← Back to Blog

CDL Physical Cost in Florida: What Drivers Should Expect to Pay

By Dr. David Jacobsen, FMCSA-Certified Medical Examiner

You've got a load to run, a schedule to keep, and a medical card that's about to expire — or maybe you're getting your CDL for the first time and you just want to know: how much does a DOT physical cost in Florida?

It's a fair question. And you deserve a straight answer — not a vague range pulled off a national directory site written by someone who's never set foot in a Florida truck stop.

This post gives you a real, transparent breakdown of CDL physical cost in Florida — what you'll typically pay, what's included, what costs extra, and why the cheapest option isn't always the smartest one when your livelihood depends on staying compliant.


What Does a CDL Physical Cost in Florida?

Across Florida, the CDL physical price generally falls somewhere between $60 and $150, depending on where you go and what's included. National chains and urgent care clinics tend to cluster in that range, but the number alone doesn't tell the whole story.

Here's what drivers in Daytona Beach and Volusia County can expect at OneCare CDL:

  • CDL Physical Exam (New Patient): $80
  • CDL Physical Exam (Returning Patient): $70
  • Non-CDL DOT Physical: $70
  • CDL Physical + Drug Test Combo: $105
  • Drug Test (Instant Result): $30
  • Drug Test (Lab Confirmed): $62
  • Breath Alcohol Test: $50

No surprises. No hidden fees. What you see is what you pay.

And unlike a lot of clinics, OneCare CDL issues your medical card the same day — so you walk in, get examined, and walk out compliant. No waiting days for paperwork to process while your truck sits idle.


What Drives the Cost of a DOT Physical?

When you're searching for the dot physical cost near me, you'll notice the prices vary — sometimes by a lot. Here's why:

Who's Doing the Exam

Not every clinic uses a dedicated, FMCSA-certified medical examiner. Some use rotating staff or mid-level providers who may be less familiar with the specific FMCSA standards that govern CDL physicals. At OneCare CDL, every exam is conducted by Dr. David Jacobsen — a licensed chiropractor and FMCSA-certified medical examiner with more than 40 years of experience evaluating commercial drivers. You know exactly who you're seeing before you even book.

What's Actually Included

The base fee for a DOT physical typically covers:

  • Distant Vision screening (if worn, bring corrective glasses or contacts)
  • Blood pressure check
  • Hearing evaluation
  • Urinalysis (for glucose, protein, specific gravity and blood — this is NOT a drug test)
  • Physical examination of your cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems
  • Completion and signing of the FMCSA Medical Examination Report
  • Issuance of your medical card

That's what's in the base exam fee. At OneCare CDL, the $80 new patient fee covers all of the above — and your medical card is included, issued the same day. Return drivers are discounted $10.

What Costs Extra

Here's where some clinics catch drivers off guard. A few things are not automatically included in a standard DOT physical fee:

  • DOT drug testing — this is a separate test with its own chain-of-custody process. It's not the same as the urinalysis in your physical.
  • Breath alcohol testing — required in some compliance situations and priced separately.
  • Specialist referrals — if a medical condition requires outside documentation before the examiner can certify you, that's on you to arrange (and pay for separately).

If you want to handle your physical and drug test in one visit, the CDL Physical + Drug Test Combo at OneCare CDL is $105 — a smarter deal than paying for both separately at different locations.


Does Insurance Cover a DOT Physical?

This is one of the most common questions drivers ask — and one that most competitor pages skip entirely.

The short answer: most health insurance plans do not cover DOT physicals. Because a CDL physical is a regulatory requirement for your job — not a medically necessary diagnostic exam — insurers typically classify it as an occupational exam and exclude it from coverage.

That means you're paying out of pocket, which is exactly why knowing the real CDL physical cost in Florida upfront matters. Transparent pricing isn't just nice to have — it helps you plan.


Why Price Isn't the Only Thing That Matters

We get it — when you're looking at a list of clinics and comparing prices, the lowest number looks appealing. But here's what experienced drivers already know:

A failed or improperly conducted exam costs you far more than the exam itself.

Example, a driver presented and stated that they were pulled over and advised their CDL certification has been expired. This was due to failure of the Medical Examiner to upload the information to the Federal Registry. If an examiner isn't up to speed on current FMCSA standards, you could end up with a certification that doesn't hold up to scrutiny — or worse, get flagged during a roadside inspection or audit. You could also miss out on guidance that helps you address a manageable condition (like borderline blood pressure) before it disqualifies you.

Dr. Jacobsen has been examining commercial drivers since 1985. He knows the FMCSA standards cold. He understands the pressures drivers face — deadlines, routes, family obligations — and he conducts exams with both accuracy and efficiency in mind. Drivers don't leave his office confused about their status or what they need to do next.

That's not something you can put a price on, but it's worth noting when you're comparing options.


Common Questions About CDL Physical Cost in Florida

How long does a DOT physical take?

Most exams at OneCare CDL are completed efficiently — typically within 30 to 45 minutes for straightforward cases. Dr. Jacobsen respects your time and offers appointments that allow minimal wait times at the clinic.

How often do I need a DOT physical?

Most CDL drivers are certified for up to 24 months. Some drivers with conditions like controlled hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, heart stents, or poorly managed diabetes may receive a shorter certification period (12 months or less) and need to renew sooner.

What should I bring to my CDL physical?

Bring a valid government-issued ID, your glasses or contacts if you use them, any hearing aids you rely on, and documentation for any medical conditions you're managing (prescriptions, specialist letters, etc.). Being prepared keeps your exam moving and avoids delays. For a full prep guide, check out our post on what to expect at your CDL physical exam.

Can I get my drug test done at the same visit?

Yes — and we recommend it. Combining your CDL physical and drug test in one visit saves time and money. The combo is $105 at OneCare CDL.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes. OneCare CDL is appointment-based. Book online OneCareCDL.com to schedule. This ensures Dr. Jacobsen has time dedicated to your exam — no rushing, no waiting behind a walk-in crowd. If you are having difficulty booking online, then please call (386) 226-0011 and leave a voicemail.


CDL Physical Cost in Daytona Beach: A Local Driver's Best Option

If you're a commercial driver based in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, DeLand, or anywhere in Volusia County — you've got a local option that offers what most regional clinics can't:

  • Flat, transparent pricing with no surprises
  • A named, credentialed examiner you can research before you book
  • 40+ years of FMCSA-certified experience specific to commercial driver health
  • Same-day medical card issuance — no waiting, no delays
  • Combined physical and drug testing available in one convenient visit

Explore everything included in a CDL physical at OneCare CDL, or check out drug testing services if you need standalone DOT-compliant testing.


Ready to Get Your CDL Physical Scheduled?

Don't let an expiring medical card put your driving career on hold. At OneCare Works in Daytona Beach, FL, Dr. David Jacobsen is ready to get you examined, certified, and back on the road — with straightforward pricing and same-day results.

New patient CDL physical: $80. Returning driver: $70. Combo with drug test: $105.

Book your exam online or contact us with any questions. We'll see you soon.

Dr. David Jacobsen

FMCSA-Certified Medical Examiner

FMCSA-Certified Medical Examiner · National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners · Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) · 40+ Years Clinical Experience

Dr. David Jacobsen has been serving truck drivers in the Daytona Beach area since 1985. As an FMCSA-certified medical examiner, he has performed thousands of DOT physical exams and helps drivers navigate the medical certification process with a fair, professional approach.