Need A DOT Physical?

With locations spanning First Coast to Miami to the Pan Handle, Florida First DOT Physicals has got you covered. Find a location near you to get started.

Now With Locations in: Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami, Fort. Lauderdale, Port St. Lucie, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, Hialeah and Cape Coral

Who Needs a DOT Physical in Florida?

A Department of Transportation (DOT) exam is a medical evaluation required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMSCA) to verify that one is healthy enough to safely drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).

In Florida, a DOT medical card is required for any commercial driver who operates a vehicle with a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or more or transports hazardous materials. This applies to all commercial driver's license (CDL) holders as well as non-CDL holders including hoisting engineers, bus drivers, and livery drivers.

Vehicles Types That Require a DOT Medical Card

>Tractor Trailers
>Buses (commericial and school)
>Large delivery trucks
>Cement Trucks
>Tow Trucks
>Dump Trucks
>Garbage Trucks
>Refrigerated Trucks (aka: reefers)
>Flatbed Trucks

It's important to note that even if a vehicle's GVWR is less than 10,001 pounds, the driver may still be required to have a DOT physical if they are transporting hazardous materials. Additionally, drivers of certain types of passenger vehicles, such as limousines or vans that seat 16 or more people, are also be required to have a DOT physical in Florida.

As of 2013, all DOT physicals must be completed by a provider certified and listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. In most states, medical doctors, osteopath doctors, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, chiropractors and naturopaths are all eligible to become certified DOT medical examiners. 

All drivers and operators must maintain a valid medical card, or they risk getting fined, pulled off the road or getting their license downgraded. To schedule you next DOT physical, find a location near you in Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Port St. Lucie, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, Hialeah and Cape Coral.

DOT Physical Requirements

(Updated for 2023)

In Florida, to pass a DOT physical and receive a valid DOT medical card, commercial drivers must meet specific requirements that assess their physical and mental health to ensure that they do not pose a public safety risk. These requirements include:

  1. Vision test: Drivers must have at least 20/40 acuity in both eyes (with or without corrective lenses) and a 70-degree field of vision in each eye.

  2. Hearing test: Drivers must be able to hear a forced whisper from a distance of at least 5 feet in one ear or in both ears, with or without hearing aids.

  3. Blood pressure test: Drivers must have a blood pressure reading below 140/90. If the reading is above this level, the driver can still pass the exam but may be required to provide additional documentation from their healthcare provider.

  4. Urine test: Drivers are required to take a urine test to check for undiagnosed diabetes. This is commonly mistaken for a drug test. The DOT physical urinalysis does not check for drugs. Some employers may require an additional drug test prior to employment.

  5. Medical history review: The medical examiner will review the driver's medical history, including any prescription medications, surgeries or medical conditions that may affect a driver’s ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.

  6. Additional tests: Drivers with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or sleep apnea, may require additional testing or documentation to pass the DOT physical.

It's important to note that these requirements are consistently being updated, and drivers should check with a certified medical examiner to confirm the specific requirements for passing a DOT physical at that time

Finding a Certified Medical Examiner in FLorida

As of 2013, all DOT physicals must be completed by a provider certified and listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. In most states, medical doctors, osteopath doctors, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, chiropractors and naturopaths are all eligible to become certified DOT medical examiners. 

To find a NRCME you can visit the FMCSA website and click on "Search for Certified Medical Examiners". Note: All providers at all of our Florida First DOT Physicals clinics are federally certified through the FMCSA as medical examiners.

Drivers can also check with their employer or insurance provider for a list of approved medical examiners in their area. It's important to note that drivers must receive their DOT physical from a certified medical examiner who is listed on the National Registry in order for the exam to be valid for their Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

FAQs About DOT Physicals in FLorida

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