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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…
To help us all avoid the black eye experience — AARGH! —
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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