Becoming a commercial driver in Florida offers a rewarding career in a high-demand industry like commercial trucking, but it does come with some costs. Understanding “How much does it cost to get a CDL license in Florida” is important in helping you plan for the journey ahead. Generally, the cost of a CDL in Florida is anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000. In this article, we will break down all the costs that you can expect in acquiring your CDL, from medical exam fees to licensing itself. Keep reading to set you up with your budget and point the way to a successful commercial driving career.
How much does it cost to get a CDL license in Florida?
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle, the following is a detailed breakdown of each cost you can expect along the way to obtain a Florida CDL:
Medical examination fee
All applicants for a CDL in Florida must provide medical documentation to demonstrate their physical fitness. For certain vehicles and driving types, you are required to obtain a Medical Card – MEC issued by an FMCSA-approved medical professional. The fee for this medical check ranges from $50 to $150, depending on the service provider and your case.
CDL training fee
This is the highest cost that you need to incur to obtain a CDL in Florida. The fee generally varies between $3,000 and $7,000 for classroom training along with practice driving. However, the cost will depend on your choice in certain aspects, including:
- Types and reputation of the school.
- The coverage of the training program.
- Your living expenses are needed while participating in training.
CDL license fee
After completing all training and testing, you will have to pay for the CDL license fee to get your physical CDL. The original CDL in Florida costs $75. Some counties collect extra administrative fees, with an added value of about $6.25 to the overall cost.
Additional fees and considerations
In addition to the base costs listed above, there are extra fees you can be required to pay depending on your need or special cases. Here are additional expenses you could expect:
- Study materials and miscellaneous fees: An extra $50 to $200 can be added to the overall cost for study materials and courses (if have), or administrative fees.
- Replacement of CDL: If you lose, damage, or need any updates to your CDL, there is a $25 replacement fee. Veterans in addition to the “Veteran” designation can receive a no-charge replacement.
- Renewal fee: When renewing your CDL, you must pay the cost similar to the original license fee, $75.
- Endorsements: If you add endorsements to qualify for other driving areas of expertise the charge will be $7 per endorsement. However, if you want to haul hazardous materials, you must undergo a hazardous materials background check and fingerprinting with the additional cost of $91.
- Retest fees: To retake a test, you will have to pay $10 plus an additional $6.25 tax collector fee for the knowledge retest and $20 for the skills retest.
- Late fee: If you apply for renewal after the expiration date, you will be charged a late fee of $15.
- Non-domiciled CDL: If you are not a resident of the U.S., you can be issued a Florida CDL with a fee of $121. This license has the validity as the same as your lawful presence expiration.
Note: Florida does not charge for the Commercial Learner’s Permit – CLP, application, or the first testing. This makes getting a Florida CDL more affordable for its citizens.
In summary, the total cost to obtain CDL in Florida normally ranges from $3,200 upwards to over $8,000 depending on the CDL training, endorsements, and other additional services. The cost breakdown is as the table below:
| Fees | Cost range |
| Medical examination | $50 – $150 |
| CDL training | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| CDL license | $75 |
| Replacement CDL | $25 |
| Renewal | Similar to the initial CDL license |
| Endorsements | $7 each |
| Retest (written/skills test) | $16.25 for the written tests and $20 for the skills test |
| Miscellaneous (materials, administrative, etc) | $50 – $150 |
| Non-domiciled CDL | $121 |
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to get your CDL class A in Florida?
The cost to obtain a Class A CDL in Florida typically ranges from $3,200 to $8,000. This covers CDL training, medical checkups, and the license fee for a CDL. However, this amount may differ with the school you choose, the type of training program, and whether you decide to add any endorsements to your license.
2. How much does a Florida permit test cost?
The CLP test is free of charge in Florida. This makes getting your CDL more budget-friendly compared to other states. However, if you fail the written test or let your permit expire, you must retake the test with the charge of $16.25.
3. How much does a class B license cost in Florida?
The price for a CDL Class B license in Florida is $75 for the license alone. Other fees you can expect to pay include training, medical checks, or other additional fees depending on your needs. The total cost can range between $3,200 to $8,000.
Final thoughts
Understanding “How much does it cost to get a CDL license in Florida” is crucial to help you prepare better for your journey to a commercial driving career. By knowing the costs upfront, you can plan and budget for your training, ensuring you are financially ready for the road. Further, you can take every available sponsorship opportunity to avoid financial stress. Allow yourself some time to consider your options for a smooth and successful path to becoming a professional commercial driver in Florida!
