Florida CMV Compliance Guide
FL DOT regulations for commercial motor vehicles
FL Commercial Vehicle EnforcementOfficial FL DOT websiteOverview
Florida's commercial vehicle enforcement is managed by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section. Florida is a high-volume freight destination state with major port operations in Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, and Port Everglades. The state has an extensive enforcement presence on I-75, I-95, I-10, and Florida's Turnpike.
Inspection & Enforcement Program
Florida operates 9 permanent inspection stations and numerous mobile inspection sites. FHP CVE officers perform Level I through Level V inspections. Florida's inspection volume is among the highest in the nation due to its large number of registered carriers and significant freight activity. The state participates in all national enforcement campaigns and operates a robust new carrier safety audit program.
Weight Limits & Oversize/Overweight
Florida follows federal weight limits of 80,000 lbs GVW on Interstate highways. Florida issues overweight permits through FDOT and allows certain designated routes for heavier loads, particularly for agricultural products and construction materials. The state enforces the federal bridge formula and has specific restrictions on the Florida Turnpike and toll roads.
Florida-Specific Requirements
- Florida requires a Fuel Use Tax License for carriers operating solely within Florida (non-IFTA intrastate carriers).
- The state has hurricane evacuation route protocols that can affect commercial vehicle operations during storm season.
- Florida enforces a specific agricultural exemption for farm vehicles operating within 150 miles of the farm.
- Commercial vehicle weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems are deployed on major corridors for pre-screening.
- Florida's SunPass/toll transponder is required for most toll roads; cash toll collection has been eliminated on many facilities.
Contact
FHP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement: (850) 617-3100
Federal Requirements That Apply in Florida
In addition to Florida-specific regulations, all federal DOT and FMCSA requirements apply to commercial vehicles operating in FL. These guides cover each federal requirement in detail:
This information is provided as a general reference. State regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the Florida DOT or your compliance advisor before relying on any information presented here.
