CDL Schools USA is an independent directory that lists and verifies FMCSA-registered commercial driver's license (CDL) training providers across the United States. This page contains 14 verified training programs serving the Defuniak Springs, Florida area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Defuniak Springs, FL

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Defuniak Springs?We have identified 14 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Defuniak Springs area (Pop: 15,000).

Quick Stats

14 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 15,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Defuniak Springs, FL

CDL License Types
Class A, Class B, Class C
Average Training Cost
$3,000, $8,000
Program Length
3-8 weeks
Weekend / Evening Options
Available at select schools
FMCSA Registration Required
Yes
Verified Schools
14

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Defuniak Springs, FL?

Students comparing CDL schools in Defuniak Springs, FL should first confirm that the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry for the CDL class or endorsement they need. Then compare tuition, behind-the-wheel hours, public enrollment status, manual or automatic transmission training, weekend or evening schedules, and whether the program supports WIOA, veteran benefits, job placement, or employer-sponsored training. This page lists 14 training programsserving the Defuniak Springs area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

14 CDL Schools Near Defuniak Springs

Top Picks in Defuniak Springs

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Rocky Bayou Christian School

Niceville, FL

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Niceville

Niceville, FL

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Okaloosa District Schools South

Fort Walton Beach, FL

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Rocky Bayou Christian School

Niceville, FL
23.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Niceville

Niceville, FL
24.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Okaloosa District Schools South

Fort Walton Beach, FL
33.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Florida Panhandle Technical College, Washington Co. Schools

Chipley, FL
33.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Liza Jackson Preparatory School

Fort Walton Beach, FL
35.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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LBW Community College

Andalusia, AL
45 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Daleville City School

Daleville, AL
48.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Pensacola State College Truck Driver Training Facility

Milton, FL
49.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Tomlin Transportation Consulting, Inc.

Panama City Beach, FL
40.8 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Commercial Driving School LLC

Panama City, FL
41.5 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Dothan City Schools

Enterprise, AL
44.9 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Bay District Schools

Panama City, FL
44.9 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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CDL Training in Defuniak Springs, Florida

Defuniak Springs, Florida has 14 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs serving students in 2026. Florida's year-round construction boom and three major ports create constant CDL driver demand, plus no state income tax means drivers keep more earnings. Average CDL driver salary in Florida is about $54,600 per year, with experienced drivers reaching $78,000. The port logistics, construction & tourism sector creates high demand for qualified CDL holders near Defuniak Springs, and major freight corridors such as I-95/I-75/Florida Turnpike connect graduates to local, regional, and long-haul work. Every school listed on this page is tied to FMCSA Training Provider Registry review, which matters because ELDT completion must come from a registered provider before a first-time CDL applicant can take the skills test.

Why Get CDL Training Near Defuniak Springs?

  • Local Training: Train close to home with familiar roads and traffic patterns
  • Job Placement: Many local trucking companies hire graduates directly
  • Financial Aid: Schools in Florida often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
  • ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in Florida

CDL training in Florida typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 for private schools, with community colleges offering programs from $2,000 to $5,000. Many trucking companies also offer paid CDL training programs with a 1-2 year employment commitment.

View all CDL schools in Florida

Trucking Jobs Near Defuniak Springs

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000
Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Florida
2,500+
Open trucking positions in Florida

Top employers hiring near Defuniak Springs: Amazon, Walmart, UPS, FedEx, Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, Swift Transportation, and regional carriers.

Job types available: Local delivery, regional routes, OTR (Over-the-Road), dedicated routes, tanker, flatbed, and refrigerated transport.

Browse CDL JobsGet Paid to Train

Compare CDL Schools in Defuniak Springs

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 14 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
Bay District Schools
FMCSA Verified
Panama City
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
City of Panama City
FMCSA Verified
Panama City
Class A
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Commercial Driving School LLC
FMCSA Verified
Panama City
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Daleville City School
FMCSA Verified
Daleville
Class AHazmatTanker
Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
View Details
Dothan City Schools
FMCSA Verified
Enterprise
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Niceville
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
View Details
Chipley
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
View Details
LBW Community College
FMCSA Verified
Andalusia
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
View Details
Fort Walton Beach
Class AClass B
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
View Details
Fort Walton Beach
Class A
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
View Details
Opp City Schools
FMCSA Verified
Opp
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.VA Approved
View Details
Milton
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
View Details
Niceville
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
View Details
Tomlin Transportation Consulting, Inc.
FMCSA Verified
Panama City Beach
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes

Tuition Costs in Defuniak Springs

Avg. Private School
$6,500
Avg. Public School
$3,200
Price Range
$2,800 - $7,500

Florida has many 'CDL Mills', warn users about unaccredited schools.

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CDL Testing & FLHSMV in Defuniak Springs

Schedule your CDL knowledge and skills tests through your local FLHSMV office. Find testing locations, wait times, and required documents.

Find FLHSMV Office

Required Online Compliance Training

Before driving for a fleet operating out of Defuniak Springs, most employers require current DOT/FMCSA certifications. Complete training online, at your own pace.

DOT Reasonable SuspicionHazmat AwarenessHazmat RecurrentDefensive DrivingHIPAA for CouriersHeat Stress & Slip/TripDry Ice HandlingHOS / ELD ComplianceLithium Battery ShippingBloodborne PathogensCargo SecurementFSMA Sanitary TransportForklift Certification
View All Certification Courses

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Defuniak Springs

How long does CDL training take in Defuniak Springs?
CDL training programs in Defuniak Springs, FL typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. Company-sponsored programs often run 4-6 weeks with guaranteed job placement upon completion.
How much does CDL school cost in Florida?
CDL training costs in Florida range from $3,000-$10,000 for private schools, $1,500-$5,000 at community colleges, and FREE through company-sponsored programs (with employment commitment). Many schools accept WIOA grants, GI Bill benefits, and offer payment plans.
Can I get a CDL in Defuniak Springs without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Defuniak Springs area offer weekend and evening classes for working adults. These flexible schedules allow you to earn your CDL while keeping your current job. Weekend programs typically take 8-16 weeks to complete.
How do I know if a CDL school in Defuniak Springs is legitimate?
All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school there. Be wary of schools that promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks or cannot provide their TPR registration number. The FMCSA removed over 550 non-compliant providers in 2025-2026 alone.
Do I need ELDT training to get a CDL?
Yes, as of February 2022, all first-time CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered training provider before taking the CDL skills test. All schools listed on CDL Schools USA are ELDT-compliant. The ELDT requirement includes both theory instruction (30+ hours) and behind-the-wheel training.
Can I get financial aid for CDL school in Florida?
Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Florida: WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants, Pell Grants at eligible community colleges, VA benefits for veterans, and company-sponsored training programs. Contact individual schools to learn about their specific financial aid options.
Why is Florida good for new CDL drivers?
Florida offers several unique advantages for CDL drivers: no state income tax (higher take-home pay), year-round work with no seasonal slowdowns, three major ports (PortMiami, Port Everglades, JAXPORT) creating container hauling demand, constant construction creating flatbed/dump truck jobs, and tourism logistics requiring dedicated freight service. CDL drivers in Florida average $54,600/year, with port drivers earning up to $78,000.
What types of trucking jobs are available near Defuniak Springs?
The Defuniak Springs, FL area offers diverse trucking jobs: regional LTL freight along I-95/I-75, port drayage from Florida's major ports, construction hauling (Florida's building boom shows no signs of slowing), refrigerated transport for Florida's agriculture and food service industry, and tourism logistics supporting theme parks, resorts, and cruise lines. Many positions offer home-daily or home-weekly schedules.

This page lists FMCSA-verified CDL schools in Florida, including training programs in Defuniak Springs and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

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CDL Practice Tests by StatePaid CDL Training ProgramsFMCSA School Verification GuideTruck Driver Salary by StateVerify a CDL School