Florida

Florida Oversize Permits & Escorts Information

Do you need oversize load permits in the state of Florida? Find out the maximum width and weight allowed on Florida highways, the legal operating times, the oversize load signage rules, and when Florida requires pilot cars. The following data is for informational purposes only. We are not a permit service, do not arrange permits for carriers, and do not answer permit and escort requirement questions.

Oversize Load Limits

Maximum load sizes before a permit is required:

• Length: 75′
• Width: 8’6″
• Height: 13’6″
• Weight: 80,000 lbs gross
• Overhang: 3′ in the front; 3′ off the rear

Permits

Florida oversize permits are valid for ten days. For more information, visit the Florida Department of Transportation.

Legal Operating Times

• One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, including Saturday and Sunday, if load is under 10′ wide, 14’6″ tall, and of legal trailer length. Loads between 10′ an 14′ wide allowed travel until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
• No travel allowed from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Hillsboro and Dade Counties.
• No travel on major holidays (New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day) for loads over 10′ wide, 14’6″ high, or over legal length.
• Overweight only typically allowed continuous 24/7 travel.

Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicles

Escort vehicle or pilot car required for heavy-haul or oversize loads if:

• The length is over 95′. (One rear required.)
• The width is between 12 and 14′. (One rear required. Some routes may require two.)
• The width is between 14′ and 15′. (Two required.)
• The width is over 15′. (Minimum two required. Police escort may be required.)
• The height is between 14’6″ and 16′. (One required. Written route survey required for all loads exceeding 15′ in height.)
• The height is over 16′. (Two required.)
• The rear overhang is less than 20′ past the center of the rear axle. ( One may be required.)

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Requirements

Pilot cars and escort vehicles must weigh more than 2,000 lbs with a gross vehicle rating of less than 26,000 lbs. The operator must be certified by the state of Florida or one of the following: Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Oversize Load Sign Requirements

“OVERSIZE LOAD” signs required on loads exceeding 10′ wide, the legal length, or 14′ high. Red or orange flags, 18″ x 18″, must be placed on all four corners and all protrusions, projections, and overhangs on all over-width, over-height, and over-length loads and loads with a 3′ front or 4′ rear overhang. Loads exceeding 10′ wide, or with a rear overhang exceeding 4′, require an amber warning light with 360-degree visibility on the tractor. Two 360-degree amber warning lights, one on the tractor and one at rear of load, required on when length exceeds 85′, width exceeds 12′, or height exceeds 14’6″..

The data on this page is for informational purposes only, and we do not guarantee its accuracy.