May 30, 2025 | Truck Accidents
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Florida, understanding the difference between interstate and intrastate trucking is critical for determining liability, insurance coverage, and which laws apply to your case.
These two classifications affect how commercial trucking operations are regulated, and they can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation through a personal injury claim.
What Is Interstate Trucking?
Interstate trucking refers to the transportation of goods or passengers across state lines or between states, even if part of the journey occurs within Florida.
This includes:
- Delivering cargo from Florida to another state
- Picking up goods from another state and delivering them in Florida
- Traveling through Florida en route to another destination
Interstate carriers are primarily governed by federal regulations, including:
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- Requirements for commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), drug testing, medical exams, and hours-of-service (HOS) limitations
- Mandatory liability insurance under 49 CFR § 387, which sets minimum coverage amounts based on the type of cargo transported
It is important to know the difference because it can impact your recovery in case of an accident.
What Is Intrastate Trucking?
Intrastate trucking, on the other hand, involves the movement of goods or passengers entirely within the state of Florida, meaning:
- The truck never crosses state lines
- Pick-up and delivery occur within Florida borders
- The entire route is limited to Florida highways and roadways
Intrastate carriers are regulated by Florida state laws, most notably the rules enforced by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the Florida Administrative Code.
Intrastate drivers must still comply with safety standards, but they are subject to Florida-specific guidelines, such as those outlined in Florida Statutes § 316.302, which governs commercial motor vehicle operations within the state.
Why the Distinction Matters in a Personal Injury Case
When a truck accident occurs, identifying whether the vehicle was operating under interstate or intrastate authority has the following legal implications.
1. Different Regulations Apply
Interstate truckers must comply with federal laws, while intrastate truckers follow Florida law. Violations of safety standards—such as exceeding allowed driving hours or improper vehicle maintenance—can be critical evidence in a negligence claim.
For example, interstate drivers must follow FMCSA hours-of-service rules, which limit driving to 11 hours per day after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. In contrast, Florida law under § 316.302(2) allows for different driving limits for intrastate drivers.
2. Insurance Requirements Vary
Interstate trucking companies must maintain higher liability insurance minimums—ranging from $750,000 to $5 million—depending on cargo type. Florida law sets different limits for intrastate carriers, as outlined in Florida Statutes § 627.7415, which typically requires a minimum of $300,000 in liability coverage for trucks over 26,000 pounds.
This difference can directly affect the compensation available to victims after an accident. An experienced Florida truck accident attorney will determine the applicable coverage and pursue the highest possible recovery.
3. Liability and Negligence
In many truck accident cases, negligence stems from violations of safety standards. Whether a driver exceeded driving limits, failed to inspect the vehicle, or drove while fatigued, knowing which rules apply is essential to building a strong personal injury lawsuit.
The carrier’s classification also determines what type of documentation can be obtained during discovery. For example, FMCSA-registered carriers are required to keep detailed electronic logging device (ELD) records, which can be valuable in proving liability.
How to Know if a Truck Was Interstate or Intrastate
Sometimes the distinction between interstate and intrastate trucking isn’t obvious. The truck may have been engaged in interstate commerce even if the accident occurred on a local Florida road.
Your attorney can determine this by reviewing:
- The carrier’s U.S. DOT number
- The truck’s logbooks and route history
- Bill of lading or shipping documents
- Vehicle registration and company filings
Accurately identifying the nature of the trucking operation allows for better legal strategy, especially when filing claims against trucking companies, employers, or third-party contractors.
Contact a St. Petersburg Truck Accident Attorney at the Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group for Help
When it comes to trucking accidents in Florida, knowing the difference between interstate and intrastate operations is more than just legal jargon—it can be the key to securing the full compensation you deserve. Regulations vary, insurance coverage changes, and liability depend heavily on compliance with the correct laws.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced truck accident lawyers at Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group to schedule a free consultation today.
We have three convenient locations in Florida, including Vero Beach, St. Petersburg, and Port St. Lucie.
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – Vero Beach
2651 20th St
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 758-5735
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – St. Petersburg
200 Central Ave Suite 304
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(772) 404-3858
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – Port St. Lucie
10805 SW Tradition Square Unit 024A
Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
(772) 617-8814
