Florida Announces Expansion of CDL Training Opportunities and Apprenticeship Programs

Florida recently announced $8.2 million in statewide funding for an expansion of CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) training programs to increase enrolled capacity from 1,000 students to 3,500 every year. On September 15, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $8.2 million to five state colleges, which will more than triple the current number of enrollees.

To supplement this investment in the state’s capacity to grant CDL licenses, the governor also announced nearly $12 million to school districts, state universities, private training entities, and colleges to expand or start registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs through the Florida Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG).

Commercial vehicle drivers remain a pillar of both our nation’s infrastructure and economic systems, and as rollout of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) continues, the need for a qualified workforce, including CDL drivers, will grow. APWA is engaged with members, and with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration about possible solutions to alleviate CDL training challenges.   

For questions or comments, please reach out to APWA Government Affairs Associate Jeff Finegan, who handles workforce development matters, and who can be reached at jfinegan@apwa.netor at (202) – 218 -6728