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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!
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! —
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I’m new to Florida do I need my dot card in order to take my permit test?
@ Tar
Most likely, but confirm with Florida DLD.
Can my PCP also be my medical examiner for DOT?
@ Michelle
If they are on the national registry, then you can use them.
I was scheduled to get my medical exam on the 4th but doing the hurricane they pushed it back to the 14th how do I get my CDLs back valid because of this incident
@ John
Get a new medical certificate, get it into DLD ASAP, and you should be good to go
I received a DUI in 2015 will this disqualify me from getting my CDL now 2022
@ Terrie C
CDL’s are a state provided document, so your question needs to be with your state drivers license department.
if blood pressure is higher than 140/90 in Florida is it disqualified?
@ Jayjezzy
A bp of 140/90 is still a passing bp, anything above it becomes a question and should be addressed.
I need to get k restriction off. Intrastate to Interstate. I need my dot card and 31.25 in jax fl is that all I need to bring?
@ Fred j
Getting your restrictions altered or removed will happen with the state, not federal DOT/FMCSA. Talk with your local drivers license department and follow their guidelines/process.
I gave my CDL and upgrade to regular driver license,can I get my CDL back? Any one no ?
@ Eddie
CDL’s are state issued, so you will need to check with your local drivers license department for their procedures.
I turned in my Florida CDL and picked up a regular drivers’s license and the rep at the counter told me that I have 12 months to pick it up without any penalty. However, after 12 months, I will have to retake the written and driving test again.
Does having an ostomy automatically disqualify you from obtaining a CDL license in Florida? I have yet to find an answer to that special question anywhere online so far and I’m starting to get very frustrated just to get a basic answer to what I thought is a simple question?
@ Nicole
There should be no reason or known limitation to acquiring a cdl in this case. But confirm with your local drivers license department.