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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, including certain driving-while-license-suspended (DWLS) convictions and implied-consent breath-test refusals
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's FR-44 liability minimums remain at 100/200/50 for 2026. Learn more about how SR-22 filing works and what it costs if you have relocated from another state.
Recent Law Updates: Trenton's Law & HB 1549
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 $1,000 fine, and a repeat conviction for DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, BUI manslaughter, or vessel homicide is now a first-degree felony carrying up to 30 years in prison.
The bigger 2026 development is HB 1549, which took effect October 1, 2026 and substantially lengthens Florida DUI license revocations. Under the new law, a first DUI conviction now triggers a court-imposed revocation of at least 3 years up to 5 years (up from 180 days to 1 year previously), and a second conviction within 5 years of a prior triggers at least 7 years (up from 5). Maximum jail time also increased to up to 9 months for a first conviction and up to 12 months for a second. While HB 1549 did not amend FR-44 limits or duration, more Florida drivers will now spend far longer under license revocation before FR-44 filing even begins. 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 complete SR-22 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. Estimates vary widely by methodology. Insurify's 2026 analysis puts liability-only FR-44 at about $166 per month statewide, while ValuePenguin pegs the Florida FR-44 minimum-coverage average at $318 per month. LendingTree's 2026 data has FR-44 minimum coverage ranging from $273 per month (Direct Auto) up to $400+ per month at some carriers, and specialty broker data from myFloridaFR44 shows most one-DUI drivers pay $80 to $150 per month for FR-44 coverage (roughly 2 to 4 times standard rates). MoneyGeek's 2026 report has State Farm at $1,775 per year as the cheapest FR-44 option in Florida.
FR-44 Filing Fee
The administrative fee to file the FR-44 certificate with the DHSMV is typically $15 to $25 in Florida, paid to your insurance company. Some insurers include this in your premium; others charge it separately. Dairyland notably waives the FR-44 filing fee entirely in Florida. It is a minor cost compared to the premium increase itself.
Average Monthly FR-44 Insurance Premiums in Florida (2026)
The table below reflects 2026 rate data compiled from Insurify, Quote.com, LendingTree, ValuePenguin, and myFloridaFR44.
| Insurance Company | Liability Only (Monthly) | Full Coverage (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | ~$95 to $148 | ~$151 |
| GEICO | ~$104 to $319 | ~$225 to $408 |
| Progressive | ~$106 to $331 | ~$171 to $484 |
| Direct Auto | ~$144 to $273 | ~$239 to $431 |
| Farmers | ~$197 | ~$275 |
| Nationwide | ~$414 | ~$556 |
| Dairyland | ~$143 | ~$376 |
| Allstate | ~$150 | ~$215 |
| Mercury | ~$152 | ~$219 |
| The General | ~$154 | ~$295 |
| National General | ~$178 | ~$226 |
| Travelers | ~$197 | ~$312 |
| Liberty Mutual | ~$275 | ~$355 |
| Florida FR-44 Average | ~$166 to $318 | ~$306 to $484 |
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. Total DHSMV reinstatement costs typically land at about $205 for a first DUI, with a license issuance fee of $25 to $48 on top. 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 $3,000 and $7,000 per year or more, compared to a clean-record policy that might cost $1,200 to $2,000. 5Star Insurance's 2026 range for Florida FR-44 holders is $3,500 to $6,200 annually, or roughly $290 to $520 per month. 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 ($75 revocation fee plus the $130 administrative fee, plus $25 to $48 license 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?
Preferred-tier carriers writing FR-44 in Florida include State Farm, USAA, Nationwide, and Allstate. Standard-tier carriers include Progressive, Farmers, Travelers, Mercury, Foremost, and National General. GEICO writes FR-44 in Florida but typically only for existing customers. Non-standard carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers include Bristol West, Dairyland, Direct Auto, Gainsco, Infinity, Kemper, Mendota, Ocean Harbor, UAIC, AssuranceAmerica, Windhaven, Acceptance, 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 auto insurance providers. If you have had your license suspended as a result of your DUI, our guide on car insurance after license suspension outlines your reinstatement 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 the most affordable FR-44 option because there is no vehicle to insure, and specialty brokers report they typically cost 40 to 60% less than owner FR-44 policies. Rates vary widely by source. Broker myFloridaFR44 quotes as low as $14 to $60 per month for clean-record profiles, while sr22direct's 2026 broader market estimate is $80 to $300 per month depending on driving record, county, and insurer. Fort Lauderdale-specific data shows a typical range of $95 to $160 per month. Carriers commonly offering non-owner FR-44 include Dairyland, Bristol West, Windhaven, AssuranceAmerica, Mendota, Ocean Harbor, Progressive, National General, Direct Auto, Infinity, UAIC, and Gainsco. 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 (36 consecutive months). According to the DHSMV and most 2026 specialty broker sources, the 3-year clock starts from the date your license is reinstated, not the conviction date. The critical requirement is continuous FR-44 coverage in place for 3 years with no lapse. 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 your options with our guide on how assigned risk auto insurance works and 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 $25.
How much does FR-44 insurance cost per month in Florida?
Estimates for 2026 vary widely by source and driver profile. Insurify reports the Florida FR-44 liability-only average is about $166 per month, while ValuePenguin pegs the FR-44 minimum-coverage average at $318 per month, with State Farm often quoted as the cheapest at roughly $95 to $148 per month. 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 (36 consecutive months), and most 2026 sources measure that period from the date your license is 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 effectively 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 driver insurance 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 the most affordable FR-44 option (roughly $14 to $300 per month in 2026, depending on the source and profile) and still meet the state's required 100/300/50 liability limits so the certificate can be filed with the DHSMV. Providers like Dairyland, Progressive, Bristol West, National General, Direct Auto, Gainsco, Infinity, Mendota, and Ocean Harbor, along with specialty agencies like UltraCar 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 ($75 revocation fee plus the $130 administrative fee, about $205 total plus a license fee for a first DUI). 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.