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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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Can Drive a FLA commercial vehical with my NY CDL lisence for 6 months.
@ David B
If you have a valid medical card and your cdl you should be good to go.
Can I get another medical examiner certificate if a mistake is made on the previous one.
@ Jason P D
If the mistake is not correctable by the initial examiner, then you can have another examination done by a different CME.
Good evening every body my question is i work otr my dot expires im in Chicago can someone take my new dot card to florida dmv or i got go my self
@ Oscar A
You may be able to fax a copy to the state of Florida, or send it in an email. Check with Florida drivers license department for the best way to get ‘r done.
You can self certify right online. Getting mine done today….yee haw!
As a school bus driver do i need to carry my medical card with me while driving
@ Luke T
In most state if you are a cdl holder, then you must carry your medical card at all times while driving. Check with your local DLD for the correct answer.
I am moving from Illinois to Florida I have a current Medical card with Illinois is this transferable to Florida ?? Or do i need to go get another DOT Physical done for my pre employment hire ? Anyone run into this before ?
@ panzer 57
DOT medical cards are valid in all states. No transfer needed, just show a copy to the Florida DLD.
How early can i renew my DOT physical fOr my florida class a?
@ Laura T
Anytime and as early as you like.
If you have a regular driver’s license and your work truck has DOT numbers on it do you have to have a medical card. The work truck is a crew cab 2500 with a work bed on back
A Tiffany T
Most states are requiring a valid medical certificate to operate a DOT – for commerce vehicle, no matter size or weight of said vehicle. Check with your local DLD to confirm.
Last years when I had went to gett my physical they got said my blood is pressure was to high ,and my primary doc said my medicine was fine and he couldn’t change it . So after a wait and recheck on my blood pressure I hard to turn in my cdl for a reg license. My blood pressure is fine now , so do I need to retake the whole tests written and drivers test to get my license back. Or can you tell me what I need to do to get it back or even if I can ,the license was swapped last Jan 26 , 2017
@ David h
Your best bet will be to contact your local drivers license department and ask the same question, they will give you the most correct answer.
My husband has a CDL Class A in Florida and he also has type 2 diabetes. He manages it by diet, oral medication and does have insulin available if it gets high. But is not insulin dependement. His medical card is up for renewal. What are the specific requirements of your hemoglobin A1C and blood sugar levels before you would have to get an exemption. His blood sugar averages about 170.
If he is denied his medical card because of his diabetes, what is the next step? He only works locally where we are from.
@ MLE
His A1c needs to fall in the normal range with or without medication. Any insulin usage will negatively effect the DOT examination results. If he is a local driver and not a class A interstate driver then he may fall under the Florida state variances and not the FMCSA’s guidelines. Check with your local drivers license department for more information as an intra-state drivers with diabetes.
Does the test include a blood test and HIV testing and sexually transmitted diseases?
@ John
No.
I have had a CDL B class in Florida since 94 and have mostly used it for my own personal trucks, not for any business. Why am I being required to get a DOT medical card?
@ Robert
Because the federal government want you to demonstrate that you are physically, mentally, and psychologically fit to operate a commercial vehicle.
My husband drives for a fuel company in Florida and has his class a cdl. The trucks only require a b cdl though. 9 years ago his LAD collapsed in his heart and he has 2 stents. He has to have a dot physical every year and the doctor told him this year that he will have to have a stress test every two years in order to pass a dot physical. #1 if he is not symptomatic and is under the supervision of a cardiologist and can get a letter to attest for that why would he need a stress test??? #2 insurance is not going to pay for an $800+ stress test every two years unless it is warranted…
Also, where can we find current updates and guidelines for dot physical requirements so that we do not get blindsided by a change that keeps him from passing his physical and not be able to drive and earn a living for his family.
I firmly believe in rules, regs, safety… But this is getting really rediculous!
I have been out of the country until recently, I have a florida class A cdl, my medical cert expired in aug 2017. can I get the cert in another state other than Florida? I am currently in Washington state.. If so how do I go about getting the cert to where it needs to go?
@Charles
Yes, you can get your medical cert in any state.
Go to FLORIDA Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Website to update your medical certificate information.
I was going to get CDL in Chicago and I’d already got my Medical card here in Illinois but I just found out that I have to move to Florida and It’s better to get CDL there right away. Question: Will I need to get another Medical card in Florida state
I have never had CDL before
@ Kalcey
Your medical card is federal, so take it with you to do your cdl test Should be all you need.
But that page let you update it only if your license is valid . But my license is invalid cause the med card was expired . Where do I report the update ?
@ Alex
You report the update to your state drivers license department.
I have a class B CDL..if I downgrade to E….will I lose my CDL alltogether???? And in the future should I need it back,do I need to do Driving and written test all over again????
@Charles
You’ll need to confirm Florida’s process by contacting your local drivers license department.
I will be getting my diabetes exemption form middle of October. Ive been cleared to receive my DOT card . The medical examiner accidentally checked box that says intrastate only. Can i drive in interstate with exemption form (Florida)
With Hurricane Irma looming, is there a grace period if I don’t get my DOT physical exam on time?
@Richard
Florida is computerized and up to date with records, so disqualification could be automated. You need to contact your local drivers license department as soon as possible to take care of your situation.
I have a CDL driver license in Florida, I went to renew my medical card and they are giving me a hard time because I am insulin dependent I told The examiner that Im only driving intrastate and she still unclear whether she can or not give me the medical certification .
@Chris
You fall under state variance and the CME should do the examination, clear you with a valid medical card including a diabetes exemption waiver marked on your medical card. The go to Florida drivers license department and get your waiver.
Im a non cdl driver but do take dot medical exams every 2 years. Where do medical examiners report get sent to besides my employer?
@Fx5
Possibly the state if that state requires it, otherwise just you and your employer if you have authorized that your company gets a copy.
I need help, I have a cdl class be that will not expired until the year 2019, last summer I got pulled over in plantcity fl and the office had instructed me that my cdl had been expired for two years already and I did not know anything about it. The officer gave me a ticket, so I went to my local DMV. They stated that my DL is not suspended but I’m not allowed to use my cdl until I renew my medical exam. I paid a fine and got my class E DL , and now they are saying that I have 4 points on my DL. How can I get that off , and more how can my license me expired if my year was 2019 expiration date. Please let me know if and what I can do.
Also I’m trying to get employment and they are stating that the employment insurance can’t insure me to drive, I have not had a ticket in 16-18 years or so.
@ Joe
These are drivers license questions (not medical certification questions). Only your local drivers license can answer these.
Ohh brother you should have not paid that ticket, but maybe you still have time to contact the court and see if by taking any driving courses the points could be removed
What is florida dot law on none cdl driver license holders that drive for a company and there vehicles are under 26,000lbs and have less then 16 seats.
@Willie
Most states require any commercial motor vehicle driver to have a medical card even if he doesn’t have a CDL, but confirm with your local drivers license department.
Do I need a DOT medical card for a class B driver license. I had to downgrade due cause of my insulin treatment
@Guillermo
Yes, you need a medical card if you drive for commercial purposes. Because you are on insulin you will be “intrastate only” and you will fall under your State’s variances.