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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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I am an insulin dependent diabetic. I work for the county govt where I live in florida. I am being told that we are exempt from needing a DOT medical exam. If this is the case, I’m sure I can pass the written/driving exams. If not…,I will have to jump through hoops and hope the Feds approve it….,in 180 days….,90 days after I will loose my job for not being able to get my class A.
@Brian
Make sure you check with your state Drivers License Department before doing much.
As an intra-state only driver, there may be other considerations that do not apply to you since you are not a interstate, long haul, driver. I know in our state a driver can be insulin dependent and still driver commercial as an intra-state only driver. Each state is different, so check first.
When I go into the DMV office to upgrade to my CDL in Florida, do I need to have my Dot physical long form or just my medical card?
@Don
Florida requires a copy of your medical card.
I have been taken Medication for a Seizure disorder for over 40 years,
and had 1 seizure in the past 20 years.
in 2009 my doctor said that I was doing so well that maybe we can cut back on the meds. Well he was wrong.
That was the only problem I had in 20 years & now they say that I can’t even be on the medication to keep my CDL
Like i said earlier, I’ve been taken these meds for so long that I’m used to it.
It a shame to be put in a situation where you can’t defend yourself & do what you need to for employment.
I would like to know if there’s any chance of keeping my CDL now or in the future??
Is anyone else out there in the same boat that I’m in…
Mike
PS
(Any seizures I’ve had were always in my sleep)
@Michael
It isn’t that FMCSA changed all these laws, it’s that the doctors had to read the book to study for the test.
Most of these “new rules” effect the OTR drivers. It has always been in the regs that a driver cannot take a seizure medication and operate a CMV interstate.
So unless you are a class A driver trying to operate a CMV interstate, you may have lots of choices.
First is a medical release form from your primary doctor, explaining your situation.
Second, drivers class and area of operation. You might be operating intra-state only and now the regs that apply are state not federal. And last but not least, there is a seizure waiver that can be applied for through the FMCSA. Just check out their website and see if it applies to you. Good Luck
I thank you for your reply
I just have a Class B & operate a small passenger Van (Tag says Bus)
I work for a School bus company (New Jersey).
I mainly transport people to & from appointments.
I’m planning on moving to Fla, very soon and would like to keep all my employment options open.
I sure hope It would be possible to do that!!
Mike
Any and all help is appreciated!!
My husband get his medical card but forgot to take it to the dmv now is license is disqualified can he get it lift if we call with the right dat
@Real Woman
Only DMV can answer this for you.
When you go to take a medical certification they are the one have responsibility to sent to the State the information but they did’t everything go to the clinic , go to the DMV spent the time the gas the time is be us the drivers is suck how the law is change against to every single commercial driver , my advise is call to general DMV main office in Tallahassee to clear that problem have good luck.
I was working for a company that required a class b license and they failed to report my dot medical card and my license was disqualified (this was prior to the new law passing) and now I am not able to obtain a position that does not require a cdl but, I have been maintaining my cld license, due to the disqualification on my license. Is there anyway that I can that overturned so I am able to obtain a driving position. The company goes back three years and they consider the disqualification to be a suspension and therefore will not hire me. Any suggestions? Thank you.
@Devon
Sorry to hear that. And, unfortunately because we only focus on DOT medical related questions, we’re not able to advise you on this.
Best to sort this out with Florida license department, and maybe get a copy of documentation on this issue. With a valid CDL in hand, and documentation as to the reason for suspension, a reasonable company should consider you eligible for hire.
On January 2014 my husband got his new CDL florida license and was not told about a medical card, his license doesn’t expire till 2022 so what does he have to do now to get a medical card.
I have a CDL and drive a church bus 29 Passenger and drive interstate.Do i require a medical certification to drive in Florida ?
@Ralph
Each state is a little different, but I do believe you would have to comply with a medical card to operate a bus traveling interstate. Check with Florida DLD and confirm though.
Each state has its own set of rules, but you are falling under FMCSA regulations as an interstate driver.
If I get my DOT certification in SC can it be used in fl.
@Cherrish
Yes. A DOT certificate is valid nationwide.
For more information see FAQ – FMCSA Regulations.