If you’re looking for information on how to get an oversize permit in Florida, you’ve come to the right place: our Florida permit FAQ.
1. How long are oversize permits valid for in Florida?
10 consecutive days. Extension and revisions are granted, but must be a part of the original permit. The permit itself must remain in the vehicle while in Florida.
2. What are the legal dimensions for loads in Florida?
The legal limits in Florida are as follows:
- Gross Weight: 80,000 lbs. on designated highways (federal bridge formula applies); for other roads, weight depends on bridges
- Width: 8’6” on designated highways and roads with traffic lanes 12’ wide or more
- Height: 13’6”
- Length: 40’ for single unit, 50’ for buses, 53’ for semi-trailer (or 57’6” with permit), 28’ for twins/doubles, 50’ for auto and boat transporters; rocky mountain doubles are allowed on turnpike only; turnpike doubles and triples are not allowed
- Overhang: 3’ front; auto and boat transporters 6’ rear
- Auto and boat transporter semi-trailers cannot exceed 50’
- For straight truck-trailer combinations that exceed 68’ overall, the trailer cannot exceed 28’, including the load
- Overhang restrictions do not apply to:
- Any single agricultural trailer or any combination of up to and including three implements of husbandry (including the towing power unit) with a load of peanuts, grains, soy beans, hay, straw, or other perishable farm products; further restrictions apply
3. What are the permit limits for loads in Florida?
The routine-issue permit limits in Florida are as follows:
- Weight:
- Single: 22,000 lbs.
- Tandem: 40,000-55,000 lbs.
- Tridum: 60,000-82,500 lbs.
- Quad: 66,000-110,000 lbs.
- Gross Weight (depends on outerbridge axle configuration and routes):
- 5 axles: 112,000 lbs.
- 6 axles: 122,000 lbs.
- 7 axles: 142,000 lbs.
- 8 axles: 160,000 lbs.
- Length: 150’ (no set maximum overhang)
- Width: 16’
- Height: 16’
4. Is continuous travel allowed for oversize permits in Florida?
In general, for weekdays and weekend days, oversize vehicles can operate 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Further restrictions apply.
5. When are escorts needed in Florida?
On two-lane highways:
- 1 (front) escort is needed when width is between 12’ and 14’ (if pavement is 24’ or wider)
- 2 (front and rear) escorts are needed if width is over 12’ (if pavement is less than 24’ wide)
- 2 (front and rear) escorts are needed if width is over 14’ (each lane must be 12’ wide)
- 1 (rear) escort may be required if length is between 75’ and 95’
- 1 (rear) escort is required if length is over 95’
- 1 (front w/ height pole) if height is between 14’6” and 16’
- 2 (front w/ height pole and rear) if height exceeds 16’
On four-lane highways:
- 1 (rear) escort is needed when width is between 12’ and 14’
- 2 (front and rear) escorts are needed if width is between 14’ and 15’
- 1 (rear) escort may be required if length is between 75’ and 95’
- 1 (rear) escort is required if length is over 95’
- 1 (front w/ height pole) if height is between 14’6” and 16’
- 2 (front w/ height pole and rear) if height exceeds 16’
6. What is a superload in Florida?
In Florida, loads over 15’ wide, 15’ high or 150’ long are considered superloads.
When the load exceeds 15’ in height or the width exceeds 16’, the route must be surveyed by a qualified escort, and the Route Survey letter must be kept on board.
When the load exceeds 18’ in height or the width exceeds 22’, the Route Survey letter must be provided with the permit application.
The complexities of permitting in Florida (and any other state) can be daunting, but that’s why we’re here. If you have any questions or would prefer that someone else do the heavy lifting (pun intended), give us a call at (800) 359-9407 or send us an email.