FR44 Insurance Florida — The Complete 2026 Guide (Requirements, Costs, Filing, and License Reinstatement)
Everything You Need to Know About FR44 Insurance in Florida — Updated for 2026
If you’ve been ordered to get FR44 insurance in Florida, you probably have a lot of questions — and very little time. This is the page that answers all of them in one place. No fluff, no sales pitch, no five pages of filler before the information you actually need.
We’ve helped 50,000+ Florida drivers file FR44 certificates since 2010. This guide covers every aspect of the FR44 process — from what it is to how to get the lowest rate to what happens if you let it lapse.
What Is FR44 Insurance?
FR44 insurance is not a separate insurance policy. It’s a certificate — officially called an FR-44 Certificate of Financial Responsibility — that your insurance company files electronically with the Florida DHSMV to prove you carry higher-than-standard liability coverage after a DUI conviction.
- FR44 is Florida-specific — no other state uses the identical FR44 form (Virginia has a similar one with different requirements)
- It requires significantly higher coverage limits than Florida’s standard auto insurance
- Your insurance company files it directly with DHSMV — you cannot file it yourself
- It must be maintained continuously for 3 consecutive years
- Any lapse — even one day — results in immediate license re-suspension
Who Needs FR44 Insurance in Florida?
FR44 is required for Florida drivers convicted of DUI, DWI, refusal to submit to a chemical test, DUI with property damage or bodily injury, or DUI manslaughter. It is not required for non-DUI violations like at-fault accidents without insurance, excessive points, or administrative suspensions — those require SR22 instead.
FR44 vs SR22 — What’s the Difference?
| Feature | FR44 | SR22 |
|---|---|---|
| Required for | DUI/DWI convictions | Non-DUI violations |
| Bodily injury liability | $100,000 / $300,000 | $10,000 / $20,000 |
| Property damage liability | $50,000 | $10,000 |
| Duration | 3 years | 3 years |
| States that use it | Florida only | Most U.S. states |
| Can substitute? | No — SR22 rejected for DUI | Yes (FR44 exceeds SR22 minimums) |
FR44 Coverage Requirements (2026)
| Coverage Type | Standard Minimum | FR44 Required | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $10,000 | $100,000 | 10x |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $20,000 | $300,000 | 15x |
| Property Damage | $10,000 | $50,000 | 5x |
How Much Does FR44 Insurance Cost?
| Driver Profile | Monthly FR44 Premium | Total Monthly Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Clean record except DUI, married, homeowner | $14–$25 | $100–$175 |
| Single, renter, average credit, first DUI | $25–$40 | $150–$250 |
| Multiple violations, poor credit | $40–$65+ | $250–$400+ |
| Non-owner FR44 (no vehicle) | $10–$18 | $50–$120 |
Factors affecting your rate: driving history, age, vehicle type, location (urban counties cost more), credit score, coverage selections, and the carrier (rates vary dramatically). We shop 15+ carriers to find the lowest rate.
Non-Owner FR44 Insurance
If you don’t own a vehicle, non-owner FR44 covers you when driving any vehicle you don’t own — 30–50% cheaper than owner policies. Ideal if you sold your car after suspension, rely on public transit but need a license, or occasionally borrow a vehicle. Read our complete non-owner FR44 guide.
How to Get FR44 Insurance — Step by Step
- Determine when your suspension ends and complete DUI School
- Get FR44 quotes from multiple carriers — rates vary wildly
- Select policy with same-day DHSMV e-filing capability
- Verify the FR44 filing — we file same-day, most insurers take 3–7 business days
- Pay reinstatement fees ($130–$150 + $54.25 license issuance) at flhsmv.gov
- Reinstate online or in person at DHSMV
- Maintain continuous coverage with automatic payments
Get your free FR44 quote in under 2 minutes →
How Long Do You Need FR44 Insurance?
Florida requires 3 consecutive years of FR44 coverage from your DUI conviction date. After 3 years, your insurer files a termination notice with DHSMV, the requirement is removed, and you can switch to standard coverage. After the period ends, shop around — not all carriers automatically reduce rates.
What Happens If Your FR44 Lapses?
This is the most dangerous part. If your FR44 lapses for any reason: your insurer notifies DHSMV within 10 days, your license is immediately re-suspended, you need a new FR44 certificate + new reinstatement fees, and the 3-year clock may restart. Prevention: automatic payments, never cancel old policy before new FR44 is confirmed, keep a payment buffer.
License Reinstatement With FR44
FR44 is one part of reinstatement. You also need: DUI School completion, court-ordered treatment/community service, probation satisfaction, reinstatement fees paid, and Ignition Interlock Device if ordered. Read the complete reinstatement guide.
Moving to Another State With an FR44
Do NOT cancel your Florida FR44 until establishing compliance in the new state. The new state will likely require SR22 for the same DUI conviction. Florida DHSMV monitors for lapses via the Driver License Compact. Consult the new state DMV for specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FR44 insurance in Florida?
FR44 insurance is a certificate of financial responsibility required by Florida DHSMV for DUI/DWI convictions. It proves you carry $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury and $50,000 property damage liability — significantly above standard minimums. The certificate is electronically filed by your insurance company and must be maintained for 3 consecutive years.
How much does FR44 insurance cost per month in Florida?
FR44 adds $14–$65/month to your premium depending on driving history, age, location, credit, and vehicle. The FR44 filing fee is $15–$25. Total monthly insurance with FR44: $100–$400. Non-owner policies start at $10–$18/month for the FR44 portion.
How long do I need FR44 in Florida?
3 consecutive years from your DUI conviction date. Coverage must be continuous — any lapse triggers immediate re-suspension. After 3 years, your insurer files a termination notice and you can switch to standard coverage.
What happens if my FR44 lapses?
Your license is immediately re-suspended. Your insurer must notify DHSMV within 10 days. You need a new FR44 certificate + new reinstatement fees. The 3-year clock may restart. Set up automatic payments to prevent this.
Can I get FR44 without a car?
Yes. Non-owner FR44 covers you when driving any vehicle you don’t own, costs 30–50% less than owner policies, and satisfies DHSMV’s requirement for license reinstatement.
What’s the difference between FR44 and SR22?
FR44 requires higher liability coverage ($100,000/$300,000/$50,000) for DUI convictions. SR22 uses standard minimums ($10,000/$20,000/$10,000) for non-DUI violations. They are not interchangeable — DHSMV rejects SR22 for DUI reinstatements.
Florida Insurance Agency License #L091747. Updated June 3, 2026. FR44 rates vary by individual circumstances.