Florida DOT Regulations for Trucks: A Comprehensive Guide

In 2019, the long-haul freight trucking industry in Florida played a pivotal role in generating $10 billion in revenue, underscoring its undeniable significance to the state's economy. The trucking industry serves as the critical link between consumer demand and the supply chain, ensuring that everything from fresh produce to pharmaceuticals reaches its destination promptly. Given its extensive reach, the trucking industry is subject to a complex web of state and federal regulations designed to ensure safety and compliance.

Truckers operating in Florida are expected to adhere to rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as well as specific state regulations. In this article, we will delve into the specific rules and regulations that pertain to truckers operating within the state of Florida.

Florida DMV Commercial Vehicle Definition

The Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) classifies Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) as any vehicle or combination of vehicles not under government ownership with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) exceeding 26,000 lbs. or equipped with three or more axles, regardless of the vehicle's weight.

Becoming a Truck Driver in Florida

To qualify for operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in Florida, drivers must obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL). Applicants are required to hold an Operator's License before applying for a CDL.

New CDL applicants must first obtain a Conditional Learner's Permit (CLP), allowing them to practice driving commercial vehicles on public roads under the supervision of a qualified CDL holder. To secure a CLP, applicants must meet several criteria, including holding a Florida driver's license, passing vision and knowledge tests, undergoing a Division of Drivers Licenses medical examination, providing proof of identity and residency, submitting driving records for the past 10 years, and paying the requisite fees.

After fulfilling these requirements, applicants must wait for 14 days before taking the vehicle driving skills test, which includes a vehicle inspection test, basic controls test, and a commercial driving road test. The minimum age to apply for a CDL is 18, but 18-year-old applicants can only drive intrastate within Florida; interstate driving requires a minimum age of 21.

The CDL knowledge tests are available in multiple languages, and, with the exception of the hazardous materials test, can be taken orally in English or Spanish. Interpreters are generally not permitted during the tests.

CDL License Classes in Florida

Florida offers three main classes of CDL licenses:

CDL Class A License: Holders of a Class A CDL are authorized to operate trucks or truck combinations weighing 26,001 lbs. or more, as well as towing vehicles or units exceeding 10,000 lbs.

CDL Class B License: Class B CDL holders can operate straight buses or trucks with a GVW of 26,001 lbs. or more.

CDL Class C License: This license allows drivers to operate vehicles transporting placarded quantities of hazardous materials or designed to transport 15 or more passengers (including the driver) with a GVWR of less than 26,001 lbs.

To obtain each class of CDL, applicants must pass various tests, including the general knowledge test, air brakes test (if applicable), pre-trip test, basic skills test, CDL road test, and any applicable endorsement exams.

CDL Endorsements in Florida

Endorsements authorize CDL holders to operate specific types of vehicles. Florida offers several endorsements for Class A, B, or C commercial licenses, including:

H endorsement: Required for transporting placarded hazardous materials.
N endorsement: Necessary for driving tank vehicles.
P endorsement: Required for operating passenger vehicles designed to transport more than 15 persons (including the driver).
S endorsement: Needed for transporting school students.
T endorsement: Permits driving double or triple tractor-trailer vehicles (note that triple trailers are not allowed on Florida roads).
X endorsement: Issued to those who qualify for H and N endorsements.
Florida DMV Commercial Vehicle Registration

All vehicles operating in Florida must be registered with the DOT. The initial registration process can be completed at local service centers, where applicants must provide identity proof, proof of Florida insurance, and a completed HSMV form 82040 (Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration). An initial registration fee of $225, along with a base vehicle tax determined by vehicle type, is required. Registration fees vary based on the class code, license plate type, and registration use. Upon completion, owners receive a metal number plate, registration certificate, and a decal sticker to be affixed to the upper right corner of the license plate.

CDL Holders Transferring from Canada or Other States

Applicants holding valid out-of-state or Canadian Commercial Driver Licenses can have their licenses reciprocated by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). However, those with a hazmat endorsement must reapply for this endorsement, undergoing the requisite tests, fee payments, and background checks.

Military CDL Waiver for Florida

Military members or ex-military personnel seeking a CDL based on their military experience must pass all required knowledge and endorsement tests. Additionally, they must present a Certification for Waiver of Skill Test for Military Personnel form filled out by their commanding officer during active duty or within 90 days of separation from service. This process must be completed, and the CDL issued within 120 days of separation from service. Military personnel are now exempt only from taking skills tests.

Florida CDL Medical Certification

Federal regulations mandate that all CDL holders certify their status with the State's Driver License Agency in one of four categories before obtaining or renewing their CDL. Compliance is essential for maintaining a valid CDL:

Non-excepted Interstate (Category A): For those operating or planning to operate in interstate commerce, federal medical certification is required.
Excepted Interstate (Category B): For those exclusively engaged in operations exempt from federal medical certification requirements while operating in interstate commerce.
Non-excepted Intrastate (Category C): For drivers operating solely within the state of Florida, state medical certification requirements must be met.
Excepted Intrastate (Category D): For those engaged exclusively in intrastate commerce that qualifies for exception from state medical certification requirements.
CDL holders can no longer claim exemption from medical certification requirements if they are not operating in non-excepted interstate or intrastate commerce. Those in exempt categories B or D must maintain their medical certification or downgrade to a non-commercial license if not explicitly included in category B or D. Changing from an exempt to a non-exempt type of operation necessitates recertification and proof of valid medical certification.

CDL License Costs in Florida

The Division of Driver Licenses charges the following fees:

Fresh CDL issuance or renewal: $75
Endorsements: $7 per endorsement
Knowledge exam re-test: $10
Skills exam re-test: $20
All trucking operations in Florida are enforced by the Florida Highway Patrol Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (OCVE).

Size and Weight Limitations

Florida imposes various limitations on commercial trucks' size and weight:

Commercial trucks in Florida cannot exceed a height of 13.6 feet.
Automobile transporter semi-trailers are permitted to reach a maximum height of 14 feet, including their cargo