A motorcycle endorsement in Florida is the add-on to your driver’s license that lets you legally ride a motorcycle. You need it to ride any two- or three-wheel vehicle with an engine over 50 cc. To get it, you must hold a valid Class E license and pass the Basic RiderCourse through the Florida Rider Training Program. There is no separate road test at the driver license office.
Florida has year-round riding weather, so motorcycles are everywhere in Deerfield Beach, along A1A and on I-95. Riding without the right license can lead to a criminal charge and an impounded bike. This guide explains the endorsement, the motorcycle only license, the training course, the costs, and the safety laws every Florida rider should know.
How to Get a Florida Motorcycle Endorsement
- Hold a valid Florida Class E driver’s license.
- Pass the 15-hour Basic RiderCourse with an approved Florida Rider Training Program sponsor.
- Bring your course completion card to a driver license or tax collector office within one year.
- Pay the endorsement fee and get a new license showing your motorcycle endorsement.
Motorcycle Endorsement vs Motorcycle Only License
Florida offers two ways to ride legally. The right one depends on whether you already drive a car.
| Credential | Who it is for | What it allows | Code on the license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle endorsement | Riders who already hold a Class E license | Cars and motorcycles | “Motorcycle Also” or “A” |
| Motorcycle only license | Riders who only want to ride, not drive a car | Motorcycles only | “Motorcycle Only” or “O” |
Both require the Basic RiderCourse. The motorcycle only license also requires you to pass the Class E knowledge exam. Our Florida DMV permit test guide explains that exam.
Who Needs a Motorcycle Endorsement in Florida?
You need an endorsement or a motorcycle only license to ride:
- Any motorcycle with an engine over 50 cc
- Scooters and three-wheel motorcycles over 50 cc
- Motorcycles with a sidecar or trike setup
Mopeds and scooters of 50 cc or less can be ridden with a regular Class E license. No one under 16 may legally ride a motorcycle or moped on Florida roads.
The Basic RiderCourse Explained
Florida made rider training mandatory for all new endorsements on July 1, 2008. Today, the required course is the Basic RiderCourse (BRC) or the newer Basic RiderCourse updated (BRCu). You can find approved sponsors on the FLHSMV Florida Rider Training Program page.
| Course detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Length | 15 hours of classroom and riding time |
| Skills taught | Starting, stopping, shifting, turning, quick stops, cornering and swerving |
| Provided by sponsor | Training motorcycle, helmet, insurance and student handbook |
| You must bring | Eye protection, full-finger gloves, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and over-the-ankle boots |
| Completion card valid | One year to add the endorsement |
The Basic RiderCourse 2 and the Advanced RiderCourse are great for skills, but they do not qualify you for an endorsement. Take the BRC or BRCu first.
Three-Wheel and Sidecar Riders
If you only plan to ride a three-wheel motorcycle or a bike with a sidecar, take the 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse or the Sidecar/Trike Education Program. Your license will then limit you to three-wheel vehicles.
Rules for Teen Riders
Teens can earn a motorcycle only license at 16, but there are extra steps. Riders under 18 must hold a learner’s license for one full year with no traffic convictions. They must also pass the Class E knowledge exam and complete the Basic RiderCourse.
Moving to Florida With an Endorsement
Florida recognizes motorcycle endorsements from other states. You can transfer it when you get your Florida license without taking the course again. Alabama is the exception. Riders from Alabama must show a Basic Rider Course completion card.
Florida Motorcycle Endorsement Costs
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic RiderCourse tuition | Set by each sponsor; call local sponsors for current prices |
| Endorsement fee | $7 |
| New license card | Replacement or renewal fee applies |
| Tax collector service fee | Up to $6.25 |
Florida Motorcycle Laws Every Rider Should Know
Getting endorsed is only the start. Keep these laws in mind on every ride.
- Helmets: Riders under 21 must wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older may ride without one only if they carry at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage.
- Eye protection: Every rider must wear eye protection.
- Headlights: Your headlight must be on at all times, day and night.
- Lane sharing: Two motorcycles may ride side by side in one lane, but lane splitting between cars is illegal.
- Registration: Motorcycles must be titled, registered, and display a tag. Our guide to Florida vehicle registration laws covers the steps.
Florida does not require personal injury protection for motorcycles, but you must still meet financial responsibility rules after a crash. Our guide to vehicle insurance requirements in Florida explains the details.
Riding Without an Endorsement in Florida
Riding a motorcycle over 50 cc without an endorsement is treated like driving without a valid license. You can face fines, a court date, and possible jail time. Your bike may be towed. Repeat offenses bring tougher penalties.
Motorcycle tickets also add points to your license, just like car tickets. Learn how they add up in our guide to the Florida license points system. After a crash, follow the reporting rules in our guide to Florida traffic accident laws.
Got a Ticket on Your Motorcycle? Boca Bay Can Help
A moving violation on a motorcycle can be handled the same way as a car ticket. If you are eligible, electing traffic school keeps the points off your record. The Boca Bay DUI Program offers the FLHSMV-approved 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement course online and in Deerfield Beach. Call 954-449-4762 to register.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a motorcycle endorsement in Florida?
Yes, if your motorcycle or scooter has an engine over 50 cc. You need either a motorcycle endorsement on your Class E license or a motorcycle only license.
Is there a road test for a Florida motorcycle endorsement?
No. The Basic RiderCourse includes a riding skills evaluation. Passing it replaces the road test at the driver license office.
How long does the Basic RiderCourse take?
The Basic RiderCourse and the Basic RiderCourse update each take about 15 hours. Most sponsors split the course over two or three days.
How much is a motorcycle endorsement in Florida?
The state endorsement fee is $7, plus the cost of a new license card. Course tuition is set by each training sponsor.
Can I ride a scooter without a motorcycle endorsement in Florida?
Yes, if the scooter has an engine of 50 cc or less. You still need a valid driver’s license and must be at least 16.
Does my out-of-state motorcycle endorsement transfer to Florida?
Yes. Florida accepts endorsements from other states. Riders from Alabama must also show a Basic RiderCourse completion card.
