What Disqualifies You from Getting a CDL in Florida?

Earning a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Florida can lead to a stable, high-demand career in trucking and transportation. But before you apply, it’s important to know what disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Florida. Both federal rules from the FMCSA and Florida state laws (through FLHSMV) set strict standards to ensure only safe and qualified drivers are licensed. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common CDL disqualifications in Florida, from criminal offenses to medical restrictions, so you’ll know exactly what could keep you from getting approved or cause your CDL to be revoked.

What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Florida?

Seven factors can disqualify you from obtaining or holding a CDL in Florida. These include criminal convictions, driving offenses, medical issues, and license suspensions. Let’s explore each in detail.

1. Felony convictions

Felony convictions

Certain felony convictions can prevent you from getting or keeping a CDL in Florida. While not every felony is disqualifying, offenses involving the use of a commercial vehicle, drug trafficking, human trafficking, or violent crimes may make you ineligible. Federal regulations require stricter penalties when a commercial vehicle is used in the commission of a felony.

Key disqualifying felonies include:

• Using a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to commit a felony.
• Vehicular manslaughter.
• Human trafficking-related offenses.
• Distribution of controlled substances using a CMV.

In most cases, these offenses can lead to a lifetime disqualification from holding a CDL, with very limited reinstatement options.

2. DUI and drug-related violations

DUI and drug-related violations

Driving under the influence (DUI) or operating under the influence of controlled substances is one of the most common reasons for CDL disqualification. Florida follows zero tolerance for CDL holders: a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% (half the legal limit for non-commercial drivers) is enough to disqualify you.

Here is the detail of the qualification periods:

• First DUI (while operating a CMV): Disqualification for 1 year (3 years if transporting hazardous materials).
• Second DUI: Lifetime CDL ban.
• Refusing a drug/alcohol test: Treated the same as a DUI, resulting in immediate disqualification.
• Drug-related felonies: Can also trigger permanent bans.

3. Serious traffic violations

Serious traffic violations

Even without a felony or DUI, serious traffic offenses can disqualify you from a CDL. Florida follows federal CDL regulations that define serious violations, such as:

• Reckless driving.
• Excessive speeding (15 mph or more over the posted limit).
• Following another vehicle too closely.
• Improper lane changes.
• Driving without a valid CDL.

Accumulating two or more serious traffic violations within 3 years results in a 60-day disqualification. Three violations within 3 years can result in a 120-day disqualification.

4. Leaving the scene of an accident

Leaving the scene of an accident

Fleeing the scene of an accident, especially when operating a commercial vehicle, is considered a major offense.

• First offense: 1-year disqualification
• Second offense: Lifetime CDL disqualification

This applies whether or not the accident involved injuries.

5. Medical conditions

Medical conditions

Commercial drivers must meet strict medical fitness standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A certified medical examiner must verify that you can safely operate a CMV. The following are some conditions that may disqualify you:

• Uncontrolled epilepsy or seizure disorders
• Severe heart conditions (e.g., recent heart attack without clearance)
• Vision below FMCSA requirements (20/40 vision in each eye)
• Hearing loss that does not meet federal minimums
• Insulin-dependent diabetes (unless cleared under FMCSA’s exemption program)
• Certain mental health conditions that impair safe driving.

Drivers must provide a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT medical card) to maintain CDL eligibility.

6. License suspensions or revocations

If your non-commercial driver’s license is currently suspended, revoked, or canceled, you are automatically ineligible to obtain or hold a CDL in Florida. Common reasons for suspension include:

• Accumulating too many points on your license
• Failing to pay child support
• Driving without insurance
• Previous DUI (even in a non-commercial vehicle)

You must first reinstate your regular license before applying for or renewing a CDL.

7. Out-of-service orders

An out-of-service order is issued by law enforcement or the Department of Transportation when a commercial driver or vehicle is deemed unsafe to operate. This could happen due to mechanical failures, driver fatigue, alcohol or drug use, or violations of federal hours-of-service regulations.

Ignoring such an order demonstrates a disregard for safety laws and comes with severe penalties:

• First violation: A minimum CDL disqualification of 90 days.
• Second violation (within 10 years): At least 1 year of CDL disqualification.
• Three or more violations (within 10 years): A minimum of 3 years’ disqualification.

How to regain CDL eligibility in Florida

How to regain CDL eligibility in Florida

Losing your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Florida due to disqualification can feel overwhelming, especially if driving is your livelihood. The good news is that in many cases, drivers can regain CDL eligibility after meeting specific state and federal requirements. Below, we outline the steps you need to take to reinstate your CDL in Florida and get back on the road.

Serve the disqualification period

The first step in regaining CDL eligibility is to complete the mandatory disqualification period. The length of time depends on the type of violation:

• First DUI offense: Minimum one-year disqualification.
• Second DUI offense: Lifetime CDL disqualification (may be eligible for reinstatement after 10 years in some cases).
• Out-of-service order violations: 90 days to 3 years, depending on the number of violations.
• Serious traffic violations: Disqualification periods range from 60 days to 120 days.

It is important to note that some offenses, such as using a commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony involving controlled substances, can lead to a lifetime CDL ban without reinstatement.

Pay all fines and fees

Before reinstatement, all related traffic fines, court costs, and reinstatement fees must be paid in full. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires proof that all outstanding financial obligations have been satisfied.

Complete required education or treatment programs

Depending on the violation, Florida may require:

• DUI school or alcohol treatment programs for drivers disqualified due to impaired driving.
• Driver improvement courses for repeated traffic violations.
• Medical evaluations or updated DOT physical exams if the disqualification was due to medical reasons.

Completion certificates must typically be submitted to FLHSMV before reinstatement can proceed.

Request a CDL reinstatement hearing

In certain cases, especially with lifetime disqualifications, you may request a CDL reinstatement hearing. The FLHSMV may consider reinstating your CDL after a minimum waiting period (often 10 years for lifetime disqualifications related to DUI).

At the hearing, you must demonstrate:

• Completion of all court-ordered requirements.
• Evidence of rehabilitation (e.g., alcohol treatment programs, clean driving record).
• Proof that reinstating your CDL will not pose a public safety risk.

FAQs

1. What felonies disqualify you from getting a CDL in Florida?

Not all felonies will automatically disqualify you, but serious offenses involving the use of a commercial vehicle almost always do. Examples include:

• Use of a vehicle in the commission of a felony
• Vehicular manslaughter.
• Human trafficking.
• Distribution of controlled substances using a CMV.

In most of these cases, the penalty is lifetime CDL disqualification, though in limited situations, reinstatement may be possible after 10 years.

2. How long after a DUI can you get a CDL in Florida?

• First DUI (CMV or personal vehicle): 1-year disqualification (3 years if transporting hazardous materials). 
• Second DUI: Lifetime CDL ban, possible reinstatement after 10 years in some cases
• Refusal to submit to chemical testing: Treated as a DUI; 1-year for first refusal, permanent for subsequent refusals

Final thoughts

Staying eligible for a CDL in Florida ultimately comes down to one core principle: practicing safe, responsible driving and complying with state and federal requirements. Now that you understand what disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Florida, you’re better equipped to avoid costly mistakes that could jeopardize your career. If you’re just beginning your CDL journey, take time to carefully review Florida’s CDL handbook and federal FMCSA regulations so you’re fully aware of the rules before applying.