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What Is FR-44 Insurance in Florida?
FR-44 insurance is not a separate policy. It is 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. Instead, it ensures your existing policy meets the significantly higher minimums the state demands from high-risk drivers. Florida's FR-44 liability minimums remain unchanged through 2026, holding firm at $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, plus $50,000 for property damage liability. Florida also allows an alternative combined single limit of $350,000, and the standard $10,000 PIP requirement still applies on top of that.
Who Needs FR-44 in Florida?
You will 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 do not 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. Florida and Virginia are the only two states in the U.S. that use the FR-44 system, and every other state uses SR-22 for high-risk driving offenses. 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 have relocated from another state.
Recent Law Update: Trenton's Law (2025)
Florida's Trenton's Law (House Bill 687 / Ch. 2025-121) took effect October 1, 2025, and it dramatically expanded DUI-related criminal consequences. For the first time, a first refusal of a lawful breath or urine test is now a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine, plus a 12-month administrative license suspension. A second or subsequent refusal is a first-degree misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail, and a repeat conviction for DUI manslaughter is now a first-degree felony carrying up to 30 years in prison. While Trenton's Law did not directly amend FR-44 limits or duration, more Florida drivers will end up with qualifying convictions that trigger the FR-44 requirement. Florida also previously removed the "non-cancellable" requirement for FR-44 policies effective October 1, 2023, which allows insurers to cancel for nonpayment (though replacement coverage must be secured immediately to avoid suspension).
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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 times what SR-22 demands in Florida. For a broader 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.
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How Much Does FR-44 Insurance Cost in Florida?
FR-44 insurance in Florida is expensive, and there is no way around it. You are 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. According to 2026 data from Insurify, full-coverage insurance after a DUI in Florida averages about $307 per month, roughly 31% higher than for drivers with a clean record. MoneyGeek's 2026 Florida data shows a similar jump, from about $239/month clean to $317/month after a DUI (a 33% increase). The Zebra pegs the annual increase closer to 47%, while Insurance.com puts Florida's DUI premium at $4,261/year (up $1,567 from a $2,694 clean-record average). Multiple DUIs, or a DUI involving injury, can push premiums up 100% to 300% or more.
FR-44 Filing Fee
The administrative fee to file the FR-44 certificate with the DHSMV is typically $15 to $35 in Florida, paid to your insurance company. Some insurers include this in your premium; others charge it separately. It is a minor cost compared to the premium increase itself.
Average Monthly FR-44 Insurance Premiums in Florida (2026)
Estimates vary widely between studies based on driver profile and coverage level. The table below reflects recent 2026 rate data from Insurify, ValuePenguin, and Policygenius.
| Insurance Company | Liability Only (Monthly) | Full Coverage (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | ~$94 | ~$151 |
| Progressive | ~$102 | ~$168 |
| Mile Auto | ~$102 | ~$192 |
| Dairyland | ~$132 | ~$378 |
| Direct Auto | ~$141 | ~$235 |
| Allstate | ~$164 | ~$262 |
| National General | ~$172 | ~$222 |
| Farmers | ~$197 | ~$275 |
| Florida FR-44 Average | ~$164 | ~$307 |
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 are 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 typically affects rates for 5 to 10 years.
- Upfront payment requirements. Many FR-44 insurers require 6 months of premiums paid upfront, and monthly payment plans are often unavailable or require large down payments.
- License reinstatement fees. Florida charges a $130 administrative fee for alcohol- or drug-related offenses, plus a $75 revocation reinstatement fee (or $45 suspension fee). Total DHSMV reinstatement costs typically land between $175 and $205 for a first DUI. For subsequent DUI violations, reinstatement fees can range from $150 up to $500.
On an annual basis, FR-44 insurance in Florida can cost between $2,000 and $5,500 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:
- Contact an insurance provider that offers FR-44 filing in Florida (not all carriers do, see list below)
- Purchase an auto policy that meets the required 100/300/50 liability limits, plus PIP
- Request the FR-44 filing. Your insurer will electronically submit it to the DHSMV, typically within 24 to 48 hours
- Complete any DUI program requirements. Florida requires completion of a state-approved DUI education program and any required substance abuse treatment before reinstatement
- Pay any reinstatement fees to the DHSMV ($45 to $75 suspension/revocation fee plus the $130 administrative fee) to get your license reinstated
- Maintain continuous coverage for the full required period, with 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. Preferred-tier carriers writing FR-44 in Florida include State Farm, USAA, Nationwide, and Allstate, while standard-tier carriers include GEICO, Progressive, Farmers (limited), and National General. Non-standard carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers include Acceptance, Bristol West, Dairyland, Direct Auto, Infinity, Kemper, and The General.
Specialty agencies like Breathe Easy Insurance, UltraCar Insurance, Wessell 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. If you have had your license suspended as a result of your DUI, our guide on car insurance after a DUI outlines your options.
Non-Owner FR-44 Insurance in Florida
If you do not own a vehicle, you can still satisfy Florida's FR-44 requirement through a non-owner FR-44 policy. This is a liability-only policy that covers you when operating someone else's vehicle and still meets the state's mandated 100/300/50 limits. Non-owner FR-44 policies are generally significantly cheaper than standard owner policies (often $45 to $150/month in 2026), making them a smart option for drivers who rely on borrowed or rented vehicles. Companies confirmed to write non-owner FR-44 policies in Florida in 2026 include Progressive, Dairyland, National General, Direct Auto, Farmers, The General, Bristol West, Acceptance, and Mendota, along with specialty agencies like UltraCar Insurance, Wessell Insurance, and SR22 Direct. Not every FR-44 insurer offers non-owner policies, so confirmation with each carrier is required.
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. Learn more about managing car insurance after a DUI for strategies to reduce costs over time.
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 in Florida typically range from $15 to $35.
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 $94 (State Farm) to $197 (Farmers) depending on the carrier, while full coverage averages around $151 to $307 per month. The statewide Florida FR-44 average is roughly $164 per month for liability-only coverage in 2026, per Insurify data. Your specific premium will depend on your age, location, driving history, and the vehicle you are insuring. Many FR-44 carriers still require at least 6 months of premium paid upfront rather than monthly billing, so plan accordingly.
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 notify the DHSMV, your license is immediately suspended, and the 3-year requirement resets from the date your new policy takes effect. 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 do not 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 (often $45 to $150 per month in 2026) but still meet the state's required 100/300/50 liability limits and allow the certificate to be filed with the DHSMV. Providers like Progressive, Dairyland, National General, Direct Auto, Farmers, Bristol West, and Acceptance, along with specialty agencies like UltraCar Insurance, Wessell Insurance, and SR22 Direct, offer these policies in Florida.
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 notify the Florida DHSMV. 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 of $45 to $75 plus the $130 administrative fee (typically $175 to $205 total). 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.