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
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…
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.
James I share this same issue; under florida commercial truck drivers license laws, local personnel is miss applying the CDL law. Statutes 322.18 (7) address an expired CDL license. A self-downgraded CDL is not an expired CDL license. Former class (A) CDL holders such as you and myself laws 322.18 (7) does not apply. Should the history of your CDL A LICENSE show that your CDL license has a valid license downgrade, then the state drivers license agency (SDLA) must demonstrate the support for a valid expired CDL class (A)drivers license. See CFR SEC 383.71(e)(5). I am going to quote Florida [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 CATEGORY (B OR D),… THEY MUST MAINTAIN THEIR MEDICAL CERTIFICATION OR DOWNGRADE TO A NON-COMMERCIAL LICENSE]; NOTE: 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 the above mentioned things happen in your case then we should seek courts intervention. The law is in our favor.
My CDL medical expired. I had to renew it on 05/30/22 and I missed just 1 day. Got my new medical on 06/01. What should I do at this situation. Go to DMV and pay any fees. I am in Florida.
Thanks in advance.
@ Svitlana V
Go to your local drivers license department with a copy of your new medical card and have it registered. That should be all you need to do.
How long after my DOT medical card expires do I have to renew it before action is taken against my CDL?
@ Jay
Different states different time frames. Check with your local DLD or go get a new medical card and not worry about it.
I downgraded my CDL class A Florida license 5 years ago. I want to reinstate it. I have no issues with passing a new DOT physical. That won’t be any problem. How do I go about doing it correctly? I drove for over 15 years on my CDL A prior to downgrading.
Do I have to go through the new CDL training, or can I just get a new DOT physical and go to my local DMV in Hillsborough County and get it reinstated?
@ Matt
Since all cdl’s are state issued, you will need to confirm their process with your states DLD.
I share this same issue with our state; Florida, Sebring in Highlands county DMV is of the opinion that: self downgrade falls under the category of an expired CDL A license. But if you check both Florida Department Of Highway Safety and Motor vehicle, FMCSA; I self-certify under category (B-D), my reason was medical. Like I said my county is treating my class A CDL license as an expired license.
I passed the florida general knowledge, air brakes and passenger class b. Is it required for me to have a medical dot exam if my employer will have me drive intrastate only?
@ Beau
This question will be best answered by your local drivers license department.
I need to know please if the new standard vision program issued by FMCSA in its last update on 03/22/2022 is already updated. which makes it easier for people with monocular vision to operate a commercial vehicle outside of the state of Florida. thank you
@ Diosniel
We believe so, but have not found a confirmation, yet.
If I had my medical card and medical examiner didn’t register it with FMCSA and I just received and email stating I have until 5/30/2022 to put it on file.
Do I go to the driver license office or the court house I live in Florida?
Or can I upload it online?
@ Larry
The CME is responsible, on a daily basis, to register your medical examination with FMCSA. He may not send the information to your state. You could upload online or make sure it gets there by going to the drivers license department.
Is there a grace period for renewing a dot med card in Florida ?
@ Dom
DOT/FMCSA granted to the end of February for federal medical cards. Each state is different and may have a small grace period or none at all. Best to confirm with your local drivers license department.
If you drive a 24ft box truck to delivery furniture intrastate in Florida do you need a DOT medical card?
@ Steven D
Most state require a valid medical card for any vehicle that is used for commerce, delivering good or parts, etc. Best to confirm with your local drivers license department.
I forgot to get new dot physical,
It expired 01/05.
If it is a month late will it be excepted?
@ Paul
DOT/FMCSA has extended your grace period to the end of February.
Im 60 years old.downgraded my A in 2017 an now they wont give it back.i was told since i got a pacemaker i couldnt drive semi anymore is this true?
@ Eric p
This is not a DOT/FMCSA regulation. Pacemakers without a defibrillator are acceptable, as long as all else is within normal limits. Your state may demand for you to completely re-certify for your class A. Check with your local DLD for advise.
I’m 75 and the examiner said I couldn’t get a 2 year because of my age.
Is that true ?
@ Michael S
It is not a DOT/FMCSA regulation, but a guidelines recommendation. It is up to the CME to make that decision based on his findings during the examination.
I was just denied returning to my class A from a Class E in Florida. I went and got an updated med card and took it into the D M V and told them I wanted to reinstate my class A she said no problem entered all my info, even took my picture. Said all I had to do was pay, but then she says because it has been more than a year I had to retake all written and skills test, I had to start from scratch and do it all over again. That was not what it stated on the form that I signed four years ago when is elected to downgrade. I even specifically asked so no matter how long it is all I have to do is bring in an updated med card and they said yes, had I known they were going to do this to me I would have never downgraded I am furious! People that electively downgraded before they changed this law Without informing us should be grandfathered in so to speak and be allowed to do just what they said we had to do and bring in a midgard to reinstate our CDL
My license is disqualified because my doctor did not send in my medical card dated February 2022 found out today that my CDL has Been disqualified
@ Been Disqualified
Some offices send this information into the state for you and some do not. Ultimately it is your responsibility to confirm with your state drivers license department.
I have a class A and do not plan on hitting road again but do not want to downgrade
Am i still required to take a DOT physical
@ Alex
All cdl’s are state issued, most states require a valid medical card to maintain your cdl. Best to confirm with your local drivers license department.
Rules says Class A CDL is required if you pull a trailer over 10,000 lbs. What about a non-commercial driver pulling over 10,000 lbs (horses trailer or equipment) and less that 26,000 GCVW? Is DOT medical required?
Book does not distinguish between commercial and non-commercial and DOT medical requirement.
There is actually a rule “disconnect” here.
Can FL DOT add addendum to to rule book allowing non-commercial trailer pulls to 26,000? Exempt DOT medical requirement possible?
@ Charles L
Since each state is different and this is not a DOT/FMCSA inquiry, you need to get clarification from the Florida drivers license department.
Some states will require a medical card and some don’t.
Hello,
I downgraded my class A license about 6 years ago to a class E. My question is what do I have to do to get my class A licence back. I am in the state of Florida.
@ Jose F
You go to the Florida drivers license department in your local area and ask them how the process works to get your class A re-instated.
I’m being told by my Florida DMV that as of 11/2019 if I had not renewed my CDL within the year I am not able to re-instate my Class E back to Class-A. I would have to start the entire process all over. Schooling, testing, etc.
@ Daryll J
That will be a state of Florida requirement, not DOT/FMCSA. See if you can go higher up at the DMV to determine if you could simply redo the driving test to recert your cdl.
It says above all you have to do is show proof of a medical card
It appears that this information is outdated.
I have a class b cdl in florida but im currently not driving a comercial vehicle do i stil lneed a medical card to drive a regular vehicle
@ Phillip E
This question is best answered by the Florida drivers license department in your home town.
Can I downgrade my licsense from a class b, to e ? I would like to clean up my record as soon as possible
@ Felipe R
Since you fall under the states guidelines and variances, we suggest you check with your state drivers license department for your best answer.
No you do not, I have asked a state trooper this question directly. You can drive any vehicle that isn’t commercial
I was refused my CDL yesterday. After downgrading a year and a half ago I was told a new law came into effect in February and that I had to retest. I guess the Florida Republicans are turning Liberal on us. I’m fed up, they just lost yet another voter.
I believe if they were truly liberal you would have your CDL back.
They are for freedom.
Please read the following: Florida statute 322.251(4) from what I have read your downgraded CDL A license to a class E drivers license is only temporary, that same law makes it mandatory for the State Drivers License Agency to give back to us, to be issued a commercial driver’s license,… of the type downgraded. Hey just read the law. The issue needs to be litigated by a lawyer.
How do I submit a driver’s medical card when they renew it? What is the link to send it? I am new at this and I have failed to send it in time before the expired. Can I please get some feedback. Thank you!
@ Raquel Z
If you are an examiner, then follow the FMCSA guidelines and procedures. If you are a driver and need to send to your state as a self certification, you will need to contact your states website for further inquires and guidance.
Florida does not allow you they don’t have an email you have to take it to a drivers license office the state does not except emails or faxes are several other things
My dot med card has expired can I still operate a commercial vehicle
@ Dave
Most states require a valid medical card to maintain a valid cdl.
How uh time does one have to renew after the medical card has expired? Before you would have to retest
@ Anthony
Each state is different. Most states require a valid medical card to maintain a valid cdl. No real grace period. And, with most states all you need to do is get a copy of a new medical card to them ASAP. Check with your local/state cdl license department for more details.
My question is regarding running an MVR when a CDL driver updates their MEC. In Florida the official Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website has an electronic copy of the MEC. On the top the word “Approved” is entered when the MEC is accepted by the state. Is this acceptable to have in the DQ file instead of running a motor vehicle report if the annual is not yet due?
@ Mike
Check with your local drivers license department for the best answer to your question.
how can go about linking my class E license with my medical card online? Or do I need to go to the DMV instead?
@ Maria C
DMV will lead you in the right direction.
I had a CDL in Florida but gave it in for my regular license. What do I need to do to get my CDL license back
@ Jody
You need to contact Fla. drivers license department. They will guide you from there.