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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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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.
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.