Compliance

Florida Increases English-Proficiency and Immigration Enforcement for Truck Drivers

Florida turns truck inspection stations into ICE checkpoints. NEW TRAINING: English Proficiency Readiness Course is available! – CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE or SIGN UP!

If you’re a carrier or driver operating in or through Florida, expect stricter inspections starting immediately.

The state is adding immigration enforcement and English proficiency checks at all agricultural interdiction stations, in addition to their standard inspections.

What’s Changing

Florida’s agricultural inspection stations—separate from FDOT weigh stations—are now being used as enforcement points to identify unsafe or unauthorized drivers.

Key updates include:

English Proficiency Testing – Drivers must be able to understand and speak English per federal regulations.
Immigration Status Checks – Officers will verify driver documentation using authority under ICE’s 287(g) program.
Targeting Unsafe Drivers – Non-compliant drivers may be removed from service on the spot.

There are 23 inspection stations across the state, with 100% of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) officers now certified to enforce these new measures.

NOTE: In Pennsylvania, enforcement of the FMCSA’s English language proficiency (ELP) standards for commercial drivers began on August 25, 2025. Drivers found to be in violation of the ELP rule will be placed “Out-of-Service”. Learn more.

Why the Crackdown?

This move follows a fatal crash on the Florida Turnpike involving a driver who:

Held CDLs from California and Washington
Failed an English test, answering only 2 of 12 questions correctly
Could not identify basic traffic signs

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stated:

“If you’re here illegally or can’t speak English, you have no business operating large commercial vehicles on Florida’s roads.”

Florida has also asked the FMCSA to audit and potentially decertify CDL programs in California and Washington for issuing licenses in violation of federal safety rules.

Why This Matters to Carriers and Drivers

If your fleet operates in Florida, these inspections could impact operations, delay deliveries, and result in costly violations.

You must ensure:

Drivers meet English-speaking requirements
Documentation and licensing are current and compliant
Drivers understand how to communicate during roadside inspections

What Fleets Should Do Now

To stay compliant and avoid downtime:

Verify all drivers meet FMCSA English proficiency requirements
Update your hiring and training policies
Conduct internal English assessments before drivers are dispatched
Train drivers on how to respond during roadside inspections
For drivers with English as a second language, enroll them in training:
English Proficiency Readiness Course