Florida Oversize / Overweight Regulations

What is considered as "Oversized Load" in Florida?

DIMENSIONS: Width: 8' 6" (8' on roadways less than 12') Height: 13' 6" Length: Single Vehicle 40' Legal Overhang: Front 3', Rear 15' (From center of rear axle to end) Combined vehicle 55'

What is considered as "Overweight Load" in Florida?

Weight: Single Axle: 21,000 lb. Tandem Axle: 34,000 lb. Tridem: 42,000 lb. Max Gross Weight: 80,000 lb.

Florida Oversize / Overweight Permits

Florida Pilot Cars / Escorts

If the load exceeds…

8ft. 6 in.	65 ft.	13 ft. 6 in.	Permit
12 ft.	95 ft.	14 ft. 6 in.	One escort
14 ft.	250 ft.*	16 ft.*	Two escorts

*One escort must be Law Enforcement Escort

Escorts accompanying over-dimensional loads are limited to:

1) Law enforcement escorts: for nighttime moves; when required by permit; must be a currently certified law enforcement person having jurisdiction within the State of Florida.

2) Escorts qualified by another state’s authorizing agency.

3) Qualified escorts:

Must complete an Escort Qualification Course offered by Department approved sponsors

Florida Axle Regulations

Gross Vehicle Weight – 80,000 pounds
Single Axle – 22,000 pounds maximum
Tandem Axle – 44,000 pounds maximum
Note: All of the maximum weights shown above already include the 10 percent scale tolerance.

Straight Truck

The maximum weight -- 53,141 pounds
Single Axle – 22,000 pounds
Tandem Axle – 44,000 pounds
Length – 14 feet

Tractor Tanker Semi-Trailer

The maximum weight this truck allowed is 73,271 pounds
Single Axle – 22,000 pounds
Tandem Axle – 44,000 pounds
Bridge Length – 36 feet

Tractor Semi-Trailer

Single Axle – 22,000 pounds
Tandem Axle – 44,000 pounds
Length – 51 feet
Internal bridge 1 – 16 feet (maximum internal bridge weight allowed for this length is 48,000 pounds)
Internal bridge 2 – 40 feet (maximum internal bridge weight allowed for this length is 68,500 pounds)

External Bridge:

Maximum legal weight may be determined by measuring the external/outer (distance from the center first axle to the center of the last axle) and locating that distance in the left-hand column of TABLE 2. Read the weight under the correct column for the number of axles on your vehicle.

Internal Bridge (inner bridge):

• There are three requirements which cause a vehicle to be subject to internal bridge:
• Operation on an Interstate highway
• Vehicle or combination is subject to Table 2 o 4 axles and 47' or more wheel base; or o 5 axles and 41' or more wheel base; or o 6 axles and 33' or more wheel base
• Vehicle or combination weighs over 73,271 pounds
• On Interstate highways, your vehicle’s legal weight will also be subject to the internal bridge weight limits found in Table 2 (the distance between the centers of two or more axles, but not the entire external/outer bridge). For example, the internal bridge can be both sets of tandem axles (4-axle bridge) or the axles of the tractor (3-axle bridge).

Florida Trip and Fuel (IRP / IFTA) Permits

A temporary fuel permit may be purchase for 45$ and is only valid for 10 days. This temporarily exempts the commercial vehicle from the motor fuel tax but does not exclude the tax for fuel purchased at the pump. These fuel permits may be sent and show via electronic devices to outline their validity. It is the sole responsibility of the vehicle using the temporary fuel permit to display and use it correctly.

Florida Overweight / Oversize Fines

For each violation or safety stipulation in a special permit, the penalty could be up to one thousand dollars 1,000 $ per violation. 

Overweight Permit Fines are:

10$ if the overweight is found to be under 200 pounds overweight.

5 cents per pound over 200 pounds overweight.

Running Hours and Holiday Restrictions

rotating, strobe or flashing amber light, visible for 500 feet, must be mounted on the vehicle to warn all approaching traffic of a possible safety hazard.

Lights may be used during inclement weather such as fog, and heavy rain.

Flags, Lights and Banners

One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset 7 days a week of less than 10' wide. Until noon on Saturday and Sunday if load width is greater than 10', up to 14'. 

No movement is allowed on the following dates for loads exceeding 14’ 6” high, 80’ 0” long, and/or 10’ 0” wide in observation of the listed holidays in the State of Florida in accordance with F.A.C. 14-26 as follows: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If any of these holidays fall on a Saturday, the preceding Friday shall also be observed as a holiday. If any of these holidays fall on a Sunday, the following Monday shall also be observed as a holiday.

Florida Tire Regulations

1. Tire Pressure: Pressure should always be checked when the tires are cold. Driving even a short distance causes tires to become warm, which increases the air pressure and can give you an inaccurate air pressure reading. Refer to your vehicle’s owner manual for the recommended tire pressure. Check tires monthly with a tire gauge to ensure proper air pressure and safety.
2. Tread Tread: Tires have built-in treadwear indicators, which are raised sections that run in between the tire’s tread. When the tread is worn down so that it’s level with the tread indicator, it’s time to replace the tires. Another good rule of thumb is to do the penny test. Insert a penny into a tread groove with the top of Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see above the top of his head, your tires have less than 2/32” of tread should be replaced immediately.
3. Tire Rotation and Alignment: Tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles or as required by the manufacturer. This ensures that your tires will wear evenly, prolonging the life of the tire and ensuring motorist safety. Follow the tire rotation pattern provided in the vehicle’s owner manual.
   Note: An unusual vibration or thumping noise may indicate and out-of-balance tire. Have your tire alignment checked promptly if you experience these symptoms or issues with maneuverability.

Tire Requirements.

(1) Each axle on a Turnpike Tandem must have tires of the same size and construction. Tires must be properly inflated for the load to be carried. In no event shall any tire, wheel, or rim exceed the manufacturer’s maximum load-carrying limit.

(2) A vehicle equipped with dual tires may have the dual tires replaced by a single tire so long as the vehicle, axle, and tire load ratings are not exceeded.

(3) No tire may exceed 550 pounds per inch of tire section width as defined by the rating molded in the tire sidewall.

Florida Annual Permits

Blanket (multi trip) permits are issued for various vehicles and configurations, on particular routes, for GVW of up to 199,000 lbs.

Time, it takes to receive: 1 business day

Mailing method: Online/emailed

Commodity specific? Truck specific

Need to obtain a route? Yes

Florida Road Conditions

Drivers must slow down or move over for stopped emergency vehicles and work zones. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles says that drivers breaking that law have caused more than 200 crashes every year.

Florida's 'Move Over' law requires drivers to slow down 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit or move over a lane for emergency and utility vehicles. The crew members just want to get the job done safe and sound.

Regulatory speed signs in rural areas (interstate and non-interstate) are to be preceded by a “Reduced Speed Ahead” sign positioned as follows: Interstate (Rural) – 1000 ft. in advance; Non-Interstate (Rural) – 500 ft. in advance. Urban areas ordinarily do not require an advance sign, however, the sign may be included at the designer’s option.

Florida Manufactured Houses and Mobile homes

No specific requirements:  Oversize/overweight permit rules applied 

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Oversize / Overweight Regulations By State