FR44 Insurance Florida vs Virginia — Comparing the Only Two FR44 States (2026)

Florida and Virginia are the only two states that use FR44 insurance — all other states use SR22. While the FR44 concept is the same in both states (high-risk liability filing for DUI), the requirements, costs, and processes differ significantly. This comparison helps drivers in either state understand the differences — especially useful if you’re moving between them.

Florida FR44 vs Virginia FR44 — Side by Side

Feature	Florida FR44	Virginia FR44
Liability limits	$100K/$300K/$50K	$60K/$120K/$40K (lower than FL)
Duration	3 years	3 years
Filing form	HSMV 82511	FR-44 (Virginia-specific form)
Who needs it	DUI conviction	DUI conviction OR certain serious traffic violations
Non-owner option	Yes, widely available	Yes, but fewer carriers
Monthly cost (est.)	$14 – $400	$25 – $350 (higher base, lower ceiling)
Lapse penalty	Immediate suspension, insurer must notify DHSMV within 10 days	Immediate suspension, insurer must notify DMV
Electronic filing	Yes, standard	Yes, standard
IID requirement	Only for BAC ≥0.15%, minor, or 2nd+ DUI	Required for ALL DUI convictions (effective 2024)
DUI school	12-21 hours (state-run)	VASAP (Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program) — longer, more intensive

Key Differences That Matter

• Lower limits in Virginia: $60K/$120K/$40K vs FL’s $100K/$300K/$50K. Virginia FR44 is slightly cheaper because the required coverage is lower.
• IID mandatory in Virginia: ALL Virginia DUI convictions require IID, including first offense with low BAC. Florida only requires IID for aggravated cases.
• Broader trigger in Virginia: Virginia requires FR44 for certain serious violations beyond DUI (driving while suspended for DUI, voluntary manslaughter with vehicle). Florida’s FR44 is DUI-only.
• VASAP vs DUI School: Virginia’s VASAP program is significantly longer and more intensive than Florida’s DUI school — adding to total compliance cost.

Moving Between Florida and Virginia with FR44

If you’re moving between these states while under FR44 requirement, the process is complex:

• FL → VA: Florida DHSMV does not release the FR44 requirement just because you moved. You must either maintain FL FR44 from Virginia (possible with some carriers) or formally resolve with FL DHSMV before transferring your license.
• VA → FL: Same issue in reverse. The Virginia DMV FR44 requirement follows your license. Florida DHSMV will likely require FR44 when you apply for a FL license with a DUI on your record — potentially restarting the 3-year clock.
• Never surrender one license before the new one is issued: A gap in licensure complicates FR44 compliance in both states.

Which State Has Cheaper FR44?

Generally, Virginia FR44 is moderately cheaper due to lower required liability limits ($60K/$120K/$40K vs $100K/$300K/$50K). However, Virginia’s mandatory IID for all DUI convictions adds $1,000-$1,500/year that Florida doesn’t require for first-time, low-BAC DUI offenders. Total compliance cost comparison:

• Florida, 1st DUI, BAC under 0.15%: FR44 only ($500-$3,000/year) — no IID
• Florida, 1st DUI, BAC over 0.15%: FR44 + IID ($1,500-$5,000/year)
• Virginia, any DUI: FR44 + mandatory IID ($1,500-$5,000/year) — IID required regardless

FAQ: Florida vs Virginia FR44

Are Florida and Virginia FR44 interchangeable?

No. An FR44 filed in Florida does not satisfy Virginia DMV requirements, and vice versa. Each state’s FR44 is a separate filing with that state’s DMV/DHSMV. If you hold licenses in both states, you may need FR44 filings in both.

Why do only Florida and Virginia use FR44?

Both states enacted specific legislation requiring higher liability limits for DUI offenders beyond what standard SR22 requires. Most other states determined that SR22 with their standard limits was sufficient. Florida (1970s) and Virginia (1990s) chose the higher-limit approach independently — no federal mandate.

Get Florida FR44 insurance. Call 1-800-229-7131 or free quote online.