In a 2025 survey to Chamber membership, respondents reported that Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) / Driver positions such as “CDL Drivers/Merchandisers,” “Driver,” “Class A CDL,” “Delivery Merchandiser,” and “Delivery Drivers” are in-demand jobs at their business.
If you’d like to pursue a CDL / Driving career in Bay County, here are the minimum Training/Education and Skills/Experience requirements Chamber Members recommended for such jobs:
Training/Education
You must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate:
- A combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds (i.e., Class A).
- Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more (i.e., Class B or “Heavy Straight Vehicle”).
- A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver (i.e., Class C).
- Any size vehicle which requires hazardous material placards or is carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73.
- That being said, there are federal and state requirements for obtaining a CDL –
That being said, there are federal and state requirements for obtaining a CDL:
First, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations require that all entry-level drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) receive Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a provider listed on their “Training Provider Registry.” In other words, you must complete ELDT if you’re seeking to obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL, or obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time. More information on DOT’s Training Provider Registry can be found online at https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/content/Resources/FMCSA-TPR-Factsheet.pdf.
Then, Florida additionally requires CDL applications to have an 1) Operator’s License, 2) pass vision requirements, and 3) take knowledge & skills tests. CDL applicants must be Florida residents, at least 18 years of age, and anyone under 21 will be restricted to intrastate operation only. More information on how to obtain a CDL in Florida can be found online at https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/handbooks/englishcdlhandbook.pdf.
Skills/Experience
- Lift 50lbs, CDL certified
- Valid CDL license with hazmat endorsement
- Great customer service attitude
- Driving [experience]
- Beverage Industry [experience]
- 1 year – 2 years [of experience]
- No experience necessary [for food delivery drivers]
Businesses
Chamber Member companies who might need CDL/Driver workers can be searched by clicking their corresponding link below or by visiting the Chamber Member Search page.
Job-seekers and businesses looking to become a Bay County Chamber of Commerce member are encouraged to contact any staff member listed on the Chamber Staff page for additional information. More data about InDemand careers can also be found at the Florida's Chamber of Commerce's website.
Note -- The information presented on this webpage is based on survey responses from Bay County Chamber of Commerce members and reflects their reported workforce needs at the time of data collection. This information does not guarantee job availability, so individuals should independently verify opportunities, qualifications, and requirements with employers and relevant licensing agencies.