Vehicle requirements
- Interstate carriers need apportioned registration (IRP) and an IFTA fuel tax license through FLHSMV.
- Drivers of vehicles over 26,000 lbs, or carrying placarded hazardous materials or 16+ passengers, need a commercial driver's license (CDL).
- CDL drivers must be in a drug and alcohol testing program and checked in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Vehicles 55,000 lbs and over owe the federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (Form 2290).
Commercial insurance
- Federal minimum liability for interstate for-hire freight carriers in vehicles over 10,000 lbs is $750,000. Hazardous materials require more.
- Personal auto policies usually exclude business use — you'll need commercial auto coverage.
- Consider cargo, physical damage, and general liability coverage. Brokers and shippers often require them.
- Florida movers registered with FDACS must carry cargo coverage of at least $10,000 per shipment and vehicle liability of at least $50,000 per occurrence for trucks under 35,000 lbs.
- Workers' comp is required with 4+ employees (non-construction businesses).
State / federal transportation requirements
- In-state carriers need a USDOT number when operating vehicles of 26,001 lbs or more or hauling placarded hazardous materials. Display it followed by "FL."
- Household goods movers and moving brokers operating within Florida must register with FDACS before starting.
- Crossing state lines: you need a USDOT number, and for-hire carriers also need an MC number (operating authority) from the FMCSA.
- Interstate carriers file Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) every year.
- New carriers go through an FMCSA safety audit in their first 12 months.
These are Florida state and federal requirements. Cities and counties often add their own. Requirements and fees change — confirm with the agency before you apply. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Other Florida Business Types
Florida Construction & Trades: Licenses and Permits
Construction / Trades license, permit, tax, and insurance requirements for Florida LLCs, as bullet points with official links.
Florida Food Business: Licenses and Permits
Food Business license, permit, tax, and insurance requirements for Florida LLCs, as bullet points with official links.
Florida Ecommerce Business: Licenses and Permits
Ecommerce license, permit, tax, and insurance requirements for Florida LLCs, as bullet points with official links.
Florida Consulting & Freelance Business: Licenses and Permits
Consulting / Freelance license, permit, tax, and insurance requirements for Florida LLCs, as bullet points with official links.