CDL Schools USA is an independent directory that lists and verifies FMCSA-registered commercial driver's license (CDL) training providers across the United States. This page contains 41 verified training programs serving the Tampa, Florida area.

PORT ACCESS
FMCSA VERIFIED 2025
NO STATE TAX

Tampa CDL Schools: Port Access, Tourism Logistics & Year-Round Work

Florida's Non-Stop Freight Economy Creates $70K+ Careers in Tampa

Get your Class A CDL in Tampa. Train for PortMiami, Port Everglades, and JAXPORT container hauling plus tourism and seasonal freight. We've identified 41 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

41 Training Programs
Port Container Hauling
Doubles/Triples
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 399,700

Why Tampa Drivers Should Get Doubles/Triples Endorsement

Florida's ports are among the busiest in the US. PortMiami, Port Everglades, and JAXPORT handle billions in cargo annually. CDL drivers in Tampa with TWIC cards and intermodal experience earn 20-30% more than standard OTR. Florida's year-round construction boom also creates constant demand for flatbed and heavy-haul drivers. Choose a Tampa school that prepares you for Florida's diverse freight economy.

Port Container Hauling
Doubles/Triples
Year-Round Schedules

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Tampa, FL

CDL License Types
Class A, Class B, Class C
Average Training Cost
$3,000 – $8,000
Program Length
3-8 weeks
Weekend / Evening Options
Available at select schools
FMCSA Registration Required
Yes
Verified Schools
41

41 CDL Schools Near Tampa

Top Picks in Tampa

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Hillsborough County Public Schools

Thonotosassa, FL

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Mister CDL Inc

Thonotosassa, FL

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Hillsborough County Public Utilities (Hwy 41 S)

Gibsonton, FL

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Hillsborough County Public Schools

Thonotosassa, FL
9.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Mister CDL Inc

Thonotosassa, FL
10.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Hillsborough County Public Utilities (Hwy 41 S)

Gibsonton, FL
11.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Hillsborough County Public Utilities (Rhodine)

Riverview, FL
12 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Southeastern Freight Lines Inc (TPA)

Thonotosassa, FL
12.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation MU2

Valrico, FL
13.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Hillsborough County Public Utilities (Sydney)

Dover, FL
14.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

FastPass-Clearwater

Clearwater, FL
17 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Pinellas County Schools Bus Driver Training

Clearwater, FL
17.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Propane Ninja

Plant City, FL
17.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

UHC of Clearwater

Palm Harbor, FL
18.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Pasco County Schools - Central CDL Skills/Range

Land O Lakes, FL
19.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Team Fishel

Plant City, FL
22.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

SAGE Truck Driving School at HCC Plant City/Tampa FL

Plant City, FL
22.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

FleetForce Truck Driver Training-New Port Richey

New Port Richey, FL
25.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

TriEst Ag Group, Inc. -FL Location

Palmetto, FL
25.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Florida Truckers Institute, Inc.

New Port Richey, FL
26.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

A&E Trucking

Mulberry, FL
28.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Cutino Lines LLC

Zephyrhills, FL
28.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Train 4 Less Dade City

Dade City, FL
30.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 26 schools

CDL Training in Tampa, Florida

<p>Tampa offers FL verified CDL training programs. Browse by city below to find schools near you, compare tuition costs, and read reviews from graduates.</p>

Why Get CDL Training Near Tampa?

  • Local Training: Train close to home with familiar roads and traffic patterns
  • Job Placement: Many local trucking companies hire graduates directly
  • Financial Aid: Schools in Florida often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
  • ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in Florida

CDL training in Florida typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 for private schools, with community colleges offering programs from $2,000 to $5,000. Many trucking companies also offer paid CDL training programs with a 1-2 year employment commitment.

Trucking Jobs Near Tampa

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000
Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Florida
2,500+
Open trucking positions in Florida

Top employers hiring near Tampa: Amazon, Walmart, UPS, FedEx, Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, Swift Transportation, and regional carriers.

Job types available: Local delivery, regional routes, OTR (Over-the-Road), dedicated routes, tanker, flatbed, and refrigerated transport.

Compare CDL Schools in Tampa

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
Class A
Evening Classes
A&E Trucking
FMCSA Verified
Class A
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class AHazmat
Weekend Classes
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
City of Zephyrhills
FMCSA Verified
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Cutino Lines LLC
FMCSA Verified
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
FastPass-Clearwater
FMCSA Verified
Class ATanker
Evening Classes
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class AClass B
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.
Class AClass BHazmat
Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved

Tuition Costs in Tampa

Avg. Private School
$6,500
Avg. Public School
$3,200
Price Range
$2,800 - $7,500

Florida has many 'CDL Mills' – warn users about unaccredited schools.

Need Help Choosing?

Take our free quiz to get matched with schools that fit your needs, budget, and schedule.

Get Matched FREE

DOT Physicals Near Tampa

Required for your CDL medical card

GoHealth Urgent Care - South Tampa

8729 Wellness Blvd, Tampa
4.3
$121-$180
Walk-ins OK

CVS MinuteClinic - Midtown Clearwater

8726 Medical Center Dr, Clearwater
3.9
$69-$152

Express Urgent Care - South Clearwater

6472 Medical Center Dr, Clearwater
3.8
$75-$154
Walk-ins OK

💡 Pro Tip: Get your DOT physical before starting CDL training. The exam costs ${55-150} and is valid for up to 2 years.

CDL Testing & FLHSMV in Tampa

9550 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33626

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the Tampa Driver License Office. CDL testing by appointment

Visit Tampa CDL FLHSMV

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Tampa

How long does CDL training take in Tampa?
CDL training programs in Tampa, FL typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. Company-sponsored programs often run 4-6 weeks with guaranteed job placement upon completion.
How much does CDL school cost in Florida?
CDL training costs in Florida range from $3,000-$10,000 for private schools, $1,500-$5,000 at community colleges, and FREE through company-sponsored programs (with employment commitment). Many schools accept WIOA grants, GI Bill benefits, and offer payment plans.
Can I get a CDL in Tampa without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Tampa area offer weekend and evening classes for working adults. These flexible schedules allow you to earn your CDL while keeping your current job. Weekend programs typically take 8-16 weeks to complete.
How do I know if a CDL school in Tampa is legitimate?
All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school there. Be wary of schools that promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks or cannot provide their TPR registration number. The FMCSA removed over 550 non-compliant providers in 2025-2026 alone.
Do I need ELDT training to get a CDL?
Yes, as of February 2022, all first-time CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered training provider before taking the CDL skills test. All schools listed on CDL Schools USA are ELDT-compliant. The ELDT requirement includes both theory instruction (30+ hours) and behind-the-wheel training.
Can I get financial aid for CDL school in Florida?
Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Florida: WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants, Pell Grants at eligible community colleges, VA benefits for veterans, and company-sponsored training programs. Contact individual schools to learn about their specific financial aid options.
Why is Florida good for new CDL drivers?
Florida offers several unique advantages for CDL drivers: no state income tax (higher take-home pay), year-round work with no seasonal slowdowns, three major ports (PortMiami, Port Everglades, JAXPORT) creating container hauling demand, constant construction creating flatbed/dump truck jobs, and tourism logistics requiring dedicated freight service. CDL drivers in Florida average $54,600/year, with port drivers earning up to $78,000.
What types of trucking jobs are available near Tampa?
The Tampa, FL area offers diverse trucking jobs: regional LTL freight along I-95/I-75, port drayage from Florida's major ports, construction hauling (Florida's building boom shows no signs of slowing), refrigerated transport for Florida's agriculture and food service industry, and tourism logistics supporting theme parks, resorts, and cruise lines. Many positions offer home-daily or home-weekly schedules.