What Is FR-44 Insurance in Florida?

FR-44 insurance is not a separate policy — it's a certificate of financial responsibility that your auto insurance company files with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) on your behalf. It proves that you carry the state-mandated elevated liability coverage required after a serious driving offense, most commonly a DUI conviction.

Florida Statute §324.023, which took effect October 1, 2007, established the FR-44 requirement for DUI offenders. The certificate does not add new coverage to your policy — rather, it ensures your existing policy meets the significantly higher minimums the state demands from high-risk drivers.

Who Needs FR-44 in Florida?

You'll be required to obtain FR-44 filing in Florida if you have been convicted of:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol or a controlled substance
• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
• Any similar serious offense that results in a mandatory license suspension

FR-44 applies whether you own a vehicle or not. If you don't own a car, you can obtain a non-owner FR-44 policy — a liability-only policy that covers you when driving someone else's vehicle. Both Florida and Virginia are the only two states in the U.S. that use the FR-44 system — every other state uses SR-22 for high-risk driving offenses. Note that Virginia updated its FR-44 liability minimums effective January 1, 2025, to $100,000/$200,000/$50,000. Learn more about how SR-22 filing works and what it costs if you've relocated from another state.

FR-44 vs. SR-22: What's the Difference?

This is one of the most common questions for Florida drivers navigating post-DUI requirements. Both FR-44 and SR-22 are certificates filed by your insurer to prove financial responsibility — but they are not the same thing.

The key distinction is the required liability limits. SR-22 simply verifies that you carry your state's basic minimum coverage. FR-44, on the other hand, requires you to carry limits that are dramatically higher — often 10 to 15 times what SR-22 demands. For a deeper breakdown of SR-22 costs and requirements across all states, see our SR-22 insurance guide.

Side-by-Side Comparison

As the chart shows, FR-44 requires 10x the bodily injury per person, 15x the bodily injury per accident, and 5x the property damage coverage compared to Florida's SR-22 minimums. This massive jump in required coverage is the primary reason FR-44 carries such a steep price tag.

SR-22 is typically triggered by lesser violations like:

• Driving without insurance
• Reckless driving
• Accumulating too many points on your license
• At-fault accidents without insurance

FR-44 is reserved exclusively for alcohol- or drug-related DUI/DWI convictions in Florida and Virginia. For a broader look at how a DUI affects your insurance rates and options, our guide on car insurance after a DUI covers everything you need.

How Much Does FR-44 Insurance Cost in Florida?

FR-44 insurance in Florida is expensive — there's no way around it. You're dealing with two cost factors simultaneously: the higher liability limits required by the state, and the DUI surcharge that insurers add to your premium as a high-risk driver. A DUI conviction typically raises Florida premiums by 30% to 200% above your pre-conviction rate, and that increase is compounded by the mandatory jump to 100/300/50 coverage.

FR-44 Filing Fee

The administrative fee to file the FR-44 certificate with the DHSMV is typically $15 to $50, paid to your insurance company. Some insurers include this in your premium; others charge it separately. It's a minor cost compared to the premium increase.

Average Monthly FR-44 Insurance Premiums in Florida (2026)

Rates are estimates and vary based on your driving history, location, age, and vehicle. Always verify FR-44 availability directly with each carrier before requesting a quote, as offerings can vary by individual profile.

What Drives FR-44 Costs Up?

• Higher liability minimums — You're required to carry $100K/$300K/$50K coverage, which costs far more than standard minimums
• DUI classification — Insurers label you as high-risk, adding a significant surcharge that can last 5 to 10 years
• Upfront payment requirements — Many FR-44 insurers require 6 months of premiums paid upfront; monthly payment plans are often unavailable
• License reinstatement fees — The DHSMV charges $150 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 for a third

On an annual basis, FR-44 insurance in Florida can cost between $3,000 and $6,000 per year or more, compared to a clean-record policy that might cost $1,200 to $2,000. Shopping multiple providers is essential to finding the most affordable rate. You may also want to review strategies for high-risk driver insurance to understand the broader landscape and available discounts.

How to Get FR-44 Insurance & How Long You Need It

Step-by-Step: How to Get FR-44 Insurance in Florida

Getting FR-44 coverage is more straightforward than most people expect:

1. Contact an insurance provider that offers FR-44 filing in Florida (not all carriers do — see list below)
2. Purchase an auto policy that meets the required 100/300/50 liability limits
3. Request the FR-44 filing — your insurer will electronically submit it to the DHSMV, typically within 24 to 48 hours
4. Pay any reinstatement fees to the DHSMV to get your license reinstated
5. Maintain continuous coverage for the full required period — no lapses

Which Companies Offer FR-44 Insurance in Florida?

Not every major insurer writes FR-44 policies in Florida, and availability varies by driver profile. The following providers are known to offer FR-44 filing in the state:

Specialty agencies like Breathe Easy Insurance, Foxx Insurance, and SR22 Direct can shop multiple FR-44 carriers on your behalf, which often yields the lowest available rate. This is especially valuable given how much pricing varies across non-standard insurers.

How Long Do You Need FR-44 in Florida?

Florida requires drivers to maintain FR-44 coverage for a minimum of 3 years from the date your license is reinstated or your revocation period ends. The clock only runs while you have continuous, active coverage in place. And while the DUI conviction itself stays on your Florida driving record for 75 years, most insurers typically adjust your rates back toward normal within 5 to 10 years after the conviction.

Frequently Asked Questions About FR-44 Insurance in Florida

What is the difference between FR-44 and SR-22 in Florida?

Both are certificates of financial responsibility filed by your insurer, but FR-44 requires substantially higher liability limits — $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury and $50,000 property damage, compared to the $10,000/$20,000/$10,000 minimums that SR-22 requires. FR-44 is exclusively for DUI/DWI convictions in Florida and Virginia, while SR-22 is used in most other states for a range of violations. Because the required coverage is so much higher with FR-44, it typically costs significantly more than an SR-22 policy. Filing fees for both range from $15 to $50.

How much does FR-44 insurance cost per month in Florida?

The average monthly cost for FR-44 liability-only coverage in Florida ranges from approximately $197 (Farmers) to over $400 for other carriers, while full coverage averages around $408 to $523 per month depending on the insurer. Your specific premium will depend on your age, location, driving history, and the vehicle you're insuring. Note that many FR-44 carriers require at least 6 months of premium paid upfront rather than monthly billing, so plan accordingly. Shopping multiple providers — or using a specialty agency — can yield significant savings.

How long do I need to carry FR-44 insurance in Florida?

Florida requires FR-44 coverage to be maintained continuously for 3 years from the date your driving privileges are reinstated. If your coverage lapses at any point during that period, your insurer must file an SR-26 form with the DHSMV, your license is immediately suspended, and the 3-year requirement resets from the date your new policy takes effect — meaning even a one-day gap can add years to your obligation. You can learn more about managing high-risk insurance costs and how to avoid common mistakes that extend your requirement period.

Can I get FR-44 insurance if I don't own a car?

Yes. If you don't own a vehicle but still need to drive, you can obtain a non-owner FR-44 policy. This is a liability-only policy that covers you when operating someone else's vehicle. Non-owner FR-44 policies are typically cheaper than standard FR-44 policies but still meet the state's required 100/300/50 liability limits and allow the certificate to be filed with the DHSMV.

What happens if my FR-44 insurance lapses in Florida?

If your FR-44 policy is cancelled or lapses for any reason, your insurer is legally required to file an SR-26 form with the Florida DHSMV immediately. The state will then suspend your driver's license, and you will not be able to legally drive until you obtain new qualifying coverage, have the FR-44 refiled, and pay reinstatement fees ranging from $150 to $500 depending on how many prior suspensions you have. Additionally, the 3-year compliance clock resets entirely, which can significantly extend the overall time you must carry FR-44 coverage. For general guidance on navigating car insurance after a DUI, review our dedicated guide.