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DOT Compliance for Florida Motor Carriers
Florida applies most of the federal motor carrier safety rules to trucks that never leave the state, with its own exceptions. National DOT helps Florida carriers work out which rules apply and get their files, equipment, and drivers ready.
National DOT serves motor carriers nationwide. This page covers Florida-specific rules alongside the federal ones.
Florida adopts the federal rules for intrastate carriers
Section 316.302, Florida Statutes, applies 49 CFR Parts 382–386 and 390–397 to commercial motor vehicles in intrastate commerce as those rules existed on December 31, 2023, except as the statute provides otherwise. That covers drug and alcohol testing, driver qualification, vehicle parts and accessories, hours of service, and inspection and maintenance.
Florida also requires intrastate carriers to register for a USDOT Number, display it on their CMVs, and update the registration every two years. There are exemptions, including vehicles with a declared gross weight under 26,001 lbs carrying property that doesn't require placards. FLHSMV recommends reviewing exemptions with legal counsel before relying on them.
Florida intrastate hours of service
For drivers operating solely in Florida intrastate commerce, FLHSMV summarizes the rules this way: drive up to 12 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, no driving after the 16th hour on duty, and no driving after 70/80 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days, with 34 consecutive hours off restarting the period.
Out-of-service orders carry real weight in Florida
FLHSMV lists violation of an out-of-service order under section 316.3026, Florida Statutes, as a $10,000 penalty and a third-degree felony. Knowing what puts a driver or vehicle out of service, and making sure that order is respected, matters.
Services for Florida carriers
National DOT is based in Denton, Texas. Contact us to talk about whether on-site or remote support fits your Florida operation.
Why National DOT?
Steven Oliver, CSHO, is a retired Texas State Trooper from the Texas DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Service with 21+ years in law enforcement and nearly two decades in commercial vehicle enforcement and compliance. Training: North American Roadside Part A, B, and C; PHMSA Hazmat Instructor Training. "I've been on both sides of the inspection window."
Florida DOT compliance FAQ
Do Florida intrastate carriers need a USDOT Number?
Yes, with exemptions. Florida requires intrastate carriers to register for a USDOT Number, display it on their CMVs, and update the registration every two years. Vehicles with a declared gross weight under 26,001 lbs carrying property that doesn't require placards are among the exemptions; FLHSMV recommends reviewing exemptions with legal counsel.
Which federal rules apply to Florida intrastate trucks?
Section 316.302, Florida Statutes, applies 49 CFR Parts 382–386 and 390–397 to intrastate commercial motor vehicles as those rules existed on December 31, 2023, except as the statute provides otherwise.
What are Florida's intrastate hours-of-service limits?
Per FLHSMV: up to 12 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, no driving after the 16th hour on duty, and no driving after 70/80 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days, with 34 consecutive hours off restarting the period.
Do you work with Florida carriers if you're based in Texas?
Yes. National DOT is based in Denton, Texas, and serves carriers nationwide. Contact us to talk about whether on-site or remote support fits your operation.
Getting ready for a federal safety audit? Use our free DOT audit checklist and compliance calendar.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm the current regulation or check with the agency before relying on it.
Related: Texas · New Mexico · Out-of-Service Criteria training