Florida Attorney General Increases CDL Enforcement in FL and Asks Sec. Duffy to Consider Decertification of CA and WA State CDL Licensing Programs
- andrew.poliakoff
- Aug 25
- 1 min read
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced today that his office has formally requested the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) expand their ongoing audit of commercial driver’s license (CDL) issuance. The request follows the August 12th crash on Florida’s Turnpike, in which the driver was found to lack English proficiency and failed basic knowledge requirements despite being issued CDLs in Washington and California.
The Attorney General’s letter asks FMCSA to review not only non-domiciled CDLs but also regular CDLs, and to consider decertification of California's and Washington's CDL programs if audits confirm a pattern of non-compliance with federal law.
In addition, Florida has directed its 23 agricultural inspection stations to serve as federal immigration checkpoints under the 287(g) program, broadening enforcement efforts at state entry points.
Federal regulations require all CDL applicants—whether domestic or non-domiciled—to demonstrate English proficiency, knowledge of road signs, and the skills necessary to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely.
