CDL Schools in Florida (2026): FMCSA TPR-Registered Providers Directory

CDL Schools in Florida (2026): FMCSA TPR-Registered Providers Directory

Last verified: 2026-04-20 against the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/. Re-verified quarterly; verify live at TPR before enrolling.

Neutral directory. No "top schools" ranking, no affiliate-driven inclusion. Disclosures per the ResumeGeni CDL Editorial Policy.

Florida's $51,020 state median (~85,940 drivers employed, per BLS OEWS 53-3032 May 2024) reflects a large but lower-nominal-than-national CDL market — materially offset by no state income tax.³ Major freight clusters: JAXPORT, PortMiami / Port Everglades / Port of Palm Beach, Tampa Bay, and Central / South Florida agriculture. ELDT at 49 CFR §380 Subpart F requires TPR-registered training.¹²

Key Takeaways

• TPR search: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ → State = Florida.
• Typical Florida tuition (2026): CC $1,500–$5,000; private school $3,500–$8,000; company-sponsored $0 up front + 8–12 mo tenure.
• Florida CDL agency: Florida FLHSMV (Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles).
• Private career school oversight: Florida Commission for Independent Education (CIE).
• No state income tax boosts take-home vs same-nominal states.
• Pay context: median $51,020; experienced LTL linehaul / specialty tanker reach $75–$100k+.

How to Use the FMCSA TPR Search

State = Florida, optional metro/city filter; record exact provider entry; verify legal name matches training certificate when testing at FLHSMV.¹

Provider Categories in Florida

Representative TPR-registered providers as of 2026-04-20.

1. Community college / state college CDL programs

Florida's state and community college system runs CDL programs at multiple locations:

• Miami Dade College — CDL offerings (verify current program).
• Palm Beach State College — truck driver training.
• Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) — JAX metro.
• Seminole State College of Florida — Orlando metro.
• Santa Fe College — Gainesville.
• Tallahassee State College — Panhandle.
• Indian River State College — Fort Pierce area.
• Daytona State College — Daytona/Central FL.

Tuition typically $1,500–$5,000 in-district.

2. Private CDL schools

• Roadmaster Drivers School — multiple FL campuses.
• 160 Driving Academy — Florida locations.
• CDS Tractor Trailer Training — regional FL operator.
• National Tractor Trailer School (NTTS) — FL campuses available.
• Sage Truck Driving Schools — Florida franchise locations.

Tuition $3,500–$8,000. Florida CIE licensure required alongside TPR.

3. Company-sponsored CDL programs

• Landstar (HQ Jacksonville, FL) — Florida-based leased-on carrier; owner-op-friendly career path.
• Schneider Training Academy — Florida terminals.
• Swift Academy — multiple FL locations.
• Prime Inc. Student Driver Program — available to FL residents.
• CR England Schools — Florida programs.
• Werner Enterprises — Florida terminal placement.

4. Endorsement-only upgrade providers

For H/P/S: various TPR-registered theory providers. See Hazmat (H) endorsement guide for the TSA process.

What CDL School Actually Costs in Florida (2026)

Run your scenario in the CDL School ROI calculator.

What a Florida CDL-A Graduate Can Expect to Earn

Florida BLS OEWS 53-3032 May 2024 state median: $51,020 (85,940 drivers employed). First-year FL CDL-A drivers typically $38k–$48k; experienced LTL, specialty tanker, private fleet (Publix, Walmart PF) push $70k–$95k+. No state income tax materially boosts take-home. Full analysis: Truck Driver Salary in Florida.

How to Evaluate a Florida CDL School

1. TPR registration current (screenshot the entry).
2. CIE licensure for private schools.
3. Transparent tuition (no surprise fees).
4. Documented first-attempt FLHSMV test pass rates.
5. Verifiable placement claims.
6. Affiliate disclosure.
7. Readable refund policy.

Red flags: TPR-absent + claims of ELDT compliance; same-day sign pressure; fuzzy tuition; single-carrier steering without disclosure.

Florida CDL Licensing

Full process in the Florida CDL Requirements guide.

FAQs

How much does CDL school cost in Florida in 2026? Community college CDL-A programs: $1,500–$5,000 in-district. Private schools: $3,500–$8,000. Company-sponsored: $0 up front with 8–12 month tenure commitment.

Who oversees private CDL schools in Florida? The Commission for Independent Education (CIE) licenses private career schools. CIE licensure is separate from and additional to FMCSA TPR registration.

Is Landstar a good Florida-based option after CDL school? Landstar (HQ Jacksonville) is the largest owner-operator-focused carrier in the U.S. Graduates considering a leased-on owner-operator path should evaluate it carefully against their financial situation — see the Owner-operator guide for honest math.

Can I train in Florida and work in another state? Yes. ELDT is federal; your TPR-registered certificate is valid nationwide.

How does Florida's no state income tax affect my take-home? For a $51,020 FL driver, take-home is ~$3,000–$4,000 higher than a same-nominal driver in a 6–8% state-tax state. Compounds meaningfully over a career.

Sources