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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
June 23, 2025: FMCSA electronic reporting requirements for DOT Medical Certificates will be fully enforced.
See detailed information at FMCSA Medical Examiner Certificate Reporting Requirements for CDL Drivers
CDL Drivers
The good news:
• You no longer have to go through the hassles of updating your medical card with your SDLA.
• You no longer have to carry your medical card with you.
Is there ‘not so good’ news?
Safeguard your CDL! How does the new DOT Medical Certificate reporting process affect your CDL?
Non-CDL Drivers
The electronic reporting requirements do not affect non-CDL drivers.
• The medical examiner must give you a physical MEC Form MCSA-5876.
• You should keep your medical certificate available at all times whilst driving a CMV.
• You will still need to provide a copy of the MEC to the companies you work for.
Your Feedback Is Welcome
Dealing with Federal DOT Regulations across the board is tough enough!
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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.