FR44 Insurance After a DUI in Florida — Complete Guide | MyFloridaFR44
FR44 Insurance After a DUI in Florida — Complete Guide
Everything Florida DUI drivers need to know about the FR44 requirement: what it is, when you need it, how fast you can get it, what it costs, and what happens if it lapses.
Get My FR44 Quote →A DUI conviction in Florida triggers a series of legal and administrative requirements. Among them: before the Florida DHSMV will reinstate your driver license, you must obtain and file an FR44 certificate. This is not optional, and your attorney cannot waive it. Understanding what FR44 is, exactly what it requires, and how to get it filed as fast as possible is critical to getting your license back.
What Happens After a Florida DUI — The FR44 Requirement
After a DUI conviction in Florida, the sequence is:
Your Florida driver license is suspended. The suspension notice specifies what you need to do to reinstate it.
Florida requires completion of a state-approved DUI program. This runs separately from the FR44 requirement but is also mandatory for reinstatement.
Get FR44 insurance from a licensed Florida carrier. FR44 requires $100K/$300K/$50K liability — double standard SR22 limits. Your carrier files the FR44 certificate with the DHSMV electronically.
After FR44 is filed and DUI school is complete, you pay the DHSMV reinstatement fee to get your license back.
FR44 must be maintained continuously for 3 full years from the date of reinstatement. Any lapse resets the clock.
FR44 Requirements After a Florida DUI
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage: Bodily Injury / Person | $100,000 minimum |
| Coverage: Bodily Injury / Accident | $300,000 minimum |
| Coverage: Property Damage | $50,000 minimum |
| Duration | 3 continuous years from reinstatement |
| Filing method | Electronic, by your insurance carrier directly to DHSMV |
| Applies to | All DUI / DWI convictions in Florida |
| Non-owner policy available? | Yes — starting at $14/month if you do not own a vehicle |
If your FR44 policy lapses for even ONE day — a missed payment, a billing error, a card expiring — the DHSMV is notified immediately. Your license is re-suspended and your 3-year FR44 clock resets to zero. You do not get credit for the time already served. This is why continuous, uninterrupted coverage and active policy monitoring are essential. We monitor all policies to prevent this.
How Fast Can You Get FR44 After a DUI?
FR44 itself can be obtained very quickly. The other reinstatement requirements (DUI school, DHSMV fees) take longer. Here is the typical timeline:
| Step | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Get FR44 quote and purchase policy | Minutes to hours |
| FR44 certificate filed with DHSMV | Within 30 minutes to 1 business day |
| Complete DUI school (Level I) | 12 hours (Level I) or 21 hours (Level II if second offense) |
| Pay DHSMV reinstatement fee | Same day (online or in person) |
| License reinstated | After all requirements confirmed by DHSMV |
FR44 Experts files most FR44 certificates electronically within 30 minutes of payment. The DUI school requirement is typically what takes longer — not the insurance.
FR44 Cost After a DUI in Florida
| Policy Type | Monthly Range |
|---|---|
| Non-Owner FR44 (no vehicle) | $14 — $30 / mo |
| Owner FR44 — First DUI, clean prior record | $65 — $100 / mo |
| Owner FR44 — Prior incidents or second DUI | $100 — $160+ / mo |
Rates depend on your county, driving record, vehicle, and which carrier we match you with. We compare 15+ Florida carriers to find your lowest rate.
Frequently Asked Questions — FR44 After DUI in Florida
How soon do I need FR44 after a DUI in Florida?
You need FR44 before the DHSMV will reinstate your license. There is no set deadline to get FR44 — your license simply remains suspended until you have it. Most people want to get FR44 as quickly as possible to restart the 3-year clock and get back on the road. FR44 Experts can have your policy filed within 30 minutes of payment.
Can I drive with a hardship license while waiting for FR44?
In some cases, Florida courts can issue a hardship license that allows restricted driving (to work, school, medical appointments). FR44 is still required even with a hardship license — the hardship license does not waive the FR44 requirement. Check with your attorney about whether you qualify for a hardship license while completing reinstatement requirements.
Does my current insurance company offer FR44 after a DUI?
Many standard insurance carriers will not write FR44 policies for DUI convictions. Even if your current insurer will write FR44, they may no longer be competitive for your rate after a DUI conviction. FR44 Experts specializes in high-risk auto insurance and works with 15+ DUI-friendly carriers to find your lowest available rate.
What if I have a second DUI in Florida?
A second DUI in Florida triggers the same FR44 requirement — $100K/$300K/$50K for 3 years — but your insurance costs will be higher. Second-offense DUIs also carry mandatory minimum jail time and longer license suspension periods. The FR44 requirement itself is the same, but the path to reinstatement takes longer.
Do I need FR44 if I move out of Florida after my DUI?
If you move to another state, Florida may still require you to maintain FR44 for your Florida driving record until the 3-year requirement is complete. Your new state may also have separate SR22 requirements for your home-state license. Contact FR44 Experts — we handle both Florida FR44 and home-state SR22 filings.
Get FR44 Filed Today — Start Your 3-Year Clock
Every day without FR44 is a day your clock is not running. Call now. Quote in minutes. Filed in 30 minutes or less.
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