Florida SB 86 Passes Senate, Now Moving to House

Florida SB 86 Passes Senate, New Rules Proposed for CMV Drivers

Florida lawmakers have advanced SB 86, a bill focused on commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operations. The measure passed the Florida Senate on March 6 during the 2026 legislative session. The legislation addresses CMVs operated by unauthorized aliens. Also, outlines new enforcement actions, penalties, and procedures that could apply to truck drivers and motor carriers operating in the state. If the proposal ultimately becomes law, the provisions are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026.

What SB 86 Would Require

SB 86 establishes a state policy regarding the operation of CMV by individuals considered unauthorized to work in the U.S.

If law enforcement determines that a person operating a CMV is an unauthorized alien, officers with appropriate authority would be required to take the individual into custody and facilitate their transfer to a federal immigration agency, consistent with federal law.

The legislation also includes additional enforcement provisions tied to commercial vehicles involved in such incidents.

Truck Impoundment and Carrier Penalties

SB 86 would require that a CMV driven by an unauthorized alien be impounded and removed to a secure storage facility after the driver is taken into custody.

In addition, the bill states that the motor carrier associated with the vehicle could face a civil penalty of $50,000. The penalty must be paid or secured with a bond before the vehicle can be released. Towing and storage costs related to the impoundment must also be paid.

The legislation also authorizes Florida officials to issue out-of-service orders to the motor carrier connected to the vehicle.

Requirements for CMV Drivers

The measure also outlines certain expectations for CMV drivers operating in Florida.

Drivers would be required to:

• Be lawfully present in the United States
• Hold a valid CDL
• Be able to read and understand English
• Communicate effectively with law enforcement officers when necessary.

Supporters of the proposal have described the bill as an effort to address safety concerns involving commercial vehicles on state highways.

Legislative History of SB 86

The bill was first filed in the Florida Senate in September 2025 and moved through several committees during the 2026 legislative session.

Committee actions included:

• Transportation Committee: Approved with a 6–3 vote in January
• Criminal Justice Committee: Approved with a 6–2 vote in February
• Fiscal Policy Committee: Reviewed before the bill advanced further in the legislative process.

After clearing those committee stages, the measure passed the Florida Senate on March 6, marking a major step forward for the proposal.

House Companion SB 86 Still Moving

A similar proposal has been filed in the Florida House of Representatives as HB 1247, which addresses the same subject of CMV operated by unauthorized aliens.

For the legislation to become law, both chambers of the Florida Legislature must approve the measure before it can be sent to the governor.

Continued Debate Around CMV Enforcement

SB 86 has drawn attention from trucking organizations. The legislation declares that operating a CMV under these circumstances may be treated as an “imminent safety hazard,” a designation that historically has been used for issues such as mechanical defects or HOS violations.

As the bill continues through the legislative process, the trucking industry will likely watch closely to see how the final version of the proposal could affect drivers and motor carriers operating in Florida.