Does a Boating DUI Require FR44 Insurance in Florida?

Yes. A BUI (Boating Under the Influence) conviction in Florida triggers the same FR44 insurance requirement as a motor vehicle DUI. Florida Statute 327.35 makes it unlawful to operate any vessel while under the influence — and the penalties, including the FR44 requirement, mirror those for road DUIs. Here’s everything Florida boaters need to know about how a BUI affects their auto insurance.

BUI vs DUI: The FR44 Requirement Is Identical

Florida law treats boating under the influence exactly the same as driving under the influence when it comes to your driver’s license and insurance requirements. A BUI conviction triggers:

• FR44 Certificate: 100/300/50 liability limits for 3 consecutive years
• License Suspension: Same suspension periods as DUI (6 months first offense, 1 year second offense)
• DHSMV Monitoring: Electronic filing and continuous insurance monitoring
• Reinstatement Requirements: Same as DUI — FR44 filing + reinstatement fee + possible DUI school

Even though the offense happened on water, your auto insurance is what must carry the FR44 filing. Your boat insurance policy is separate and does not satisfy the FR44 requirement.

How a BUI Affects Your Auto Insurance Rates

A BUI conviction appears on your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) the same way a DUI does. Insurance carriers do not differentiate between BUI and DUI — both are treated as alcohol-related driving offenses. This means:

• Your auto insurance rates will increase 2-4x
• You will be classified as “high-risk” for 3-5 years
• Standard carriers (Geico, Progressive, State Farm) may non-renew your policy
• You will need to find a carrier that specializes in FR44 filings

Can You Still Operate a Boat After a BUI?

A BUI conviction does NOT automatically revoke your boating privileges in the same way that a DUI suspends your driver’s license. However:

• Florida FWC (Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) may impose additional boating restrictions
• Rental boat companies may deny rentals with a BUI on record
• Your boat insurance premiums will increase significantly (or you may be non-renewed)
• Federal waters (USCG jurisdiction) may impose separate restrictions

BUI FR44 Cost Estimate

Offense	Monthly FR44 Cost (Est.)	3-Year Total
First BUI (no prior DUIs)	$150-$300	$5,400-$10,800
Second BUI or DUI	$250-$450	$9,000-$16,200
BUI with property damage	$300-$500	$10,800-$18,000
BUI with bodily injury	$400-$700	$14,400-$25,200

Key Differences Between BUI and Road DUI

• Arresting Agency: FWC, Coast Guard, or county marine patrol (not highway patrol)
• BAC Testing: Same 0.08 legal limit; implied consent applies on water too
• Court Jurisdiction: Same county court system, same criminal penalties
• Insurance Impact: Identical — carriers do not distinguish BUI from DUI
• FR44 Duration: Identical — 3 years from reinstatement date

Bottom Line

A Florida BUI is treated exactly like a DUI for FR44 insurance purposes. Your auto insurance will carry the FR44 filing, your rates will increase 2-4x, and you’ll need 3 consecutive years of continuous coverage. If you’ve received a BUI, contact a Florida-licensed FR44 specialist immediately — any delay in getting coverage can extend your suspension period.