CDL Truck Driver in Florida
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for FL
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.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Florida
| Detail | Florida |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| 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. |
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 |
CDL Truck Driver Salary in Florida
The median cdl truck driver salary in Florida is $50,000 per year, which is 13.0% below the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,870 |
| 25th | $45,060 |
| 50th (median) | $50,000 |
| 75th | $62,190 |
| 90th (experienced) | $75,910 |
Florida employs approximately 105,730 cdl truck drivers.
CDL Truck Driver Job Outlook
AI Impact on CDL Truck Drivers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.15/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a CDL Truck Driver in Florida Worth It?
Factors to consider: Florida's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.