Inmate CDL Proposal Blocked by Florida Governors Veto

Florida Governor Vetoes Bill Expanding Inmate CDL Training

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has vetoed legislation that would have expanded workforce development opportunities for inmates, including allowing certain eligible inmates to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) before their release.

The bill, known as CS/CS/HB 325, included provisions to establish an Inmate CDL training program for qualifying inmates nearing release. It also would have allowed participants to operate state-owned commercial vehicles on public roads under the supervision of a certified correctional officer.

The governor announced the veto on June 26, preventing the legislation from taking effect on its scheduled July 1, 2026, effective date.

What the Inmate CDL Bill Proposed

HB 325 focused on expanding education and workforce development opportunities for inmates preparing to reenter the workforce.

Among its provisions, the bill would have:

• Expanded Department of Transportation workforce development funding beyond construction-related programs.
• Allowed grants to private educational providers offering workforce certifications.
• Authorized eligible inmates nearing release to participate in Inmate CDL training.
• Allowed the Florida Department of Corrections to establish Inmate CDL training programs within correctional facilities.
• Permitted qualifying inmates to operate state-owned commercial vehicles during training while supervised by a certified correctional officer.

Lawmakers said the goal was to provide inmates with job skills before release while helping employers fill positions in high-demand industries.

Supporters Said Inmate CDL Could Expand the CDL Workforce

Representative Kim Kendall, who filed the bill, said the legislation was intended to improve employment opportunities for inmates after their release and reduce repeat offenses.

According to Kendall, allowing eligible inmates to complete Inmate CDL training before leaving prison could help address Florida’s estimated shortage of approximately 15,000 commercial drivers while giving participants access to stable, well-paying careers.

Supporters also pointed to studies showing vocational education and professional certifications can reduce recidivism by improving employment opportunities after incarceration.

Why the Governor Vetoed the Inmate CDL Bill

In his veto letter, Governor DeSantis said he supports educational and workforce development programs that prepare inmates for successful reentry into society.

However, he objected to the portion of the legislation that would have allowed inmates to operate commercial vehicles on Florida’s public roads before completing their sentences.

The governor wrote that inmates should not be driving CMV on public highways while still incarcerated, even under supervision. He concluded that the public safety concerns outweighed the potential workforce benefits included in the bill.

What the Inmate CDL Veto Means

Because of the veto, Florida will not move forward with the proposed Inmate CDL program outlined in HB 325.

Eligible inmates will not be able to earn a CDL through the new program described in the legislation, and correctional institutions will not receive the additional authority provided under the bill.

Existing correctional education and vocational training programs remain in place, but the new Inmate CDL provisions approved by the Legislature will not take effect.

Why It Matters to the Trucking Industry

The trucking industry has continued to face driver recruitment challenges in many parts of the country, leading lawmakers and industry groups to explore new ways to expand the workforce.

Supporters viewed the proposed Inmate CDL program as one possible way to increase the number of qualified commercial drivers while helping inmates prepare for employment after release.

The governor’s veto means Florida will not pursue that approach at this time. Any future effort to create an Inmate CDL program would require new legislation or revisions that address the concerns raised in the veto message.