORIDA
Click to find DOT physical locations in OTHER STATES

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. However, until that system is completed, 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.

driver feedbackYour Feedback Is Welcome

Dealing with Federal DOT Regulations across the board is tough enough!
But when it comes to State Regulations — There are 50 different sets of rules. Someone could move the goal posts at any time…

To help us all avoid the black eye experience — AARGH! —
Please leave your feedback about your experience in this State.
Go to the Questions and Comments box below and post your feedback.

! To save us all from zombie spammers, your feedback will not appear on this page until it has been approved. Visit this page again soon to see your comment, and others too.
P.S. Your email address will not be published.

NOTE: This website is not affiliated with, or endorsed by FMCSA or any government or state agency.

Comments

  1. Matt says

    May 14, 2022 at 1:44 pm

    I downgraded my CDL class A Florida license 5 years ago. I want to reinstate it. I have no issues with passing a new DOT physical. That won’t be any problem. How do I go about doing it correctly? I drove for over 15 years on my CDL A prior to downgrading.

    Do I have to go through the new CDL training, or can I just get a new DOT physical and go to my local DMV in Hillsborough County and get it reinstated?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      May 15, 2022 at 7:39 am

      @ Matt
      Since all cdl’s are state issued, you will need to confirm their process with your states DLD.

      Reply
  2. Beau says

    March 2, 2022 at 7:46 am

    I passed the florida general knowledge, air brakes and passenger class b. Is it required for me to have a medical dot exam if my employer will have me drive intrastate only?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      March 3, 2022 at 6:49 am

      @ Beau
      This question will be best answered by your local drivers license department.

      Reply
      • Diosniel says

        April 27, 2022 at 2:12 pm

        I need to know please if the new standard vision program issued by FMCSA in its last update on 03/22/2022 is already updated. which makes it easier for people with monocular vision to operate a commercial vehicle outside of the state of Florida. thank you

        Reply
        • Trucker Docs™ says

          April 28, 2022 at 6:40 am

          @ Diosniel
          We believe so, but have not found a confirmation, yet.

          Reply
    • Larry says

      May 1, 2022 at 3:24 am

      If I had my medical card and medical examiner didn’t register it with FMCSA and I just received and email stating I have until 5/30/2022 to put it on file.
      Do I go to the driver license office or the court house I live in Florida?
      Or can I upload it online?

      Reply
      • Trucker Docs™ says

        May 1, 2022 at 7:22 am

        @ Larry
        The CME is responsible, on a daily basis, to register your medical examination with FMCSA. He may not send the information to your state. You could upload online or make sure it gets there by going to the drivers license department.

        Reply
  3. Dom says

    February 23, 2022 at 9:33 pm

    Is there a grace period for renewing a dot med card in Florida ?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      February 24, 2022 at 6:39 am

      @ Dom
      DOT/FMCSA granted to the end of February for federal medical cards. Each state is different and may have a small grace period or none at all. Best to confirm with your local drivers license department.

      Reply
  4. Steven D says

    February 18, 2022 at 5:33 pm

    If you drive a 24ft box truck to delivery furniture intrastate in Florida do you need a DOT medical card?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      February 19, 2022 at 7:14 am

      @ Steven D
      Most state require a valid medical card for any vehicle that is used for commerce, delivering good or parts, etc. Best to confirm with your local drivers license department.

      Reply
  5. Paul says

    February 8, 2022 at 5:36 pm

    I forgot to get new dot physical,
    It expired 01/05.
    If it is a month late will it be excepted?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      February 9, 2022 at 6:45 am

      @ Paul
      DOT/FMCSA has extended your grace period to the end of February.

      Reply
  6. Eric p says

    January 20, 2022 at 4:27 pm

    Im 60 years old.downgraded my A in 2017 an now they wont give it back.i was told since i got a pacemaker i couldnt drive semi anymore is this true?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      January 20, 2022 at 7:41 pm

      @ Eric p
      This is not a DOT/FMCSA regulation. Pacemakers without a defibrillator are acceptable, as long as all else is within normal limits. Your state may demand for you to completely re-certify for your class A. Check with your local DLD for advise.

      Reply
  7. Michael S says

    January 18, 2022 at 3:05 am

    I’m 75 and the examiner said I couldn’t get a 2 year because of my age.
    Is that true ?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      January 18, 2022 at 7:09 pm

      @ Michael S
      It is not a DOT/FMCSA regulation, but a guidelines recommendation. It is up to the CME to make that decision based on his findings during the examination.

      Reply
  8. JAMES D II says

    January 11, 2022 at 5:46 pm

    I was just denied returning to my class A from a Class E in Florida. I went and got an updated med card and took it into the D M V and told them I wanted to reinstate my class A she said no problem entered all my info, even took my picture. Said all I had to do was pay, but then she says because it has been more than a year I had to retake all written and skills test, I had to start from scratch and do it all over again. That was not what it stated on the form that I signed four years ago when is elected to downgrade. I even specifically asked so no matter how long it is all I have to do is bring in an updated med card and they said yes, had I known they were going to do this to me I would have never downgraded I am furious! People that electively downgraded before they changed this law Without informing us should be grandfathered in so to speak and be allowed to do just what they said we had to do and bring in a midgard to reinstate our CDL

    Reply
  9. Been disqualifiedmatt says

    January 5, 2022 at 6:21 pm

    My license is disqualified because my doctor did not send in my medical card dated February 2022 found out today that my CDL has Been disqualified

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      January 6, 2022 at 7:12 pm

      @ Been Disqualified
      Some offices send this information into the state for you and some do not. Ultimately it is your responsibility to confirm with your state drivers license department.

      Reply
  10. Alex says

    October 11, 2021 at 7:28 am

    I have a class A and do not plan on hitting road again but do not want to downgrade
    Am i still required to take a DOT physical

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      October 11, 2021 at 10:08 am

      @ Alex
      All cdl’s are state issued, most states require a valid medical card to maintain your cdl. Best to confirm with your local drivers license department.

      Reply
  11. Charles L says

    September 3, 2021 at 12:40 pm

    Rules says Class A CDL is required if you pull a trailer over 10,000 lbs. What about a non-commercial driver pulling over 10,000 lbs (horses trailer or equipment) and less that 26,000 GCVW? Is DOT medical required?
    Book does not distinguish between commercial and non-commercial and DOT medical requirement.
    There is actually a rule “disconnect” here.

    Can FL DOT add addendum to to rule book allowing non-commercial trailer pulls to 26,000? Exempt DOT medical requirement possible?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      September 12, 2021 at 1:22 pm

      @ Charles L
      Since each state is different and this is not a DOT/FMCSA inquiry, you need to get clarification from the Florida drivers license department.
      Some states will require a medical card and some don’t.

      Reply
  12. Jose F says

    December 3, 2020 at 4:50 pm

    Hello,

    I downgraded my class A license about 6 years ago to a class E. My question is what do I have to do to get my class A licence back. I am in the state of Florida.

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      December 4, 2020 at 12:12 pm

      @ Jose F
      You go to the Florida drivers license department in your local area and ask them how the process works to get your class A re-instated.

      Reply
      • Daryll J. says

        February 16, 2021 at 4:07 pm

        I’m being told by my Florida DMV that as of 11/2019 if I had not renewed my CDL within the year I am not able to re-instate my Class E back to Class-A. I would have to start the entire process all over. Schooling, testing, etc.

        Reply
        • Trucker Docs™ says

          February 17, 2021 at 8:02 pm

          @ Daryll J
          That will be a state of Florida requirement, not DOT/FMCSA. See if you can go higher up at the DMV to determine if you could simply redo the driving test to recert your cdl.

          Reply
        • Dave says

          March 13, 2021 at 6:16 pm

          It says above all you have to do is show proof of a medical card

          Reply
          • Curt says

            August 19, 2021 at 1:30 pm

            It appears that this information is outdated.

    • Philip E says

      December 5, 2020 at 2:53 pm

      I have a class b cdl in florida but im currently not driving a comercial vehicle do i stil lneed a medical card to drive a regular vehicle

      Reply
      • Trucker Docs™ says

        December 8, 2020 at 3:53 pm

        @ Phillip E
        This question is best answered by the Florida drivers license department in your home town.

        Reply
        • Felipe R says

          January 25, 2021 at 2:21 pm

          Can I downgrade my licsense from a class b, to e ? I would like to clean up my record as soon as possible

          Reply
          • Trucker Docs™ says

            January 25, 2021 at 6:27 pm

            @ Felipe R
            Since you fall under the states guidelines and variances, we suggest you check with your state drivers license department for your best answer.

      • Ryan says

        June 16, 2021 at 7:23 pm

        No you do not, I have asked a state trooper this question directly. You can drive any vehicle that isn’t commercial

        Reply
    • Dennis C says

      March 31, 2021 at 1:56 pm

      I was refused my CDL yesterday. After downgrading a year and a half ago I was told a new law came into effect in February and that I had to retest. I guess the Florida Republicans are turning Liberal on us. I’m fed up, they just lost yet another voter.

      Reply
      • Santiago says

        January 6, 2022 at 8:17 pm

        I believe if they were truly liberal you would have your CDL back.
        They are for freedom.

        Reply
  13. Raquel Z says

    January 28, 2020 at 10:24 am

    How do I submit a driver’s medical card when they renew it? What is the link to send it? I am new at this and I have failed to send it in time before the expired. Can I please get some feedback. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      January 29, 2020 at 5:19 pm

      @ Raquel Z
      If you are an examiner, then follow the FMCSA guidelines and procedures. If you are a driver and need to send to your state as a self certification, you will need to contact your states website for further inquires and guidance.

      Reply
      • Matt says

        January 5, 2022 at 6:19 pm

        Florida does not allow you they don’t have an email you have to take it to a drivers license office the state does not except emails or faxes are several other things

        Reply
  14. Dave says

    December 23, 2019 at 4:22 am

    My dot med card has expired can I still operate a commercial vehicle

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      December 23, 2019 at 8:14 pm

      @ Dave
      Most states require a valid medical card to maintain a valid cdl.

      Reply
      • Anthony says

        January 27, 2020 at 7:22 pm

        How uh time does one have to renew after the medical card has expired? Before you would have to retest

        Reply
        • Trucker Docs™ says

          January 29, 2020 at 5:23 pm

          @ Anthony
          Each state is different. Most states require a valid medical card to maintain a valid cdl. No real grace period. And, with most states all you need to do is get a copy of a new medical card to them ASAP. Check with your local/state cdl license department for more details.

          Reply
  15. Mike says

    November 26, 2019 at 3:36 pm

    My question is regarding running an MVR when a CDL driver updates their MEC. In Florida the official Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website has an electronic copy of the MEC. On the top the word “Approved” is entered when the MEC is accepted by the state. Is this acceptable to have in the DQ file instead of running a motor vehicle report if the annual is not yet due?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      November 27, 2019 at 6:50 am

      @ Mike
      Check with your local drivers license department for the best answer to your question.

      Reply
  16. Maria C says

    August 29, 2019 at 5:28 pm

    how can go about linking my class E license with my medical card online? Or do I need to go to the DMV instead?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      August 29, 2019 at 7:44 pm

      @ Maria C
      DMV will lead you in the right direction.

      Reply
  17. Jody says

    August 15, 2019 at 10:03 pm

    I had a CDL in Florida but gave it in for my regular license. What do I need to do to get my CDL license back

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      August 17, 2019 at 7:08 pm

      @ Jody
      You need to contact Fla. drivers license department. They will guide you from there.

      Reply
« Older Comments

Comments and Questions Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

find DOT physical location

DOT Physical Without Hassles

Guidebook cover - 30

What you need to know about getting your Medical Card.
Get the GUIDEBOOK here

Driver Q&A Categories

BP and Hypertension
Breathing
Cardiovascular
Extremities and Trunk
FMCSA Regulations
Hearing
Medications
Neurologic and Mental
Sleep Disorders
Vision
Other Questions

Blog Categories

  • Ask Trucker Docs (1)
  • DOT Medical Card (5)
  • DOT Medical Requirements (10)
  • FMCSA Regulations (11)
  • Medical Conditions (7)
  • Sleep Apnea (6)
  • Trucker Stories (1)
  • Uncategorized (2)

DOT Physical DOCTORS by State

   

Alabama     Alaska     Arizona     Arkansas     California     Colorado     Connecticut     Delaware     Florida     Georgia     Hawaii     Idaho     Illinois     Indiana     Iowa     Kansas     Kentucky     Louisiana     Maine     Maryland     Massachusetts    Michigan     Minnesota     Mississippi     Missouri     Montana    Nebraska     Nevada     New Hampshire     New Jersey     New Mexico     New York     North Carolina     North Dakota    Ohio     Oklahoma     Oregon     Pennsylvania     Rhode Island     South Carolina     South Dakota     Tennessee     Texas     Utah     Vermont     Virginia    Washington     West Virginia     Wisconsin     Wyoming

(click on State name)

Search DOTPhysicalDOCTOR.com

The information provided on this website should not serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Please see a qualified medical provider if you have any concerns about your state of health.

Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions

About | Contact | Sitemap

DOCTORS ONLY

CME Marketing

CME Premier Plan

MEMBER Login

MEMBER Resources / Cancel

Copyright ©2010-2022 Emiton LLC All Rights Reserved.
Unauthorized duplication or publication of any materials from this site is expressly prohibited.