Florida CDL Resources

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)

This page collects official CDL resources for Florida: the state licensing agency, CDL handbook, testing locations, and renewal information. All links go directly to official Florida government sources. Requirements change — always verify current procedures directly with the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

Official resources to check first

Florida CDL licensing is managed by FLHSMV. Verify current requirements at flhsmv.gov.

CDL Licensing · Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Florida CDL — Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/commercial-motor-vehicle-drivers/commercial-driver-license/
CDL Manual / Handbook · Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Florida CDL Driver Manual https://www.flhsmv.gov/resources/handbooks-manuals/
State Driver Licensing Agency · Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) — Main Website https://www.flhsmv.gov/

CDL licensing process in Florida

Florida CDL applicants apply through a Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) driver license office. Knowledge tests (general knowledge plus applicable endorsements) must be passed before a Commercial Learner's Permit is issued. The CLP must be held at least 14 days before the CDL skills test. Federal ELDT applies to new Class A and B applicants. Skills tests may be conducted at a third-party tester authorized by FLHSMV, in addition to state testing locations.

Florida-specific requirements

Florida CDL holders who transport school children must have a school bus endorsement — Florida requires both a knowledge test and a specific skills test. Passenger endorsement is required for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more persons. Florida hazardous materials endorsement applicants must complete a TSA background check before the endorsement is issued. Verify current fees, appointment availability, and any state-specific medical certification steps at flhsmv.gov.

Before you apply or renew

These steps apply regardless of state. Verify each requirement directly with the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) before beginning the application process.

  • Verify your CDL class (A, B, or C) matches the vehicles you intend to operate.
  • Check whether you need endorsements (HazMat, Tanker, Passenger, School Bus, Doubles/Triples) and confirm state testing requirements for each.
  • Confirm you hold a valid DOT medical certificate (MCSA-5876) and that it is current before applying or renewing.
  • If you are a new CDL applicant, confirm whether ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) applies to your situation — see the ELDT overview.
  • Gather required documents — identity, residency, and any existing license — before visiting a testing location.
  • Confirm current fees and testing appointment availability directly with the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

Medical certificate

CDL holders operating in interstate commerce must carry a current DOT medical certificate issued by a certified medical examiner on the FMCSA National Registry. Florida state requirements for submitting or updating medical certification vary — check the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) website for the current procedure.

Medical Examiner Search · Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) FMCSA National Registry — Find a Certified Medical Examiner https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/

For Florida-specific medical certificate submission procedures, start at the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) website .

ELDT — Entry-Level Driver Training

Federal ELDT requirements apply to new Class A and Class B CDL applicants and to certain endorsements. Training must be completed at a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) does not administer ELDT — training is completed at a registered provider before you schedule the skills test.

Federal references

Important: CDL List collects links to official Florida government resources as a reference. We do not maintain state CDL rules, forms, or fees. Requirements change — always verify current procedures directly with the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) before taking any action.

Last reviewed: May 29, 2026. Links go to official state agency websites. Verify that your browser shows the official state government domain before submitting any forms or payments.