• Drivers seeking a CDL in Florida must comply with state and federal requirements.Michelle McCarron/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  A commercial driver's license, or CDL, is required to drive certain types of commercial vehicles in the state of Florida. Though each state has its own regulations and requirements for obtaining a CDL, all must comply with the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986. A CDL can be applied for at any Florida Department of Motor Vehicles office located throughout the state.
  
  

Eligibility

• Those wishing to receive a CDL from the state of Florida must be a legal resident of the state and have no other license issued from any other state. Drivers must also be at least 18 years old to apply for a CDL when transporting non-hazardous materials or not be driving double or triple trailer rigs. Otherwise the age requirement in Florida for a CDL is 21 or older. To qualify a driver must be able to physically pass an exam and receive a valid medical examiner's card and have a clean driving record. A skills test and written exam also must be passed in order for the CDL to be issued.
  
  

Vehicle Requirements

• A CDL is required for those wishing to drive certain commercial vehicles. A CDL is required if the vehicle weighs more than 26,000 lbs., if the vehicle plus vehicle in tow weight exceeds 26,000 lbs., if the vehicle can carry 15 or more passengers or if the vehicle is carrying hazardous materials requiring a placard.
  
  

Exceptions

• There are exceptions in Florida regarding the requirement to have a CDL. Those who are active duty military or trained firefighters do not have to have a CDL to operate vehicles required for their line of duty, as long as they have completed all vehicle training. Also, some farmers are not required to have a CDL for certain vehicles, and those who drive a motor home or other vehicle to transport personal belongings are not required to have a CDL.
  
  

CDL Classifications

• There are three classifications of a CDL, each of which restricts the driver to operating certain vehicles within each class. CDL classifications include Class A, Class B and Class C. Class A allows the driver to operate all commercial vehicles requiring a valid CDL. Class B allows the driver to operate vehicles with a combined total weight of more than 26,000 lbs., including a vehicle being towed. Class B also allows the driver to operate those vehicles considered Class C, which allows the driver to operate vehicles weighing less than 26,000 lbs. or carrying 15 or more people.