Florida CDL Requirements

The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) department issues CDLs through county tax collector offices. Florida offers Class A, B, and C CDLs following federal weight classifications. Minimum age is 18 for intrastate and 21 for interstate. Florida requires a valid Florida driver license, Social Security number, and two forms of identity documentation. Unique to Florida, the state accepts military CDL skills test waivers — active duty and recently separated (within 2 years) military personnel with qualifying military vehicle experience can waive the CDL skills test entirely. This makes Florida one of the most military-friendly CDL states. ELDT requirements apply for all new CDL applicants and endorsement upgrades since February 2022. Florida has approximately 180 registered ELDT providers, concentrated in the Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami metro areas.

Florida CDL testing includes written knowledge exams at tax collector offices and skills tests at FLHSMV-authorized locations. The CDL fee is $75 for an original license (8-year validity). Knowledge tests are $10 per attempt. Florida allows third-party CDL skills testing, which significantly reduces wait times compared to states like California. Third-party test sites charge $250-$500 for the skills exam. FLHSMV direct testing is available at select locations for $25 per attempt. Florida offers knowledge tests in English and Spanish. The CLP is valid for 180 days and costs $50. Florida has a unique provision allowing CDL applicants to complete their road test on a closed course in addition to public roads, depending on the test site. Applicants who fail the skills test can retest after 14 days, with no limit on total attempts (though each attempt requires a new fee).

Florida offers all standard CDL endorsements. The Hazmat endorsement requires a TSA background check ($86.50) and a state fingerprint fee of $42, processed through Florida's Livescan system. Total Hazmat cost in Florida is approximately $139. The Tanker endorsement is in high demand for Florida's fuel distribution industry — the state has no pipelines to South Florida, meaning all fuel arrives by truck or tanker barge. The Passenger endorsement is popular due to Florida's tourism industry, with demand for bus operators in Orlando and Miami. The School Bus endorsement requires a separate driving test plus a Level 2 background screening through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Florida does not charge a separate fee for adding endorsements to an existing CDL. The doubles/triples endorsement sees limited use since Florida does not permit triple trailers on its roads.

Florida CDL school costs range from $3,500-$8,000 for Class A programs running 3-6 weeks. Notable programs include Southeast CDL Training (various FL locations), Roadmaster Drivers School (Tampa, Jacksonville — one of the nation's largest CDL schools), and Florida State College at Jacksonville. Community colleges such as Polk State College and Palm Beach State College offer affordable programs at $2,000-$4,500. Florida's CareerSource system provides WIOA training funds for eligible applicants, covering up to $6,000 in tuition. Veterans benefit from Florida's strong VA-approved training network and can use GI Bill at most accredited programs. Florida Prepaid College Plans can be applied to eligible CDL training at state colleges. Several Florida-based carriers (Southeastern Freight Lines, PSC Group) offer tuition assistance with service commitments. The Florida Trucking Association maintains a training provider directory.