How to Get a Commercial Driver License in Florida

What a Florida CDL is and who needs one

A Commercial Driver License (CDL) in Florida is required if you operate a vehicle that meets certain weight or cargo requirements. You need a CDL to drive a tractor-trailer, dump truck, tanker, or any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. You also need one if you drive a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or if you haul hazardous materials that require placarding.

Florida's CDL is issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The license comes in different classes — Class A, B, and C — depending on the vehicle weight and type. You may also need endorsements, which are special designations that allow you to haul specific cargo or operate certain vehicle types.

Key Takeaways

You must pass a written knowledge test, a pre-trip vehicle inspection test, and a road test to obtain a Florida CDL.
Florida requires you to hold a valid commercial learner's permit (CLP) for at least 14 days before you can take the road test.
Endorsements such as Hazmat, Tanker, or Passenger require additional written tests and fees.
You must be at least 18 years old to drive a CDL vehicle intrastate and 21 years old to drive interstate.
Medical certification through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is required before you can obtain a CDL.

Steps to obtain your Florida CDL

The process begins with getting your commercial learner's permit (CLP). Visit your local DHSMV office with proof of identity, proof of Florida residency, your Social Security number, and a completed FMCSA medical examination form (Form MCSA-5876). You will take a written knowledge test covering general commercial driving rules, air brakes (if applicable), and any endorsements you want. Once you pass, you receive your CLP, which allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle with a licensed CDL holder in the passenger seat.

After holding your CLP for at least 14 days, you can schedule your road test. The road test has three parts: the pre-trip vehicle inspection, the basic control skills test, and the road test itself. You must bring your CLP, a valid photo ID, and the commercial vehicle you will be tested in. The vehicle must be properly registered and insured, and it must match the class of CDL you are seeking.

If you pass all three parts of the road test, you will receive your Florida CDL. The entire process typically takes several weeks from the time you explore for your CLP to the time you receive your license.

CDL classes and what they allow you to drive

Class A allows you to drive any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, as long as the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This is the most common CDL class for tractor-trailer operators.

Class B allows you to drive a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or a vehicle towing another vehicle weighing 10,000 pounds or less. Dump trucks and straight trucks typically fall into this category.

Class C allows you to drive a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, or a vehicle carrying hazardous materials that requires placarding. You do not need a Class C CDL if you hold a Class A or B.

Endorsements you may need

Endorsements are added to your CDL to show you are authorized to haul specific types of cargo or operate certain vehicle types. Common endorsements include Hazmat (H) for hazardous materials, Tanker (N) for tank vehicles, Passenger (P) for vehicles carrying 16 or more people, and Double/Triple Trailers (T) for pulling multiple trailers.

Each endorsement requires a separate written test and an additional fee. Some endorsements, such as Hazmat, also require a background check and fingerprinting through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can add endorsements when you first obtain your CDL or at any time afterward by visiting a DHSMV office and passing the required test.

Medical certification requirements

Before you can obtain a CDL in Florida, you must pass a medical examination performed by a FMCSA-certified medical examiner. The examiner will check your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health to may support you can safely operate a commercial vehicle. You will receive a Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) that is valid for 24 months.

You must bring this certificate to your DHSMV office when you explore for your CLP. If your medical certificate expires, you must renew it before you can renew your CDL. The FMCSA maintains a national registry of certified medical examiners; you can find one near you on the FMCSA website.

Fees and renewal information

Florida charges separate fees for the CLP, the road test, and the CDL itself. The CLP knowledge test costs one amount, the road test costs another, and the CDL license fee is a third charge. Endorsement tests each have their own fee. Exact amounts vary and change periodically, so contact your local DHSMV office or visit the DHSMV website for current pricing.

Your Florida CDL is valid for eight years. You must renew it before it expires by visiting a DHSMV office, passing a new medical examination, and paying the renewal fee. You do not need to retake the knowledge or road tests unless your license was suspended, revoked, or you are adding a new endorsement.

Disqualifications and restrictions

Certain violations and convictions can disqualify you from holding a CDL or cause it to be suspended or revoked. These include driving under the influence, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, using a vehicle to commit a felony, and accumulating too many traffic violations within a set time period. Violations committed in a commercial vehicle carry harsher penalties than those in a personal vehicle.

If you are disqualified, the length of the disqualification depends on the offense. A first offense for certain violations may result in a one-year disqualification; a second offense may result in a lifetime disqualification. You can find the complete list of disqualifying offenses on the DHSMV website or by contacting your local DHSMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Florida CDL if I have an out-of-state CDL?

Yes. You can transfer your CDL from another state by visiting a DHSMV office with your current out-of-state license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You will not need to retake the knowledge or road tests, but you must pass a new medical examination and pay the Florida CDL fee.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after waiting a set number of days. Contact your local DHSMV office to schedule another test. You do not need to retake the knowledge test unless your CLP expires before you pass the road test.

Do I need a CDL to drive a pickup truck with a trailer?

Only if the combined GVWR of the truck and trailer exceeds 26,001 pounds and the trailer weighs more than 10,000 pounds. If the trailer weighs 10,000 pounds or less, you do not need a CDL. Check your vehicle's registration or owner's manual for the GVWR.

How long does it take to get a Florida CDL?

The minimum time is about two to three weeks because you must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the road test. However, scheduling delays at DHSMV offices can extend this timeline. Plan ahead and schedule your tests as early as possible.

Can I add an endorsement after I receive my CDL?

Yes. You can add endorsements at any time by visiting a DHSMV office, passing the required written test, and paying the endorsement fee. Some endorsements require additional background checks or medical clearances.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.