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Businesses that require a driver's license in Florida

POR Hispanic Entrepreneurs July 18, 2022
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There are several businesses that require a driver's license in Florida. There are enterprises in which you need to use a vehicle and therefore you must have a driving license issued by the state. In Hispanic Entrepreneurs We tell you which ones you can start.

Requirements to obtain a driver's license

The state of Florida only allows 5 attempts to pass the driver's license test, three of which can be taken online. It has two types of license, the non-commercial one that costs 48 dollars and the commercial one that costs 75 dollars.. The non-commercial is called Class E which is for any non-commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26.001 pounds.

This group includes passenger cars, trucks with up to 15 seats, trucks or recreational cars, motorized vehicles with 2 and 3 wheels of 50cc or less. Commercial driver's license exempt farmers and emergency vehicles must obtain Class E.

The minimum age to request it is 16 years old, after passing the traffic regulations and traffic signs, vision, hearing and driving tests. If you are under 18 and not married, the consent of a parent or legal guardian is required.

Minors who apply for the license cannot have traffic convictions for 12 months and have the training certification signed by the parent. Meanwhile, the apprentice license aimed at people who are 15 years old or who are learning must meet the same requirements. 

The Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is divided into 3 classes. Class A for people 18 years of age or older who drive vehicles weighing 26 pounds or more. It is indicated for trucks, trailers, buses, tankers, cattle transport, tractor-trailers and flatbeds. Those under the age of 001 can only work within the state.

Class B is for a combined gross weight of at least 26.001 pounds. This group includes large buses, box trucks, trucks with small trailers, etc. Class C is required to drive vehicles that transport hazardous materials or to transport more than 15 people.

These types of licenses ask for certifications or endorsements if they pass the qualification tests depending on the task or activity to be carried out. Detailed requirements are at: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/commercial-motor-vehicle-drivers/commercial-driver-license/. The license in Florida is renewed every 8 years and is requested in https://www.flhsmv.gov/.

Businesses that require a driver's license in Florida

These are some of the businesses you can start and they require a Florida driver's license.

1-Taxi service

You have the option of joining Uber as a driver or betting on providing your service independently. Remember that you have to assume general expenses such as gasoline, insurance, maintenance, etc.

Although they do not request a state business license, it is mandatory to process licenses or permits before the Department of Road Safety and Motor Vehicles. Also, comply with the regulations of the county or municipality, the Florida Department of State and Revenue, the IRS and registration with the Division of Corporations or Corporate Registry.

2- Limousine service

In this case, they request the criminal background check of the driver in the county and a valid Florida commercial driver's license with a passenger endorsement. This requirement is requested because the limousine is a vehicle in which more than 15 people can be transported at the same time. The correct one would be the class B license.

3-Truck owner or operator

If you will dedicate yourself to road transport, you have to apply for a business license in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for some specific areas. is sued for trucking companies, moving companies, transportation of citrus fruits, milk and gas distributors.

But you will also need to have a commercial driver's license. If applicable, a hazardous materials, tanker, or double or triple trailer license.

Something that can help you make the decision to open a business like this is this practical guide to truck financing in the usa

4-Delivery

Merchandise delivery as a business is a good bet now more than ever with online shopping. If you have an online store you can take your products to customers without having to get a commercial driver's license.

Another lucrative business idea is to offer delivery service to large and small businesses that require reliable drivers to carry their merchandise. In addition to the transfer of products, there is the option of delivering plans for architecture firms, transportation of medical tests and results, or moving. As well as AmazonFlex packages or food with Uber Eats.

You will need a commercial driver's license only if you are running the service on large trucks, heavy vehicles or hazardous materials. There is no insurance requirement for a delivery business other than state liability insurance for the vehicle.

However, it is best to have one that covers liability and protects cargo, which will increase customer confidence. If the business is for large loads that require the use of trucks, it is necessary to comply with another series of precautions.

5- Moving business

Moving companies in Florida must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services ($300), in the county or municipality. Must have liability insurance coverage for loss or damage to household items of no less than $10.000 and obtain business licenses.

Since you need at least one truck to transport furniture, beds, or other large objects, you will need to have a CDL. In addition, you must be trained to pack, know the moving procedures, establish interaction with clients and know how to act in their home.

In case you decide to start in this business, we invite you to Learn about different lenders to finance your new or used truck.

6- Sanitary transport

Another business that requires a driver's license in Florida is medical transportation that requires a regular car, a Class E license and a solid driving record. You can dedicate yourself to attending people who have to go to medical appointments in the area or to hospitals located at a certain distance.

Whereas, with an emergency medical technician (EMT) license it is possible to start a business for the transfer of admitted patients to other medical facilities. That is, work directly with hospitals and clinics. For this, the vehicles have to include oxygen supply equipment and make them suitable for patients in wheelchairs and stretchers.

Like any company, it must be registered in the state and county to comply with the licenses and permits required by the activity.

The businesses that require a driver's license in Florida can be very diverse, but the important thing is to know what type of license is necessary for each area of ​​business. If you need advice to open your business, contact contact us.

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