Trucking is vital to the state of Florida. With industries like agriculture, tourism, and trade fueling the economy, truckers play a critical role in supplying the state. From the massive ports of Tampa Bay and Miami to rural highways cutting through farm country, freight must keep rolling to feed Florida’s 20+ million residents and millions of visitors.
Whether you’re hauling fresh produce, fuel, or retail goods, trucking delivers it all—from city centers to the most remote rural towns. Without truckers, grocery stores would be empty, restaurants would run out of food, and businesses would come to a halt.
For drivers hauling within Florida’s borders, the state has its own intrastate Hours of Service (HOS) rules, designed to keep roads safe while allowing more flexibility than federal trucking safety laws.
What’s different about Florida’s HOS regulations?
Ever wonder why Florida’s trucking regulations don’t always match federal ones? It comes down to what you haul, where you drive, and how freight moves in the state.
- Fresh produce needs to move fast
Florida is a major hub for agriculture, and perishable loads can’t sit for long. - Major ports like Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville are busy
Drivers often need extra time loading and unloading cargo. - Rural and coastal routes require longer shifts
Many Florida routes have fewer places to stop, making extended on-duty time essential.
So, what should you keep in mind when hauling intrastate in Florida?
How Florida’s intrastate trucking rules differ from federal HOS regulations
Florida allows 12 hours of driving time
Florida gives intrastate truckers one extra hour of drive time within a 16-hour duty window, compared to the federal 11-hour driving limit within a 14-hour window.
Example: If a driver starts at 6:00 AM, they can drive up to 12 hours, but must stop by 10:00 PM, even with breaks. This extra hour of driving helps Florida truckers move loads efficiently while staying compliant.
Florida extends the on-duty limit to 16 hours
Under Florida law, truckers must stop driving after 16 consecutive hours on duty, compared to the 14-hour limit under federal law. These two extra hours can be used for loading, unloading, or waiting at docks, but do not extend the 12-hour driving limit.
Example: A driver starts at 7:00 AM. Even if they only drive 10 hours, they must stop driving by 11:00 PM due to the 16-hour on-duty limit. This gives truckers more flexibility when dealing with delays.
ELD exemptions for short-haul drivers
Florida follows the FMCSA’s 150 air-mile exemption, allowing some local drivers to operate without an ELD if they:
- Stay within a 150-mile radius of their home terminal
- Start and return to the same location every day
- Finish their shift within 14 hours
Example: A short-haul driver in Miami operating within 150 miles doesn’t need an ELD but must manually log their hours to stay compliant.
How Florida and federal HOS regulations are similar
10-hour off-duty requirement
Drivers must take 10 consecutive hours off duty before starting a new shift—just like federal law requires.
Example: A driver finishing a run in Orlando at 8:00 PM must remain off-duty until at least 6:00 AM before resuming work.
Cycle limits
- Drivers can drive 70 hours in 7 days or 80 hours in 8 days
- Drivers can reset their weekly limit with 34 consecutive hours off duty. Resetting the weekly limit is mandatory if the cycle limit is reached.
Example: A driver logging 68 hours by Saturday can only drive two more hours before reaching their limit. A 34-hour break would then be required to start fresh.
FAQs from our clients
Can I combine rest breaks and sleeper berth time to meet the 10-hour off-duty requirement?
Yes, the driver may combine consecutive sleeper berth time and off-duty time to meet the 10-hour requirement.
Example: A driver sleeps in the berth for 7 hours, then takes 3 more hours off-duty at home—this resets their shift.
What are a carrier’s responsibilities for an ELD-exempt driver?
Carriers must keep driving records for at least six months, even for drivers who qualify for an ELD exemption.
- Manual logs are allowed for short-haul drivers under Florida law.
- There’s no required format, but records must be available upon request.
What if I’m running under Florida’s intrastate HOS rules but want to take an interstate load?
To switch from Florida’s HOS intrastate transport rules to federal regulations, a driver must take a 34-hour break before crossing state lines.
Example: A driver hauling loads within Florida all week wants to take a federal load to Georgia. Before they can cross state lines, they must take a 34-hour break to comply with FMCSA rules.
Conclusion
Florida’s HOS regulations offer truckers more flexibility than federal rules, with longer drive times and extended duty windows. Struggling to keep all the rules and exemptions straight? Our reliable and easy-to-use ELD platform can help you comply easily across the United States.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, regulations and compliance requirements may vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Always consult with legal or compliance professionals to ensure you meet the specific requirements for your operations. ISAAC Instruments is not responsible for any actions taken based on the content of this blog.
