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Get your Florida CDL — government fees ($150), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
Official website →$150
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,500-$7,000
TRAINING COST
8 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Obtain Florida Class E License
Must hold a valid Florida Class E driver's license before applying for a CDL.
Gather Required Documents
Collect proof of identity, Social Security number, Florida residency (6+ months), and valid Medical Examiner's Certificate.
Residency requires 6+ consecutive months of documented presence
Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit a tax collector's office or FLHSMV service center, pass vision exam and CDL knowledge test(s) to receive your CLP.
CLP valid for 12 months
Fee: $75Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a provider registered on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
Required for first-time CDL applicants
Hold CLP for Minimum 14 Days
Practice driving with a qualified CDL holder in the passenger seat.
Schedule and Pass CDL Skills Test
Pass all three segments: vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and road test. Tests conducted in English only.
Must provide your own vehicle representative of the CDL class
Fee: $0 (included; $20 retest fee)Receive CDL
Pay CDL fee and receive your commercial driver license.
Fee: $75Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($75) + CDL ($75) + state skills test ($0)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $0
Skills test included in initial CDL fee; $20 retest fee per attempt if failed
Three-Part Exam
Third-party testing providers available; required for passenger and school bus endorsement skills exams
Third-party fee: $100–$400 (Varies by third-party provider)
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a Florida resident for more than 6 consecutive months with qualifying documentation
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $7 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $7 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $7 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $7 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $14 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $7 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$75
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
8 years
Renewal Fee
$75
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
HAZMAT endorsement requires retesting and new TSA background check at renewal. Medical certificates must be submitted electronically as of December 2025.
Regulatory Board
Visit a local tax collector's office or FLHSMV service center, surrender out-of-state CDL, pass vision exam, and pay fees. Skills test generally waived for valid out-of-state CDL holders.
Transfer Fee
$75
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing Florida residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening only; skills test waived for valid CDL transfers
Military personnel and veterans discharged within 90 days (or 1 year for FL National Guard) may have CDL skills test waived. Must present Certification for Waiver of Skill Test form completed by commanding officer. Process must be completed and CDL issued within 120 days of separation. School bus and passenger endorsement skills tests cannot be waived.
Eligibility
Active duty or honorably discharged within 90 days (1 year for FL National Guard/reserves) with at least 2 years of military CMV operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Florida.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Florida range from $3,500 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unique to Florida
Florida has a strict 6-month residency requirement for CDL applicants with qualifying documentation. All tests must be conducted in English with no interpreter assistance. Florida CDLs are valid for 8 years. School board CDLs have a reduced fee of $48.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Florida.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#46 of 51
Cost
#36 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$45,060
25th percentile
Median
$50,000
-13% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$62,190
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
105,730 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Florida.