Florida's Trucking Regulations in 2019

Florida DOT Regulations for Trucks in 2019 generated $10 billion in revenue for the long-haul freight trucking industry in the state. This industry plays a crucial role in the overall economy by connecting consumer demand with the supply of goods, transporting everything from fresh produce to pharmaceuticals. To ensure safe and efficient operations, the trucking industry is subject to a comprehensive set of laws and regulations at both the state and federal levels.

Truckers must adhere to rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and, in some cases, comply with state-specific regulations when operating within a particular state. In this article, we will focus on the specific regulations applicable to truckers in Florida.

Florida DMV Commercial Vehicle Definition:
The Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) categorizes Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) as vehicles or vehicle combinations not owned by the government, with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) exceeding 26,000 lbs. or equipped with three or more axles, regardless of the vehicle's weight.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Florida:
To operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in Florida, drivers must obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL). Applicants must first hold an Operator's License before applying for a CDL.

New CDL applicants must 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 obtain a CLP, applicants must:

Possess a Florida driver's license.
Pass a vision test.
Pass the knowledge test.
Pass the Division of Driver Licenses medical examination.
Provide proof of identity and residency.
Present driving records for the past 10 years.
Pay the required fee.
After meeting 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. It's important to note that while the minimum age to apply for a CDL is 18, 18-year-old applicants can only drive intrastate within Florida. To drive interstate, applicants must be at least 21 years old.

CDL License Classes in Florida:
Florida offers different CDL license classes based on the types of vehicles a driver intends to operate:

CDL Class A License:
Allows operation of trucks or truck combinations weighing 26,001 lbs. or more.
Permits towing of vehicles or units weighing more than 10,000 lbs.
To obtain a Class A CDL, applicants must pass various tests, including the general knowledge test, combinations vehicle test, air brakes test (if applicable), pre-trip test, basic skills test, CDL road test, and any applicable exams for desired endorsements.

CDL Class B License:
Allows operation of straight buses or trucks weighing 26,001 lbs. or more.
To obtain a Class B CDL, applicants must pass the general knowledge test, air brakes test (if applicable), pre-trip test, basic skills test, CDL road test, and any applicable exams for desired endorsements.

CDL Class C License:
Allows operation of vehicles transporting placarded quantities of hazardous materials.
Permits operation of vehicles designed to transport 15 or more passengers (including the driver) with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 lbs.
To obtain a Class C CDL, applicants must pass the general knowledge test, air brakes test (if applicable), pre-trip test, basic skills test, CDL road test, and any applicable exams for desired endorsements.

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

H endorsement – Placarded Hazmat: Required for transporting placarded hazardous materials.
N endorsement – Tank Vehicles: Required for driving tank vehicles.
P endorsement – Passengers: Required for driving vehicles designed to transport more than 15 persons (including the driver).
S endorsement - School Bus: Required for transporting pre-primary, primary, or secondary school students to and from home and school or school-sponsored events.
T endorsement – Double/Triple Trailers: Required for 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 can be completed at local service centers and requires the submission of supporting documents, including proof of identity, proof of Florida insurance, and a completed HSMV form 82040 (Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration). Additionally, applicants must pay an initial registration fee of $225 and a base vehicle tax based on vehicle type, class code, and registration use. Upon completion, owners receive a metal number plate, registration certificate, and a registration decal sticker to be placed on the upper right corner of the license plate.

CDL Holders Transferring from Canada or Other States:
CDL holders with a valid out-of-state or Canadian Commercial Driver License can have their license reciprocated by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). However, applicants with a hazmat endorsement must reapply for the endorsement, which involves tests and fees, along with background checks.

Military CDL Waiver for Florida:
Military members or ex-military personnel applying for a CDL based on their military experience must pass all necessary knowledge and endorsement tests. They must also 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. The CDL must be issued within 120 days of separation from service, and military personnel are exempt only from taking the skills tests.

Florida CDL Medical Certification:
Federal regulations require all CDL holders to certify with the State's Driver License Agency in one of four categories before obtaining or renewing a CDL. Failure to provide valid medical documentation may result in the denial or disqualification of the CDL. The categories are:

Non-excepted Interstate (Category A): For those operating in interstate commerce.
Excepted Interstate (Category B): For those operating in interstate commerce but engaging in exempted operations.
Non-excepted Intrastate (Category C): For those operating only in intrastate commerce in Florida, meeting state medical certification requirements.
Excepted Intrastate (Category D): For those operating only in intrastate commerce in Florida but engaging in exempted operations.
CDL holders must maintain their medical certification or downgrade to a non-commercial license if not specifically categorized as B or D. Changing from an exempted category to a non-exempted one requires recertification and proof of valid medical certification.

Florida CDL License Costs:
The Division of Driver Licenses charges the following fees in Florida:

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 monitored and enforced by the Florida Highway Patrol Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (OCVE).

Limitations on Size and Weight:
Florida imposes various size and weight restrictions on commercial trucks: