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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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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.