Florida Administrative Code
15 - DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES
15A - Division of Driver Licenses
Chapter 15A-11 - DRIVER TRAINING SCHOOL
Section 15A-11.003 - CDS License Application and Renewal

(1) The Department oversees and licenses all CDS, except CTDS licensed by the CIE. All private (non-public) CTDS are required to be licensed pursuant to Chapter 1005, F.S. No person, group, organization, institution, business entity, or corporate entity may engage in the business of operating a driver's school without first obtaining a license from the Department or from CIE pursuant to Chapter 1005, F.S.

(2) All owners or all officers or partners, desiring to engage in the business of conducting a CDS shall, prior to engaging in such business, secure a License from the Department by filing an application on form HSMV77074S (Rev. 9/10), which is available as provided in Rule 15A-11.012, F.A.C.

(3) Every owner, officer, or partner of the school shall provide one set of finger prints for a fingerprint-based criminal background check, the cost of which is borne by the applicant.

(4) Every application for a license must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee of fifty dollars ($50) along with a license fee of two hundred dollars ($200) and shall be paid by money order, certified check or company check, to the Department.

(5) Each original license shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance.

(6) The license shall not be transferable in the event of a change of school ownership. Application for a new license shall be made by the new owner and the old license and all instructor certificates previously issued shall be surrendered to the Department before a license will be issued to the new owner. Additionally, if the school is a previously licensed CTDS, a copy of the new CIE license must be furnished to the Department.

(7) The license or a legible copy must be retained in each place of business operated by the CDS.

(8) A CDS license is only operational at the address listed in the license.

(9) Application for renewal of a CDS license shall be made at least forty-five (45) days prior to the certificate's expiration date on form HSMV 77074S (Rev. 9/10), which is available as provided in Rule 15A-11.012, F.A.C., and accompanied by a fee of one hundred dollars ($100) payable to the Department by money order, personal check, certified check or company check. The renewal period for a CDS license is one year. Owners who permit their license to expire shall not be permitted to operate their school and shall have to apply for a new license as set forth above.