CDL state guide
Florida CDL Requirements — Complete Guide (2026)
Get your CDL in Florida. Learn the knowledge test requirements, fees, minimum age, CLP process, and where to apply for your Florida Commercial Driver's License. This guide is a planning page built from official Florida FLHSMV source links, with reminders to verify final fees and test availability before you apply.
Quick answer
Start with the CLP, medical certification, and the General Knowledge test
Most Florida CDL applicants need a valid regular driver license, must be at least 18 for intrastate commercial driving or 21 for interstate operation, and must pass the required knowledge tests before the CDL skills test. The CLP must be held at least 14 days before skills testing.
At a glance
Florida CDL at a glance
| Minimum age | 18 intrastate / 21 interstate |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge test | 50 questions, 80% to pass |
| CLP fee | Verify FLHSMV driver license fee schedule |
| CDL fee | $75 original/renewal CDL; endorsements are commonly listed separately |
| CLP holding period | 14 days minimum before the CDL skills test |
| CDL valid for | Usually up to 8 years |
| Issuing agency | Florida FLHSMV |
Classes
CDL classes available in Florida
Florida follows the federal CDL class structure: Class A for qualifying combination vehicles, Class B for many single heavy vehicles, and Class C for certain passenger or hazardous-material vehicles below Class A/B thresholds. The class you apply for should match the vehicle you will test in and the commercial work you plan to do.
Florida FLHSMV states CDL applicants need an operator license, vision screening, Florida residency proof, and must be at least 18; under-21 drivers are intrastate-only.
Process
How to get your CDL in Florida
- Confirm eligibility with Florida FLHSMV and make sure your regular driver license is valid.
- Complete any required DOT medical certification and keep your medical status current.
- Study the official Florida CDL manual before taking knowledge tests.
- Pass General Knowledge and any class or endorsement tests needed for your CLP.
- Hold the CLP for at least 14 days and practice with a qualified CDL holder when required.
- Complete ELDT when it applies, especially for first-time Class A/B, Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus paths.
- Florida uses driver license service centers and state-authorized third-party CDL skills testers.
Confirm service center availability, third-party tester rules, and whether your class or endorsement requires extra testing.
Knowledge tests
CDL knowledge tests in Florida
The General Knowledge test is the common starting point. Additional tests depend on your class, vehicle, air-brake system, cargo, and endorsements. Test counts below are practical planning figures; verify the current testing screen and endorsement list with Florida FLHSMV.
| Test | Questions | Passing score | When it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 questions | 80% | Required starting test for most CDL applicants. |
| Air Brakes | Usually 25 questions | 80% | Needed if the vehicle has air brakes and you do not want an air-brake restriction. |
| Combination Vehicles | Usually 20 questions | 80% | Common for Class A combination vehicle applicants. |
| Hazardous Materials | Usually 30 questions | 80% | Requires extra federal/TSA and ELDT steps when applicable. |
| Passenger | Usually 20 questions | 80% | Needed for passenger-carrying commercial vehicles. |
| School Bus | Usually 20 questions | 80% | Usually requires Passenger plus school-bus-specific testing. |
| Tank Vehicle | Usually 20 questions | 80% | Needed for qualifying tank vehicles or certain liquid/gas cargo. |
Endorsements
CDL endorsements in Florida
Florida CDL applicants can usually pursue the standard federal endorsements: H Hazardous Materials, N Tank Vehicle, P Passenger, S School Bus, T Double/Triple Trailers, and X Tanker plus Hazmat. Hazmat, Passenger, and School Bus paths can involve extra checks, ELDT, or skills-test requirements.
Fees
Florida CDL fees
| CLP application fee | Verify FLHSMV driver license fee schedule |
|---|---|
| CDL application/license fee | $75 original/renewal CDL; endorsements are commonly listed separately |
| Skills test fee | May be separate if a third-party skills tester is used; confirm with Florida FLHSMV or the approved tester. |
| Endorsement fees | Often listed separately by endorsement or transaction; verify before adding Hazmat, Passenger, School Bus, Tanker, or other endorsements. |
| Renewal fee | Renewal cost can differ from original issuance. Check your state fee schedule before renewal. |
Official resources
Official Florida CDL resources
Study path
Next steps for Florida CDL prep
FAQ
Florida CDL questions
How old do I need to be to get a CDL in Florida?
Plan for 18 for intrastate commercial driving and 21 for interstate driving, hazardous materials, and many cross-state jobs. Verify final restrictions with Florida FLHSMV.
How long do I have to hold a CLP in Florida?
Federal CDL rules require at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. Florida may add scheduling or documentation steps.
What score do I need on CDL knowledge tests?
Use 80% as the planning benchmark for CDL knowledge tests unless Florida FLHSMV states a different rule for a specific test.
Where should I verify Florida CDL fees?
Use the official Florida FLHSMV CDL page, fee schedule, or office because CLP, CDL, endorsement, renewal, duplicate, and skills-test fees can be listed separately.
Other state CDL guides
Compare nearby state CDL rules
Commercial driver license fees, testing offices, and skills-test scheduling can differ across state lines. Use these related state pages when comparing CDL paths.
Source note: Last checked June 29, 2026 against the official Florida FLHSMV CDL page and linked manual/office resources. US Permit Prep is independent and not affiliated with any DMV, state agency, or FMCSA.
