Do pilot car drivers need certification in Florida?

Florida pilot car regulations

Certification: required. Escorts must be 18+, hold a valid license, finish an 8-hour defensive driving course (or hold a Class A, B or C CDL) and an 8-hour pilot/escort flagging course from an FDOT vendor. Carry proof of the courses. Requalify every 4 years with a 4-hour refresher.

From Florida's own rules and pages, checked 2026-10-24. Rules change: the state's page is the last word.

Certification program: Pilot/Escort Flagging course, UF Transportation Technology Transfer Center (FDOT-approved)Source
Other states' cards: Florida accepts escorts qualified by another state whose standards are equal to or stricter than Florida's, if qualified or requalified within the past four years. The UF T2 Center says Florida has reciprocity with other states that require an 8-hour course.
Minimum age: 18
Escort vehicle: A single-unit vehicle rated at least 2,000 lb and under 26,000 lb GVWR, licensed, registered and driven by a qualified escort. Company or owner/driver name and phone number on both sides, sign at least 8 x 12 inches.Source
Sign: Bumper- or roof-mounted (or both) yellow "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign with black letters at least 10 inches high and 1 1/2 inches wide brush stroke, visible from front and rear.
Lights: High-visibility rotating, strobe or flashing Class 2 amber warning lights, seen by all approaching traffic from at least 500 feet.
Flags: Two red or fluorescent orange flags, at least 18 x 18 inches, on the roof rack at about 40-70 degrees. Plus one red or orange hand flag at least 12 x 12 inches.
Height pole: For over-height loads the lead vehicle must have a non-conductive, non-destructive height pole set at least 6 inches above the load.
Other equipment: Working two-way communication with the truck driver; Class ABC fire extinguisher (5 lb minimum); STOP/GO or STOP/SLOW paddle at least 18 inches with 6-inch letters; Class 2 vest by day, Class 3 at night; two spare warning signs (yellow/black, at least 7 ft x 18 in, 12-inch letters); three 36-inch cones (reflective at night). Escorts go through weigh stations and stay within 300 feet of the load.