One of the most common points of confusion for Florida DUI drivers: “FR44 insurance” and “FR44 certificate” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different things. Understanding the distinction helps you know exactly what you’re buying and what FLHSMV actually needs from you.

FR44 Certificate: What It Actually Is

An FR44 certificate (Form FR44) is a document filed by your insurance company with the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) department. It certifies that you are carrying the minimum required liability coverage — 100/300/50 — and that your insurer will notify FLHSMV immediately if that coverage lapses.

The FR44 certificate itself costs $15-35 to file. It’s not a separate insurance product. It’s a guarantee document filed alongside (or as part of) your existing auto insurance policy.

FR44 Insurance: What People Mean

When people say “FR44 insurance,” they usually mean an auto insurance policy that includes the FR44 filing — i.e., a policy with 100/300/50 liability limits that comes with the FR44 certificate submitted to FLHSMV. Not all insurers offer this. Many standard insurers are reluctant to file FR44 for high-risk drivers. Non-standard insurers who specialize in DUI drivers handle this routinely.

What FLHSMV Actually Requires

FLHSMV requires two things for license reinstatement after a DUI:

1. Active FR44 certificate on file — filed by your insurer, not by you directly
2. The underlying insurance policy must carry 100/300/50 limits — the certificate is only valid if the policy meets those minimums

You don’t submit the FR44 certificate yourself. Your insurer does it electronically as part of the policy setup. FLHSMV updates your driving record when they receive it, typically within hours.

What the Certificate Does NOT Do

The FR44 certificate is not proof of insurance for roadside stops — your insurance card or digital policy document is. The FR44 certificate is a state filing record, not a document you carry.

The FR44 certificate does not provide any coverage by itself — it just confirms your underlying policy meets the required minimums. If your policy cancels, the certificate is invalidated and an FR26 cancellation is filed with FLHSMV automatically.

The 100/300/50 Requirement Explained

The underlying insurance policy must provide:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person — maximum paid for injuries to any one person in an accident you cause
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident — maximum paid total for all injured persons in a single accident
• $50,000 property damage liability — maximum paid for damage to others’ property

These limits are 4x the standard Florida minimum (10/20/10) and reflect the state’s requirement that DUI drivers carry higher liability exposure coverage. You may carry higher limits if you choose, but 100/300/50 is the FR44 floor.

When the Certificate Becomes Active

Your FR44 certificate becomes active as soon as your insurer files it with FLHSMV — typically the same day you purchase the policy. Most electronic filings are processed by FLHSMV within a few hours. You can verify your FR44 is on file by checking your driving record at FLHSMV.gov or calling FLHSMV directly at 850-617-2000.

Get Your FR44 Certificate Filed Today

We handle the certificate filing as part of getting you covered. You get the insurance policy + certificate in one step. Call (407) 506-4611 — same-day electronic filing with FLHSMV.