FR44 Insurance for Immigrants and Non-US Citizens in Florida

If you’re an immigrant, visa holder, or non-US citizen living in Florida and you receive a DUI, the FR44 insurance requirement applies to you exactly as it does to US citizens — with additional immigration consequences you need to understand. Here’s the complete picture.

Does FR44 Apply to Non-Citizens?

Yes. Florida FR44 requirements are based on your driver’s license and DUI conviction — not your citizenship or immigration status. If you have a Florida driver’s license and are convicted of DUI, you must carry FR44 insurance for 3 years regardless of your immigration status.

Immigration Consequences of a Florida DUI

Immigration Status	DUI Impact	Deportation Risk
US Permanent Resident (Green Card)	Generally not deportable for single DUI	Low — unless DUI involved drugs or injury
H1-B / Work Visa	Visa renewal may be affected; CBP may question at re-entry	Moderate — consult immigration attorney
F-1 Student Visa	University discipline + visa implications; must report to DSO	Moderate — DUI + other violations can trigger removal
DACA Recipient	DUI is a significant misdemeanor under DACA — may trigger revocation	High — consult immigration attorney immediately
Undocumented	DUI arrest may trigger ICE notification in some FL counties	High — consult immigration attorney immediately
Asylum Applicant / Refugee	Single DUI generally not disqualifying	Low-Moderate — depends on case specifics

This is not legal advice. Always consult an immigration attorney before making any decisions about your case.

Can Non-Citizens Get FR44 Insurance?

Yes. Florida-admitted carriers issue FR44 policies to:

• US Permanent Residents with valid Green Cards
• Visa holders with valid, unexpired visas
• Individuals with valid Employment Authorization Documents (EAD/work permits)
• Individuals with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) — some carriers accept ITIN in lieu of SSN
• Individuals with foreign driver’s licenses who have a Florida DUI (rare — consult a specialist)

Carriers that are most flexible for non-citizens: Dairyland, Progressive, Bristol West. Some carriers require a US driver’s license, valid visa/EAD, and proof of Florida residency. If you lack an SSN, Dairyland is typically the most flexible with ITIN acceptance.

What Happens If You Leave the US During FR44?

If you return to your home country during the FR44 period:

• The FR44 requirement remains on your Florida driving record — it does not expire or disappear
• The 3-year clock does not run — it only runs while FR44 coverage is active
• If you return to Florida and want a license: You’ll need to satisfy the FR44 requirement before reinstatement

International Driver’s License and FR44

An International Driving Permit (IDP) does not exempt you from FR44. If you hold a Florida driver’s license (not just an IDP) and receive a DUI, FR44 applies. The IDP is a translation document, not a standalone license.

Bottom Line

FR44 insurance applies to non-citizens exactly as it does to US citizens — 3 years, 100/300/50 limits, no lapses. The immigration consequences of the underlying DUI are often more serious than the FR44 requirement itself. Consult an immigration attorney immediately after any DUI arrest. For FR44 insurance, Dairyland and Progressive are the most flexible carriers for non-citizens.