CDL Truck Driver in Florida
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for FL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Florida.
Jobs (FL)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cdl truck driver in Florida
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Florida, you must obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing the CDL General Knowledge and Skills Tests, and submitting an application with a fee of approximately $75 for the initial license. Applicants must be at least 18 for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate commerce and possess a valid DOT medical certificate. Florida offers reciprocity for out-of-state and Canadian CDLs, though Hazmat endorsements require reapplication.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Florida. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Florida requirements
| Licensing body | Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test |
| Application fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 8.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required and must be electronically submitted by a certified medical examiner. Fees are approximately $75 for the initial license/CLP plus $7 per endorsement. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and vary (around $100-$500). Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for new applicants, those upgrading a Class B to Class A CDL, or those obtaining S, P, or H endorsements for the first time. Proof of Florida residency is required. |
workspace_premium Florida license tiers
Florida offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleFlorida license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk