Florida OS/OD Overview
Permit Required
Yes – all oversize or overweight loads require a permit from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
Legal Limits (Without Permit)
- Width: 8'6"
- Height: 13'6"
- Length: 75' (combo); 48'/53' trailers allowed with conditions
- Weight: 80,000 lbs GVW
Permitted Load Maximums (Typical Upper Limits)
- Width: Up to 16' with proper escorting
- Height: Over 14'6" requires route survey and utility coordination
- Length: Over 150' with special review
- Weight: 250,000+ lbs with analysis and bridge approval
Superloads need extensive review and may take several business days for approval.
Travel Hours
- Standard: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset
- Weekend: No travel after 12:00 PM Saturday or all day Sunday
- Holidays: No movement on major holidays or after 12:00 PM the day before
- Night travel: Allowed for certain loads under 10' wide and with lighting
Escort Requirements (General Guidelines)
| Dimension | Escort Requirement |
|---|---|
| Width > 12' | 1 Escort (front or rear depending on roadway) |
| Width > 14' | 2 Escorts (front and rear) |
| Height > 14'6" | Route survey + high pole escort |
| Length > 95' | 1 Rear Escort |
| Length > 150' | 2 Escorts |
Additional Notes
- “Oversize Load” signs, red flags on corners, and amber lights are required
- Permits issued via the FDOT Permit Application Processing System (PAPS)
- Bridge clearance, road restrictions, and turn radii are strictly enforced
Detailed Information
PERMITS: Permits valid for ten days.
OPERATING TIME: One half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, including Saturday and Sunday if load is 10' wide and under, legal trailer length, and height not exceeding 14'6. If over 10' wide but not exceeding 14' wide may travel until 12:00 Saturday and Sunday. Overweight only can usually run 24/7.
RESTRICTED TRAVEL: No movement allowed from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. in Hillsboro and Dade Counties. Other county curfews, depending on permitted dimensions, will be listed on the Florida permit. Travel is prohibited during 6 main holidays plus Martin Luther King Day for loads exceeding 10' wide, 14'6 high or legal length: The days before and after New Year's, Thanksgiving and Christmas may also be restricted.
TURNPIKE: Florida turnpike limit is 12' wide, 13'6 high. FL Turnpike routes are applied for with the state application. Additional toll charge is approximately 25 cents per mile for 7 axles, 20 cents per mile for 5.
LEGAL DIMENSIONS: Width: 8'6" (8' on some non-designated) Height: 13' 6" (13' non-designated). Length: 48' trailer (53' semi-trailer must have kingpin setting of 41' from center of kingpin to center of rear axle to be legal), 75' overall length. Overhang: 3' front or rear. Weight: 80,000 Gross Single – 22,000 Tandem – 44,000 Tridem – 66,000
ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS: Width: 15' Height: 15*' Length: 150' Overhang: No set maximum. Weight: Depends on spacings. 5 Axles – 112,000 depends on spacings and routes,6 Axles – 122,000 7 Axles – 142,000 *Route survey (written) is required for height over 15' (or over 14'6 on some 2-lane routes)
Loads exceeding these dimensions or weights have to be applied for as Super Loads.
ESCORTS: Width: Over 12' – 1 escort, (over 12' on some 2-lanes – 2 escorts), over 14' – 2 escorts, over 15' may also require State Police Escort. Height: Over 14'6 – 1 escort w/high pole, over 16' – 2 escorts w/high pole. At 15' high and over needs route survey. Length: 75’- 95' – may require 1 escort. Overhang: Rear overhang up to 20' past center of last axle or dolly may require 1 escort.
MISCELLANEOUS: (welded parts). Parts may be hauled on same vehicle. Blades, buckets, counterweights, etc. may be hauled up to 16' wide, only if cannot be reduced.
SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTS: Flags are required on all over width, over height and over length loads, and with 3' front or 4' rear overhang. Flags must be red or orange and 18” square placed on all four corners and all protrusions, projections and overhangs. "Oversize Load" signs required on all loads exceeding 10' wide, over legal length or 14' high. Loads exceeding 10' wide, or over 4' rear overhang need 360 degree amber warning light on tractor. Width over 12', height over 14'6, length 85' or over, requires two 360 degree amber warning lights, one on tractor and one at rear of load.