If you're considering a CDL career in Florida — or already driving and want to know if you're being paid fairly — this guide gives you the real 2026 numbers. We break down average truck driver salaries in Florida by experience level, driving type, and city.
Average truck driver salary in Florida: $54,662/year. Florida has no state income tax — your full paycheck stays in your pocket. Major freight corridors along I-95 and I-75. Port of Miami and Port Tampa are major import hubs. Year-round warm climate with no winter driving hazards.
Average Truck Driver Salary in Florida (2026)
Based on 2026 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed, CDL drivers in Florida earn the following by experience level:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Per Hour (est.) | Per Week (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Driver (0–1 yr) | $42,000–$50,000 | $20–$24 | $807–$961 |
| Mid-Level (2–5 yrs) | $50,000–$61,000 | $24–$29 | $961–$1,173 |
| Experienced (5+ yrs) | $61,000–$74,000 | $29–$35 | $1,173–$1,423 |
| Owner Operator (gross) | $110,000–$170,000 | — | — |
Use our free Florida salary calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your driving type, CDL class, and endorsements.
Truck Driver Salary by Driving Type in Florida
| Driving Type | Avg Annual Salary | Home Time |
|---|---|---|
| OTR (Long Haul) | $58,000–$73,000 | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Regional | $51,000–$63,000 | Weekends home |
| Local / City | $45,000–$58,000 | Home nightly |
| Hazmat | $62,000–$85,000 | Varies |
| Tanker | $60,000–$82,000 | Varies |
Truck Driver Salary by City in Florida
| City | Avg Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | $57,000–$72,000 | International trade and port freight — highest demand in the state |
| Tampa | $55,000–$68,000 | Growing distribution hub, phosphate and agricultural freight |
| Orlando | $54,000–$66,000 | Retail and Amazon distribution, tourism-driven freight |
| Jacksonville | $55,000–$68,000 | Port of Jacksonville — major automotive import hub |
| Fort Lauderdale | $56,000–$70,000 | South Florida retail and construction freight |
Top Trucking Companies Hiring in Florida
- Publix Transportation — Florida's largest grocery chain, excellent private fleet pay and benefits
- Ryder System — Headquartered in Miami, large Florida fleet
- Amazon Logistics — Last-mile and linehaul routes statewide
- KLLM Transport — Refrigerated OTR, strong Florida presence
- Werner Enterprises — OTR and regional throughout Florida and the Southeast
How to Maximize Your Salary as a Florida Truck Driver
- Port freight in Miami and Jacksonville pays well — International trade creates steady drayage demand at premium rates.
- Refrigerated freight is always in demand — Florida imports enormous amounts of produce and seafood requiring reefer transport.
- No state income tax advantage — Florida's average salary looks lower than some states, but you keep significantly more of every paycheck.
- Year-round driving advantage — No winter downtime means more miles annually than drivers in northern states.
See how Florida compares to all 50 states on our complete state salary comparison table. Florida sits slightly below the national average in raw salary — but no state income tax and year-round driving make it a strong overall value for CDL drivers.
CDL Requirements in Florida
To drive commercially in Florida you need a valid Florida CDL. Key requirements:
- Must be 18+ for intrastate (within Florida) driving
- Must be 21+ for interstate (crossing state lines) driving — federal requirement in all states
- Valid Florida driver's license and DOT medical certificate
- Pass written knowledge tests and a skills test
See our complete CDL guide for the full process. Want your CDL paid for? Read about companies that pay for CDL training — many operate throughout Florida.
Bottom Line
Truck drivers in Florida earn an average of $54,662/year in 2026 — with strong room to grow with experience, endorsements, and the right carrier. The CDL job market in Florida remains strong, driven by consistent freight demand and a nationwide driver shortage.
Calculate Your Florida Salary
Use our free calculator to see your estimated pay based on experience, driving type, and endorsements.
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