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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 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.
I’m going on vacation the date my med card expires would that be a problem. If I got to the doctor 3 days later after expired . How long do I have to register with them after expired .
@ Jose
Most states are running a few days behind on getting information into their data base. Get your medical examination done ASAP and get a copy to your local drivers license department on the same day. You should be OK, or get it done before you go and be on the safe side.
i was a texas cdl holder since 1976m came to florida, and the time came to renew in texas, it was past my birthday, now im fl resident, what is needed to renew my status, i have my medical certificate. problem is my air brake truck is in tx, i need to go get it.??
@ marc r
Are you renewing in TX. or have you shifted to a Fla. license? If TX., then get a copy of your medical certificate to TX DLD. If Fla. then check with your local DLD for guidance.
What is the difference between a federal DOT physical and the State of Florida DOT physical
@ Gordo
Federal standards are more strict and are for class A cdl holders traveling interstate, long haul (OTR). State standards are less strict for lesser class cdl holders. Best to confirm with your local DLD.
In Florida, how long before my CDL medical certificate expires can I renew the medical certificate (not the license). Thank you.
@ Elise
Anytime that works for you, no limitations.
My med card expired on the 16th and I got a new one on the 18th. Is there a grace period? Am I able to update my med card or am I going to lose my class A ?
@ Richard R
Nearly all states are running behind, at least a few days. So it is not a given grace period, just a running behind period. You should be fine, just get your copy to your local authorities ASAP.
can a motor carrier require their non CDL driver to obtain a physical card if the motor carrier only has intrastate authority?
@ Mike M
Most states require a medical card for any (even non cdl) driver who is operating any type of commercial (making money) vehicle. Best to confirm with your local DLD.
Thanks! I know FL doesn’t require basically any regs for intra state 26,000 and under.
I had rotator cuff surgery and my medical certification for my cdl expires before I am able to return to driving. Can I still get a physical and renew my medical certification in Florida? Thank you.
@ Belinda M
For a class A cdl, you will need to be fully released before you would qualify for the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. Lesser class cdl is under the states regulations. Best to be fully released before going for medical exam. Florida has a short grace period, like so many others, before they would require more than a new medical card.
i’m a florida resident with a florida license with a massachusetts business,can i get a medical exam in massachusetts?
@ Ken W
Yes, medical cards are good nationwide.
i retired from MTA buses in NY two yrs ago and i’m currently a residence of Orlando. when i changed my license, i kept my current CDL status. Am i bound by Florida CDL holders to have a DOT med card thought i’m not working in that capacity?
@ Anthony
Most states require a valid medical card to maintain your cdl. Best to confirm with Florida drivers license department (DLD) and go with their process.
I am also a MTA buses retiree. I was allowed to keep my cdl in Florida but didn’t have a medical card. So I am not allowed to drive any buses or trucks interstate, only locally, this was what they told me at the drivers license office/ tax collector.
After a bypass surgery, I have always had a yearly medical card and 2 year stress test required has that changed?
@ Tim
No changes from DOT/FMCSA.
How you don gradecdl to regular license do to injury
@ George W. 3rd
You contact your local drivers license department and then follow their guidelines and process.
How does one get their cdl reinstated if it is suspended for failure to update medical card?
@ Eitsew
You will need to contact your local drivers license department for guidance on this issue.
So what did you have to do. I’m going through the same issue right now.