FLHSMV's official Size and Permit Enforcement page is the reviewed enforcement/fine source; confirm current penalty computation there and in cited statute.
FLHSMV's official Size and Permit Enforcement page is the reviewed enforcement/fine source; confirm current penalty computation there and in cited statute.
Florida weight checks should start with section 316.535, then move to FDOT if a
permit may be required. Because Florida statutory wording depends on spacing and
movement context, this page avoids reducing every axle-group question to a single
shortcut number.
One Florida-specific point worth noting: the state single-axle limit under
section 316.535 is 22,000 lb on non-Interstate roads, which is higher than the
federal Interstate single-axle limit of 20,000 lb. Drivers running Interstate
routes must use the federal 20,000 lb comparison; drivers on state roads may have
the higher Florida statutory limit available, subject to the spacing and
configuration provisions in the statute. The exact applicable limit depends on
the road type and the axle configuration as described in section 316.535, not on
a single universal number.
How to verify this yourself
Open section 316.535 for the legal weight language, then use FDOT’s OWOD permit
page for any over-legal movement. For enforcement and penalty context, compare
the FLHSMV page with the actual citation.
FAQ
Is a Florida scale ticket a permit?
No. It is a weight record. Permit authority comes through FDOT when required.
Which Florida agency handles overweight permits?
The FDOT State Permit Office handles over-weight and over-dimension permits.
Is Florida's tandem limit always the federal 34,000 lb number?
Interstate operation needs the federal comparison, while Florida statute includes spacing-specific provisions that should be checked directly.