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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
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…
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My husband’s CDL is showing as Failed to File Medical Cert – effective date 5/18/2015. The type is showing as disqualification and under the Status it is showing EFFECTIVE. If he is not driving a CMV over 26,001 lbs – can he still drive?
@Debbie
Each state is different, so if he is not driving a commercial motor vehicle and he does have a valid drivers license, then he probably can continue to drive a car. That being said, best bet is to contact your local drivers license department and confirm that this is the case.
How long does it take for a CDL MEC self certification that is PENDING to become finalized, when you do it via the FL DMV website ?
Florida website says I can upload my new medical certification, yet when I get there, it tells me I must visit the office. Is the website functioning correctly?
Where do I mail my updated Medical Examiner’s Certificate
I just got hired at a new job and don’t need my CDL. My last employer provided me with the CDL but something happened that I had to retake the pre trip or downgrade, and that it will downgrade to class E after 30 days of the letter . I had already left the company and decided to wait for the downgrade. I just received a letter stating that my license it suspended and I can’t go to the DMV due to my work scheduled and not allowed to leave early. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance
@Sandy
Sorry, can’t help you. We focus on questions pertaining to Medical Certification for commercial drivers.
You’ll need to contact your local DMV to answer this question.
I was allowed to drop my class A .but when I’m ready to get it back I do not have to pay for reinstating it..but you have to go in …..and let them know your intent
@Debra
Thanks Debra for sharing that helpful information.
I went to get my Dot physical and the Doc said I needed to get a sleep study done…Why are they doing this now it’s not even on the books yet for Doc to recommend this study…why are they jumping the run on this matter? I don’t have insurance or a job to pay for it!
@Debra
There are no new rules regarding sleep apnea. If you feel that you do not suffer from this condition, then go somewhere else and get a DOT physical.
Why are they doing this? $$$$$$$
To better understand the confusion on sleep apnea screening, read this set of sleep apnea articles on our blog.
I am an insulin dependent diabetic. I work for the county govt where I live in florida. I am being told that we are exempt from needing a DOT medical exam. If this is the case, I’m sure I can pass the written/driving exams. If not…,I will have to jump through hoops and hope the Feds approve it….,in 180 days….,90 days after I will loose my job for not being able to get my class A.
@Brian
Make sure you check with your state Drivers License Department before doing much.
As an intra-state only driver, there may be other considerations that do not apply to you since you are not a interstate, long haul, driver. I know in our state a driver can be insulin dependent and still driver commercial as an intra-state only driver. Each state is different, so check first.
When I go into the DMV office to upgrade to my CDL in Florida, do I need to have my Dot physical long form or just my medical card?
@Don
Florida requires a copy of your medical card.
I have been taken Medication for a Seizure disorder for over 40 years,
and had 1 seizure in the past 20 years.
in 2009 my doctor said that I was doing so well that maybe we can cut back on the meds. Well he was wrong.
That was the only problem I had in 20 years & now they say that I can’t even be on the medication to keep my CDL
Like i said earlier, I’ve been taken these meds for so long that I’m used to it.
It a shame to be put in a situation where you can’t defend yourself & do what you need to for employment.
I would like to know if there’s any chance of keeping my CDL now or in the future??
Is anyone else out there in the same boat that I’m in…
Mike
PS
(Any seizures I’ve had were always in my sleep)
@Michael
It isn’t that FMCSA changed all these laws, it’s that the doctors had to read the book to study for the test.
Most of these “new rules” effect the OTR drivers. It has always been in the regs that a driver cannot take a seizure medication and operate a CMV interstate.
So unless you are a class A driver trying to operate a CMV interstate, you may have lots of choices.
First is a medical release form from your primary doctor, explaining your situation.
Second, drivers class and area of operation. You might be operating intra-state only and now the regs that apply are state not federal. And last but not least, there is a seizure waiver that can be applied for through the FMCSA. Just check out their website and see if it applies to you. Good Luck
I thank you for your reply
I just have a Class B & operate a small passenger Van (Tag says Bus)
I work for a School bus company (New Jersey).
I mainly transport people to & from appointments.
I’m planning on moving to Fla, very soon and would like to keep all my employment options open.
I sure hope It would be possible to do that!!
Mike
Any and all help is appreciated!!
My husband get his medical card but forgot to take it to the dmv now is license is disqualified can he get it lift if we call with the right dat
@Real Woman
Only DMV can answer this for you.
When you go to take a medical certification they are the one have responsibility to sent to the State the information but they did’t everything go to the clinic , go to the DMV spent the time the gas the time is be us the drivers is suck how the law is change against to every single commercial driver , my advise is call to general DMV main office in Tallahassee to clear that problem have good luck.
I was working for a company that required a class b license and they failed to report my dot medical card and my license was disqualified (this was prior to the new law passing) and now I am not able to obtain a position that does not require a cdl but, I have been maintaining my cld license, due to the disqualification on my license. Is there anyway that I can that overturned so I am able to obtain a driving position. The company goes back three years and they consider the disqualification to be a suspension and therefore will not hire me. Any suggestions? Thank you.
@Devon
Sorry to hear that. And, unfortunately because we only focus on DOT medical related questions, we’re not able to advise you on this.
Best to sort this out with Florida license department, and maybe get a copy of documentation on this issue. With a valid CDL in hand, and documentation as to the reason for suspension, a reasonable company should consider you eligible for hire.
On January 2014 my husband got his new CDL florida license and was not told about a medical card, his license doesn’t expire till 2022 so what does he have to do now to get a medical card.
I have a CDL and drive a church bus 29 Passenger and drive interstate.Do i require a medical certification to drive in Florida ?
@Ralph
Each state is a little different, but I do believe you would have to comply with a medical card to operate a bus traveling interstate. Check with Florida DLD and confirm though.
Each state has its own set of rules, but you are falling under FMCSA regulations as an interstate driver.
If I get my DOT certification in SC can it be used in fl.
@Cherrish
Yes. A DOT certificate is valid nationwide.
For more information see FAQ – FMCSA Regulations.
Up until January 16, 2014, I held a New York CDL (A). On 1/16/14, I moved to Florida and, because my Medical Card was expired, Florida would only issue me a class E driver’s license. When they did so the Florida DMV cut the corner of my NY CDL and gave it back to me. I have been splitting time between New York and Florida since, but plan on being permanently in FL by November 24, 2014. I also plan on returning to commercial driving. I have obtained a valid medical card. May my CDL be reinstated?
I was somehow able to take a photo of my last dot card and email to Tallahassee. Can I still do it now. If so, to whom do I send it. I totally forgot how I did it.
Visit the website at https://services.flhsmv.gov/cdlmedcert/ and follow the instructions.
I am stuck in California on family matters and need to submit a new medical card to the Florida DMV. Since the doctor has to be on a national registry and the form they fill out is “standardized”, will the State of Florida accept a medical exam form from a doctor from California and can I mail it in? I am frantic about this!!!!! Thanks.
@Marie
Even though California uses a different form, it’s still basically the federal form that all other states use, so you shouldn’t have any issues.
Or the medical examiner could download the Federal forms from this link Medical Examination Report; Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
It doesn’t matter where you have you medical examination done, in any state, as long as the examiner is certified and on the National Registry.
I have had a “B” CDL for over 25 years . I dont have a job that requires a CDL . I just wanted to be able to keep a CDL status . I tried to do the form on line . their web page did not work . I tried to call and I got a recording saying they had a high volume of calls and hung up the phone . I took a day off of work and went to the Florida DMV . They said I needed a medical card to keep a CDL liciense . They didnt say anything about downgrading down to a non commercial liciense . So , $ 250.00 later I had my CDL again . Later I got an e-mail back from them saying I could have gone to a “E” class license , and later on get my CDL back for less than $ 10.00 . I still dont know if I needed to get the medical card or not . I wonder if I could get a refund ? Also I went online to check my liciense status and my CDL was disqualified for three days . Did that mean it was illeagle for me to operate any vehical or just a truck that requires a CDL ? Thanks , Pat
If you are driving a vehicle that is required a driver with a CDL A or B class license, you must legally carry the approtiate license or else you can get into major trouble with the law. If you have the CDL A license, just do your medical cert when it is required, go online or in person to a DMV office and keep it updated.
Im a truck driver/cdl A class holder since 2005
My medical form was filled out today. How do I know if my information is updated? When I went to self certify in the DOT website it still says I have to go in personally to modify my license. Is there a specific number I need or does my physician send in the information?
I need to know the status of the CDL recertification. The transaction number is 109107.
Thank you so much for your help.
Can’t help you here as we are not affiliated with any state agencies.
Florida has an online system so you should be able to check there.
Can you provide me a form to Self Certify Affidavit the drivers CDL for Florida?
@Sara
Florida’s self-certification process is an online process. Go to https://services.flhsmv.gov/CDLMedCert/.
Question – Our vehicle has a USDOT number but we are not required for our drivers to have a CDL license due to the weight of our truck. Are our drivers required to have a DOT Medical card in Florida and other states or only required if you have a CDL license?
@Jill
Each state is a little different. Just check with the Florida DMV.
For example: In Utah, if you operate a vehicle that is in excess of 10,001 pounds, then it is mandatory to have a valid medical card, but not a CDL. So check with your local DMV, they can tell you what you have to do.