Where to reach Florida's Division of Driver Licenses for medical and vision matters
The Florida Division of Driver Licenses (part of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) handles medical and vision reviews that affect your driving privileges. If you need to report a medical condition, request a vision test, or respond to a medical review notice, you contact this division directly — not your local DMV office.
The division processes cases where your license may be suspended or restricted based on health information. This includes situations where you've reported a condition to the state, a doctor has reported one on your behalf, or you're responding to a notice asking you to provide medical documentation.
Understanding which contact method works fastest depends on what you need to do and how quickly you need an answer.
Key Takeaways
- The Medical Review Section of Florida's Division of Driver Licenses handles all medical and vision-related license decisions, separate from routine license renewals.
- You can reach the division by phone at 850-617-3200 during business hours, or by mail at the Tallahassee office address listed on the DHSMV website.
- If you received a notice to submit medical records, the important date on that notice is firm — missing it can result in automatic suspension.
- You can also request forms and information through the DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov), which lists the specific documents needed for different medical conditions.
- If your case involves a commercial driver's license (CDL), medical requirements are stricter and handled through the same division but with federal standards applied.
How to contact the Medical Review Section by phone
Call 850-617-3200 during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time). Have your driver's license number ready when you call. The staff can tell you whether a medical review is pending on your record, what documents you need to submit, and what the timeline is for a decision.
If you're calling about a notice you received in the mail, have that notice in front of you. It will contain a case number and the specific important date for submitting documents. The phone line can confirm whether your submission was received and whether additional information is needed.
Wait times can be long during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon). Calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon often means shorter holds.
Submitting medical records and forms by mail
If you prefer to submit documents by mail or if you need to send original medical records, address your envelope to the Medical Review Section at the address listed on the DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov). Include your driver's license number and case number (if you have one from a notice) on all documents.
Mail delivery takes 5 to 10 business days, so if you're near a important date, call first to confirm the address and ask whether you can fax or email documents instead. Some offices accept faxed medical forms, which creates a faster record than mail.
Keep a copy of everything you send. If your case is later questioned, you'll need proof of what you submitted and when.
Understanding medical review notices and important date
If you received a letter from the Division of Driver Licenses asking you to submit medical information, that letter contains a specific important date — usually 10 to 30 days from the date of the letter. Missing this important date can result in automatic suspension of your license, even if you were planning to comply.
The notice will specify what documents are needed: a completed medical form (often the DHSMV Medical Examination Report), a letter from your doctor, or both. Some conditions require an in-person examination by a state-approved medical examiner; the notice will state whether that applies to you.
If you cannot meet the important date for a legitimate reason (your doctor is out of the office, you're hospitalized), call the Medical Review Section when ready. They can sometimes grant a brief extension, but only if you request it before the important date passes.
What happens after you submit medical information
Once the division receives your documents, a medical review officer examines them against Florida's medical standards for driving. The process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. You will receive a letter in the mail stating whether your license is cleared, restricted (for example, daylight driving only), or suspended.
If your license is suspended, the letter will explain the reason and tell you how to request a hearing if you disagree with the decision. You have the right to a hearing before the suspension becomes final, though you must request it within a specific timeframe (usually 10 days).
If your license is restricted rather than suspended, the restrictions will be printed on your license at your next renewal or can be added when ready if you visit a license office in person.
Medical requirements for commercial driver's licenses (CDL)
If you hold a commercial driver's license, medical standards are set by federal law and are stricter than for regular licenses. You must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination every two years (or annually in some cases), and the examining doctor must be on the FMCSA-certified list.
The Division of Driver Licenses enforces these federal standards in Florida. If your DOT medical certificate expires or is not on file, your CDL will be downgraded to a regular license automatically. You can restore it by submitting a current DOT medical certificate to the division.
Call 850-617-3200 to ask which medical conditions disqualify you from holding a CDL, or visit the FMCSA website for the full federal list.
Finding forms and additional resources
The DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) has a Medical Review section with downloadable forms, including the Medical Examination Report and condition-specific questionnaires. You can also find a list of approved medical examiners if you need an in-person evaluation.
If you're unsure whether you need to report a medical condition, the website has a checklist of conditions that may affect your driving privileges. Conditions like seizure disorders, diabetes, heart disease, and vision problems are typically reviewed; the website explains what documentation is needed for each.
You can also visit a local license office in person to pick up forms, though staff there cannot make medical decisions — they can only direct you to the Medical Review Section for answers about your specific case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I disagree with the division's decision to suspend my license?
You have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. The suspension letter will explain how to request a hearing and the important date (usually 10 days). You can represent yourself or bring a lawyer. At the hearing, you can present medical evidence and testimony to challenge the division's decision.
Do I have to report my medical condition to the division, or can I keep it private?
You are required by Florida law to report certain medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely. If your doctor reports it, or if the division learns about it another way, you will receive a notice. Reporting it yourself first may give you more control over the process and the timing.
How long does a medical suspension last?
It depends on the condition and the division's decision. Some suspensions are temporary and lifted once you submit updated medical records showing improvement. Others are permanent unless you meet specific criteria (like passing a vision test or obtaining a letter from a specialist). The suspension letter will explain what you need to do to restore your license.
Can I drive while my medical review is pending?
Yes, unless the division has already suspended your license. If you received a notice asking for medical information but no suspension letter, your license remains valid while your case is under review. However, if you miss the important date to submit documents, the division can suspend your license when ready.
What if I moved and didn't receive the medical review notice?
Contact the Medical Review Section when ready at 850-617-3200. If you can show that the notice was sent to an old address, they may grant you time to submit the required documents. Bring proof of your address change (utility bill, lease, or ID) when you call or visit in person.