An FR-44 is a financial-responsibility certificate that Florida requires after most DUI convictions. It proves you carry liability coverage at least four times higher than the state minimum — currently $100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 per accident, and $50,000 property damage. Once you bind a qualifying policy with us, we file the certificate electronically with the FLHSMV in Tallahassee, usually the same business day.
Who needs an FR-44 in Florida?
Florida courts and the FLHSMV require an FR-44 from drivers convicted of DUI / DWI, regardless of whether anyone was injured. Some related convictions — driving with a suspended license while previously DUI-flagged, or a second offense — also trigger the requirement. If your court paperwork or DMV reinstatement letter says you need to file financial responsibility at the higher liability limits, that's an FR-44.
Not every DUI driver needs one — first-time offenders sometimes only need an SR-22. We'll review your paperwork at no cost and tell you exactly which form Florida is requiring before you spend anything on a policy.
FR-44 vs. SR-22 — what's actually different?
Both forms are filed by your insurance company with the state to prove you carry liability coverage. The differences:
• Liability limits — SR-22 only requires Florida's standard minimum ($10,000 PIP + $10,000 PDL). FR-44 requires roughly four times that: $100K / $300K / $50K. That makes the underlying policy more expensive.
• Trigger — SR-22 covers a wider range of violations (no-insurance tickets, multiple at-fault accidents, repeated suspensions). FR-44 is almost always specifically a DUI consequence.
• Duration — Both are typically required for 3 years of continuous coverage from the date your license is reinstated.
• Filing method — Identical: we e-file with the FLHSMV the same day you bind a policy.
Florida is one of only two states that uses FR-44 (the other is Virginia). If you're moving to Florida from a state that issued you an SR-22, you'll likely need to upgrade to FR-44 limits to keep your Florida license active.
What does an FR-44 cost in Florida?
Two separate costs:
• Filing fee — Your insurance company charges a one-time fee to file the FR-44 electronically with the FLHSMV. Typically $15 to $50.
• The auto policy itself — Premiums for FR-44 drivers are higher than standard because of both the higher liability limits and the elevated risk classification after a DUI. Expect to pay roughly 50% to 200% more than a comparable clean-record policy. Hialeah, Miami, and Doral residents tend to see the higher end of that range due to area pricing.
We shop multiple non-standard auto carriers to find the lowest rate that still meets the FR-44 limits. Our most common Miami-Dade FR-44 quotes for a 30-year-old driver currently land between $1,800 and $4,200 per year, paid monthly. We'll quote your specific situation in about 10 minutes.
What happens if my FR-44 policy lapses?
This is the single most important thing to understand. If your FR-44 policy lapses for even one day — missed payment, cancellation, anything — your insurance company is required by Florida law to file an SR-26 cancellation notice with the FLHSMV. Within days, your driver's license will be suspended again. To reinstate, you'll have to re-file an FR-44 from scratch, pay reinstatement fees, and your three-year clock may restart.
We set every FR-44 client up with text-message and email reminders before each premium is due, plus an autopay option. If you ever miss a payment, call us immediately — we can sometimes reinstate the same policy within the grace window before the SR-26 fires.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I actually need an FR-44 vs. an SR-22?
Check your court reinstatement letter or DMV paperwork — it specifies which form is required. If it says "$100K/$300K/$50K liability" or names FR-44 directly, that's what you need. Most Florida DUI convictions trigger FR-44; most other violations trigger SR-22. Bring the document to us and we'll confirm at no cost.
How fast can my license be reinstated after I file?
We e-file with the FLHSMV the same day you bind a policy. Florida usually processes the filing within 24–48 hours. Once it posts, you can pay your reinstatement fees and your license is active. Most clients are back on the road within 2–3 business days from start to finish.
I don't own a car right now — can I still get an FR-44?
Yes. Florida lets you carry a non-owner FR-44 policy that proves liability coverage when you drive someone else's car or rent one. Premiums are usually significantly lower than owner-operator FR-44 because there's no specific vehicle insured. Call us — we work with multiple carriers that offer non-owner FR-44.
I'm moving to Florida from another state with an SR-22. What do I do?
Florida usually upgrades the requirement to FR-44 once you become a resident, because the underlying conviction was a DUI. Don't cancel your old SR-22 policy — call us first. We'll set up a Florida FR-44 policy timed to start the same day your old policy ends, so there's no lapse.
What happens after the 3 years are up?
Once your three years of continuous FR-44 coverage are complete and your license is in good standing, you can drop down to a standard auto policy with normal Florida minimum limits — significantly cheaper. We'll proactively reach out about 60 days before your 3-year mark to reshop the market and switch you to a standard policy.
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