Why Florida OS/OW Permits Are Different
Florida lets you issue your own oversize/overweight permits. The Permit Application System (PAS) portal allows self-issuance for loads within specific parameters — no phone calls, no waiting for a reviewer, no 14-business-day processing time. For heavy haul operators working Florida construction corridor, this is a significant competitive advantage.
The catch: Florida has hundreds of waterway bridges with specific load ratings. Bridge formula compliance is not optional.
Self-Issuance Limits
| Dimension | Self-Issue Maximum |
|---|---|
| Width | 16 feet |
| Height | 18 feet |
| Length | 150 feet |
| Weight | 200,000 lbs |
Loads exceeding any of these limits require standard permit processing, which takes up to 14 business days.
Permit Types
| Permit Type | Duration | Self-Issue? |
|---|---|---|
| Trip Permit | 10 days | Yes |
| Annual Blanket | 12 months | Yes (within limits) |
| Vehicle-Specific Blanket | 12 months | Yes (within limits) |
| Route-Specific Blanket | 3 months | Yes (within limits) |
| Standard Permit | Varies | No (14 business days) |
How to Self-Issue
- Go to the Florida PAS Portal
- Create an account or log in
- Enter vehicle dimensions, weight, and route
- System checks bridge clearances automatically
- Pay permit fee
- Print permit immediately
Total time: 15-30 minutes for a straightforward load.
Operating Restrictions
Daylight-Only Operations
Most oversized loads must travel during daylight hours only. Overweight-only loads can travel 24 hours.
Holiday Restrictions
No oversized load travel on: New Year Day, Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day, Labor Day weekend, Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas Day.
Escort Requirements
| Width | Escort Requirement |
|---|---|
| Up to 12 feet | None required |
| 12-14 feet | 1 escort vehicle |
| 14-16 feet | 2 escort vehicles (front and rear) |
| Over 16 feet | Standard permit required, escort plan reviewed by FDOT |
Bridge Formula Compliance
Florida has more waterway bridges per highway mile than most states. Every OS/OW permit route is checked against bridge load ratings.
:::tip If the PAS system rejects your route, it will show which bridge is the limiting factor. Often, a minor route adjustment of 5-10 miles will bypass the problem bridge and allow self-issuance. :::
Weight Limits Reference
| Road Type | GVW | Tandem Axle | Single Axle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 80,000 lbs | 34,000 lbs | 20,000 lbs |
| State roads | 80,000 lbs | 40,000 lbs | 22,000 lbs |
| State roads (ag/forestry) | 80,000 lbs | 44,000 lbs | 22,000 lbs |
The higher state road tandem limit (40,000 vs 34,000) is a significant advantage for carriers moving heavy loads that do not require interstate routing.
Insurance for Oversized Loads
| Risk Factor | Insurance Impact |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure damage | Liability for bridge/road damage if over permitted limits |
| Escort liability | Accidents involving escort vehicles may implicate the carrier |
| Route deviation | Operating outside permitted route voids the permit |
| Height strikes | Over-height loads striking bridges creates massive liability |
RMS recommends 1,000,000 CSL minimum for any carrier running OS/OW loads in Florida.
Common Mistakes
- Not checking bridge ratings before departing. The PAS system does this for self-issued permits, but standard permit holders must verify manually.
- Traveling outside daylight hours. Fines are steep and the permit is voided.
- Running during holiday blackout periods. No exceptions.
- Ignoring county road restrictions. State permits do not override local restrictions.
- Not carrying the printed permit in the cab. Digital copies are not accepted at all checkpoints.
For Florida trucking insurance that covers OS/OW operations, call RMS at (208) 800-0640.
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