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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…
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i retired from MTA buses in NY two yrs ago and i’m currently a residence of Orlando. when i changed my license, i kept my current CDL status. Am i bound by Florida CDL holders to have a DOT med card thought i’m not working in that capacity?
@ Anthony
Most states require a valid medical card to maintain your cdl. Best to confirm with Florida drivers license department (DLD) and go with their process.
I am also a MTA buses retiree. I was allowed to keep my cdl in Florida but didn’t have a medical card. So I am not allowed to drive any buses or trucks interstate, only locally, this was what they told me at the drivers license office/ tax collector.
After a bypass surgery, I have always had a yearly medical card and 2 year stress test required has that changed?
@ Tim
No changes from DOT/FMCSA.
How you don gradecdl to regular license do to injury
@ George W. 3rd
You contact your local drivers license department and then follow their guidelines and process.
How does one get their cdl reinstated if it is suspended for failure to update medical card?
@ Eitsew
You will need to contact your local drivers license department for guidance on this issue.
So what did you have to do. I’m going through the same issue right now.
I submitted my new medical card online and it was approved but my job needs to see it on my MVR, how long will that take?
@ Jayden
State related question not federal.
I am trying to get my medical card renewed again but the doctor will not renew it because I had and accident 10 years ago up north my doctors that took care of me signed off on me when I was able to go back to work and I have all the paper work showing that they signed off, this doctor here in florida says I have to get my primary doctor down here to sign off on it I have been renewing my DOT card ever time it is due with no problem up until now she says its florida law even though it has been 10 years and was cleared by my neurological doctor and my plastic surgeron can you help me out in anyway way the funny part is I renew my card at the same place last year.
@ Bill K
This is a state of Florida issue and will be best answered by someone at the states drivers license department.
Hi,
I can no longer do intense labor, day in and day out. Am I barking up the wrong tree going for the Class A CDL?
Also, if it’s a “go,” can I save money on these expensive ELDT Schools or is there no way around shelling out $5000-$7000? I’m facing divorce and looking to re-train for a new career.
@ Jay
Class A cdl holders that drive interstate are sitting for hours at a time. Most companies do not require you to unload, that is left to a lumper. There are companies that will train you on the job, but they will take advantage of you. Tough call if you can not do 10,11 hour work days as an interstate driver, away from home for weeks at a time.
I want to change license with cdl endorsement from Pa to Fl Im retired but want to maintain cdl because im young enough to drive truck again if I needed to. Why do I have to pay to get a medical card if not currently driving? The companies require you to get a phsical when hired. Seems like just another layer of beurocratic bullshit.
@ Jeffery C T
Agreed, and if you want to keep your cdl, then you play the game.