If you’re a commercial driver in Florida, your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) isn’t just a credential—it’s your career. Whether you’re delivering goods across the state or driving a school bus locally, your CDL is how you provide for yourself and your family. But one criminal charge, such as a DUI, can put that all at risk—and the consequences in Florida can be particularly tough.
Why Criminal Charges Are a Bigger Deal for CDL Holders in Florida
Under Florida law, CDL holders are held to a much higher standard than regular drivers. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), even a first-time offense—even in your personal vehicle—can lead to severe consequences.
Here’s what could happen if you’re convicted of a criminal charge in Florida:
- One-year disqualification of your CDL for a first DUI
- Three-year disqualification if you were transporting hazardous materials at the time
- Lifetime disqualification for a second DUI offense or certain felonies involving a commercial vehicle
- Disqualification for refusing a breath, urine, or blood test, even without a DUI conviction
In Florida, these disqualifications are automatic—you don’t need to be convicted in a court of law before your CDL is suspended. The administrative penalties from the FLHSMV often kick in quickly after an arrest.
Florida-Specific Requirements for Reinstating Your CDL
If your CDL is disqualified in Florida, getting it back isn’t as simple as waiting out the suspension. You’ll likely need to:
- Complete DUI school or substance abuse treatment
- Install an ignition interlock device in your personal vehicle (mandatory for certain offenses)
- Pay reinstatement fees, which can be significantly higher than for non-commercial drivers
- Reapply for endorsements you may have lost (like Hazmat or passenger endorsements)
- Pass written and skills tests again, depending on the length and type of disqualification
Also, many CDL drivers in Florida are ineligible for diversion programs that might allow regular drivers to avoid conviction, making it harder to protect your record.
The Importance of Fast Legal Action in Florida
Because Florida moves quickly with administrative penalties, hiring an attorney immediately is critical. A Florida-based defense lawyer experienced with CDL cases can help you:
- Challenge the administrative suspension through a formal review hearing (which must be requested within 10 days of your arrest)
- Negotiate lesser charges, such as reckless driving instead of DUI, which may not disqualify your CDL
- Advise on your eligibility for hardship licenses or reinstatement programs
- Help protect your job, especially if you’re facing employer reporting requirements
How Florida CDL Holders Can Minimize the Damage
If you’re facing a criminal charge in Florida and you hold a CDL, follow these steps to limit the impact:
- Act within 10 days of arrest to request a formal review hearing with the FLHSMV.
- Hire a Florida attorney with experience in both DUI and CDL-related cases.
- Avoid additional traffic violations or missed court dates—these make things worse fast.
- Be upfront with your employer, especially if you’re legally required to report the charge.
- Gather documentation showing your clean driving history, character, and reliability.
Final Thoughts
In Florida, a criminal charge can wreck your CDL—and your livelihood—if you don’t take fast, informed action. The laws are strict, the timelines are short, and the penalties can be permanent. But you’re not out of options.
If your income depends on your CDL, don’t wait. Talk to a Florida-based attorney who knows how to fight for drivers like you. With the right legal help and a proactive approach, you can reduce the damage and get back on the road.
