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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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But if you don’t list all of your medications that you’re taking. How can they tell that you are taking something that you didn’t list?
Can a CDL driver who has been diagnosed with COPD be allowed to drive a school bus?
Can a CDL driver who is insulin dependent be allowed to drive a school bus?
@Tanara
Both of these questions are state dependent variances and not FMCSA. Check with your local drivers license department to determine the best answer.
Just received my new medical card, switching job, am I required to do it again.
@Diane
No, your medical card is valid for commercial driving until the expiration date, or unless a medical condition arises which takes you off the road and you need to get re-certified.
That being said, an new employer may have their own standards that are stricter than FMCSA regulations, and they may require you to take a new medical exam with a medical examiner of their choice. But that’s an employer thing, nothing to do with FMCSA regulations.
I just recently moved to Florida and I had a class A cdl but my medical card expired and now my vision will not pass dot physical and can not obtain a medical card . If I get a class B intrastate (section D), self certify , am I exempt for a medical card ?
@Johnny
No, but you would be held to the states variances and not FMCSA/interstate standards. Check with your local drivers license department to verify.
@Johnny
No, but you would be held to the state’s intrastate variances and not FMCSA/interstate standards. Check with your local drivers license department to verify.
ive had a class A cdl INTRASTE rest:2 for 1 year my eye sight is left eye 20/20 right eye 20/100 I have full field of vision, I can see all colors, movement everything just cannot read outta my right eye, does the state of Florida have a vision waiver for cdl drivers? im finding nothing, what steps can I do to get my med card renewed
Yes. I just met a ONE EYED Driver .. There is a Vision exemption form that will let you drive OTR with ONE EYE. 703-448-3094 is the office number. It’s called “The Vision Program”. In Washington DC. Hope this information helps anyone that needs it !!
I’m currently being treated for what my rheumatologist is diagnosing as dermatomyositis, stills seems early on in the stage, bUT all medical test lean in this direction. Right now he has me on high does prednisone and mycopheno late (cellcept). Also I’m currently on short term disability due to the muscle weakness I experience. My medical certificate expires at the end of Jan and I’m just wondering what I need to expect. Any direction or ideas of expectations / possible directions would be appreciated.
Thank you.
@Peter
You want to talk with your local drivers license department and ask if you will be able to put your CDL on hold. You can not pass the DOT Medical at this time, but you don’t want to lose your CDL either. They should have a solution for someone in your situation.
I think in this case you might not like the answers you’ll get from the DMV or DOT. I believe you will lose your medical card possibly but if you do it’s an automatic suspension of your commercial driver’s license after you are released back to work by your doctor and then you can start the process over again and remember when you lose your commercial driver’s license you also lose your license to drive a car or motorcycle it’s all on the same endorsements
No you won’t lose your license to drive a car. I was told that at the DMV yesterday.
Is Florida allowed to deny an out-of-state DOT medical form certified by a DOT practitioner??
If so, for what reason(s)?
@Cassandra
You need to ask Florida why they did not accept the medical examiners form.
I did, and the response was it was the “wrong form.” Can Florida force other states to submit a specific form for Florida cdl holders, and deny other valid DOT medical forms used by other states??
@Cassandra
All states have to use/accept the new FMCSA forms.
Hi! I have a USCG dot physical medical card for my marine captain license. Will that meet my medical requirements?
Does anyone know how i can sink my medical card worn my cdl