Click to find DOT physical locations in FLORIDA
Click to find DOT physical locations in OTHER STATES
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! —
Please leave your feedback about your experience in this State.
Go to the Questions and Comments box below and post your feedback.
! To save us all from zombie spammers, your feedback will not appear on this page until it has been approved. Visit this page again soon to see your comment, and others too.
P.S. Your email address will not be published.
NOTE: This website is not affiliated with, or endorsed by FMCSA or any government or state agency.
In Florida, where do I send my copy of my Medical Examiners Certificate?
@ Felix A M
A copy needs to go to your local drivers license department to be input to your existing cdl.
I have had bypass surgery will that stop me from getting a class b cdl in florida
@ Tonya
Class B cdl will fall under your states requirements and regulations. Best to confirm with your local drivers license department.
Will I be able to still pass my dot physical if I’m blind in one eye?
@ Martez
For class A cdl, DOT/FMCSA. You will need to be evaluated by a specialist who knows the trucking industry. They will provide a statement for your waiver. Lesser class cdl’s will fall under your states guidelines and variances. Check with your local drivers license department and follow their process.
Are government employees exempt from obtaining a medical certification in Florida?
@ jeremy m
Best to ask FLA drivers license department for an answer.
Generally, yes, but only if you are exclusively operating a CDL vehicle for the federal, state, or local government. You would typically fall under the “D. EXCEPTED INTRASTATE.” category, but there is also an interstate exemption. However, you will need to get a medical certificate if you want to moonlight for a private company on the weekends. Also, some grant programs (e.g., FDOT) require the CDL driver of a grant-purchased vehicle to carry a certificate even though they would otherwise be exempt.
If you operate a commericial vehicle in the state of florida with a GVWR 10,001 do you need a Non-cdl medical card?
@ Joe M
Best to confirm with Florida drivers license department for your best answer. Most state require a valid medical card for ANY (cdl or non cdl) vehicle that is used for commerce, (make $ for someone).
Hey I need to get my DOT medical certificate in the state of Florida to drive the water deliver trucks. Do you think part of the test would be a drug test or no not at that moment. Because I smoke trees but planned on stopping once I got this job offer.
@ Frank
Drug testing is not part of the DOT medical certification examination. The company will, in most cases, request a drug test before hiring.
Yes they’re going to do a drug screen. I’m in FL and held my license here 22+ years.
@ CT
Then it is a state, not DOT/FMCSA, requirement. DOT/FMCSA medical certification only requires a 5 panel for blood and protein, etc. basic kidney functions not drug screening.
If I no longer Drive for my cdl Class A (tractor trailer) do I have to renew my medical card/ long form to just drive my personal car?
And do i have to turn it in and go back to class E license?
@ Cynthia B
These questions will be best answered by your local DLD.
If you don’t renew your medical card then they give you a regular license, it’s giving up your CDL
i recently did my DOT physical exam to get my CLP the permit I notice there was no drug test done only a urinalysis. Do I need a DOT drug test in order to submit my DOT physical to the DMV?
@ Jose
You are fine right now. Drug testing is a separate item and is done at the employers request.
When you take a deal t physical they always drug test you that’s what the urinalysis is for.
@ Shannon H
That is incorrect. A drug screen has to be requested and done separately from the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination urinalysis. The medical card examination does require a urinalysis and is checking for blood, sugar, and protein. All of which are early signs of other possible conditions. Drug screens are sent out to a lab for analysis and must go through a medical review officer. Which is outside of the CME’s control.
If you receive a 3-month DOT medical card in Florida and then go back and receive another 3-month medical card is this med card still good? Can They go back for a 3rd time and receive a 3-month medical card?
@ JoAnn A
Much depends on the reasoning for the original 3 month card. Things like high blood pressure, for a class A cdl, DOT/FMCSA, is a one time 3 month card. It is unusual that an individual could receive multiple 3 months med cards.
HOW LONG YOU GOT TO GO TAKE A DOT PHYSICAL AFTER YOU PASS THE DMV PART TO GET A CDL PERMIT
@ Greg
Up to the time you are going to get your cdl.
After a downgraded cdl is there a time limit to lose the cdl?
@ Reynaldo
This is a state related question and will be best answered by your local drivers license department (DLD).
My medical card has expired over 2 years Because I went through 2 hip replacement surgery and 1knee replacement surgery and wasn’t able to Do a physical exam I went to the DMV to see about geting my CDL reinstated and they tell me I have take the complete CDL test is any thing I can do I had my CDL FOR 25 YEARS
@ Hubert
You are dealing with your states regulations, since your cdl is a state issued document. This is not a federal issue.
Go try again, I was like you last yr but got my med card and cdl and all endorsements back this yr.