WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in Florida

Hauling oversize loads in Florida involves several steps.

In Florida, you need an oversize load permit if your vehicle exceeds 8’6″ wide, 14’0″ high, 65′ long or 80,000 pounds. 

But the preparation does not end with obtaining oversize load permits. Oversize loads often need pilot cars and specialized equipment is required for travel, including oversize load signs and specialized oversize load LED lights for trucks. 

There are standard pilot car requirements when hauling an oversize load in Florida.

Permit regulations such as night and weekend travel restrictions and specific curfews should be known prior to travel. 

Routing is another major step in the heavy haul process. Most state agencies will not be aware of temporary construction, bridge heights or travel restrictions on some city/county townships or on Indian reservations. If you have a complicated load, it’s best to check your route or conduct a route survey in advance.   

Florida oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Florida does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Florida cities and counties require additional permits. Choosing not to obtain city or county permits raises liability concerns, specifically two. 

  1.  Ticket/fine: Fines for illegally traveling on city or county roads without a permit range from a few hundred dollars to $30,000 or more.
  2. Accident/Insurance: If you get into an accident while traveling on a city or county road without a permit, your insurance may deny you coverage costing you more than just money.

If you want to speak to a WCS Transportation Consultant about planning your oversize load haul in Florida, call (888) 737-6483 now or contact us. An oversize load transport is much more than just permits, a heavy haul transport also includes routing, permit regulations, liability and more.

Order Florida Oversize Permits Now
FL PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater than 12’0
    • 1 rear pilot required
  • Greater than 14’0
    • 1 front pilot & 1 rear pilot required

Florida Keys “South of Florida City:”

  • Greater than 10’0 up to 14’0
    • 1 pilot required
  • Greater than 14’0
    • 1 State Highway Patrol required
  • See Police & Curfew sections for additional
    information
Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 95’0
    • 1 pilot required
  • Greater than 150’0
    • 1 front pilot & 1 rear pilot required
      • traveling on limit access facility
      • 1 rear pilot required
  • Greater than 250’0
    • 1 State Police & 1 rear pilot required
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 14’6
    • 1 front pilot w/ height sensor required
  • Greater than 16’0
    • 1 front pilot w height sensor required
    • 1 law enforcement escort required
Pilot Car Overhang:

N/A

Additional Info:
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN FL
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

  • 2 Rotating, strobe, or flashing Amber lights
  • Must be visible for 500 ft.
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  •  Wording:
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD”
  • : Size
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 12″ x 1 1/2″
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • Front and rear of transport vehicle may also be roof-mounted
Flag Requirements:

Flag Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″ Red squares
  • Located at all 4 corners of load and/or widest points
FL PILOT CAR EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN FL
Certification Requirements:

Certification requirements for Florida pilot cars:

  • Florida Certification;
    • Complete a minimum 8 hour defensive driving course
    • National Safety Council course
    • Valid Commercial Driver‚ License (Class A, B, or C)
  • State Certifications accepted;
    • Arizona
    • Colorado
    • Georgia
    • Minnesota
    • North Carolina
    • Oklahoma
    • Pennsylvania
    • Utah
    • Virginia
    • Washington
Light Requirements:

Light Requirements for Florida pilot cars:

  • Must be equipped with a  “Class 2” Amber
    warning light
Sign Requirements:

Sign Requirements for Florida pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD"
  • Size:
    • 5’0 x 12″
  • Lettering:
    • 12″ x 1 1/2″ Brush Stroke
  • Colors:
    • Yellow background, Black lettering

Additional Signage Requirements:

  • Must display on each side of vehicle
    • Company/ owner name
    • Phone number
    • 8″ x 12″
    • Visible to motoring public
Flag Requirements:

Flag Requirements for Florida pilot cars:

  • Red or fluorescent Orange 18″ square flags
  • Mounted at a 40 to 70 degree angle on the
    roof rack or bumper mounted
Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle Requirements for Florida pilot cars:

  • Vehicle 2,000 lbs. – 15,000 lbs. GVW
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for Florida pilot cars:

  • 2-Way Radio
  • 5 lb. Class A,B or C fire extinguisher
  • STOP/GO or STOP/SLOW paddle
    • 18” x 18” with 6” letters
  • Safety Orange vest/shirt/jacket
  • One 12” x 12” hand-held flag (Red or
    Fluorescent Orange)
  • Two "OVERSIZE LOAD" banners (Yellow with
    Black letters)
    • Replacements if load/vehicle loses sign
  • Three reflective triangles
  • Three  36” traffic cones
  • Height pole

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WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

WCS Permits & Pilot Cars is North America’s oversize load permit authority. 

Phone: 888-737-6483

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