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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
June 23, 2025: FMCSA electronic reporting requirements for DOT Medical Certificates will be fully enforced.
See detailed information at FMCSA Medical Examiner Certificate Reporting Requirements for CDL Drivers
CDL Drivers
The good news:
• You no longer have to go through the hassles of updating your medical card with your SDLA.
• You no longer have to carry your medical card with you.
Is there ‘not so good’ news?
Safeguard your CDL! How does the new DOT Medical Certificate reporting process affect your CDL?
Non-CDL Drivers
The electronic reporting requirements do not affect non-CDL drivers.
• The medical examiner must give you a physical MEC Form MCSA-5876.
• You should keep your medical certificate available at all times whilst driving a CMV.
• You will still need to provide a copy of the MEC to the companies you work for.
Your Feedback Is Welcome
Dealing with Federal DOT Regulations across the board is tough enough!
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James I share this same issue; under florida commercial truck drivers license laws, local personnel is miss applying the CDL law. Statutes 322.18 (7) address an expired CDL license. A self-downgraded CDL is not an expired CDL license. Former class (A) CDL holders such as you and myself laws 322.18 (7) does not apply. Should the history of your CDL A LICENSE show that your CDL license has a valid license downgrade, then the state drivers license agency (SDLA) must demonstrate the support for a valid expired CDL class (A)drivers license. See CFR SEC 383.71(e)(5). I am going to quote Florida [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 CATEGORY (B OR D),… THEY MUST MAINTAIN THEIR MEDICAL CERTIFICATION OR DOWNGRADE TO A NON-COMMERCIAL LICENSE]; NOTE: 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 the above mentioned things happen in your case then we should seek courts intervention. The law is in our favor.
My CDL medical expired. I had to renew it on 05/30/22 and I missed just 1 day. Got my new medical on 06/01. What should I do at this situation. Go to DMV and pay any fees. I am in Florida.
Thanks in advance.
@ Svitlana V
Go to your local drivers license department with a copy of your new medical card and have it registered. That should be all you need to do.
How long after my DOT medical card expires do I have to renew it before action is taken against my CDL?
@ Jay
Different states different time frames. Check with your local DLD or go get a new medical card and not worry about it.
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?
@ Matt
Since all cdl’s are state issued, you will need to confirm their process with your states DLD.
I share this same issue with our state; Florida, Sebring in Highlands county DMV is of the opinion that: self downgrade falls under the category of an expired CDL A license. But if you check both Florida Department Of Highway Safety and Motor vehicle, FMCSA; I self-certify under category (B-D), my reason was medical. Like I said my county is treating my class A CDL license as an expired license.
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?
@ Beau
This question will be best answered by your local drivers license department.
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
@ Diosniel
We believe so, but have not found a confirmation, yet.
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?
@ 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.
Is there a grace period for renewing a dot med card in Florida ?
@ 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.
If you drive a 24ft box truck to delivery furniture intrastate in Florida do you need a DOT medical card?
@ 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.
I forgot to get new dot physical,
It expired 01/05.
If it is a month late will it be excepted?
@ Paul
DOT/FMCSA has extended your grace period to the end of February.