Active duty military, veterans, and reservists face unique circumstances when dealing with a Florida DUI and FR44 requirement. Here’s what applies specifically to your situation.

FR44 Requirements Are the Same for Military

Florida DHSMV applies FR44 requirements uniformly — military status does not exempt you from FR44, reduce the coverage requirement, or shorten the 3-year period. The same $100K/$300K + $50K PD coverage applies, and the same 3-year continuous requirement applies.

Unique Situations for Military Personnel

DUI While Stationed in Florida (Non-Florida Resident)

If you’re active duty stationed at a Florida base (MacDill AFB, Eglin, Patrick SFB, NAS Jacksonville, etc.) and have a Florida driver’s license, you’re treated as a Florida resident for FR44 purposes. If you maintain your home-state license, you’re an out-of-state driver — you still need Florida FR44 to drive in Florida plus potentially your home state’s SR22 if they suspend your license.

PCS Move During FR44 Period

A PCS (Permanent Change of Station) move does not end your Florida FR44 requirement. The Florida DHSMV suspension and FR44 requirement travel with your license record, not your physical location. Options:

• Switch to a non-owner FR44 policy (cheaper, no vehicle needed — especially if your vehicle ships separately)
• Notify your insurer of your new address — premium may change based on new state garaging address
• If you surrender your Florida license and get a license in your new state, the Florida suspension still shows in the Driver License Compact

Deployment During FR44 Period

Deployment does not pause your FR44 requirement. The policy must remain active. Options for deployed service members:

• Set up auto-pay — this is the most critical step before deployment
• Have a trusted family member monitor the policy
• Switch to non-owner FR44 if your vehicle will be stored or unused during deployment (can reduce cost)

A lapse during deployment carries the same consequences as any other lapse — license suspension and clock restart. Do not let this happen.

SCRA Protections and FR44

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides some insurance protections — notably, insurers cannot increase rates or cancel policies solely due to deployment. However, SCRA does not exempt service members from FR44 requirements or allow FR44 policies to lapse without consequences. SCRA protections apply to the insurance contract, not to the state DMV requirement.

Veterans’ Diversion Programs

Florida has a Veterans’ Treatment Court program for DUI charges involving veterans with service-connected conditions (PTSD, TBI, substance use disorder related to service). Successful completion of a Veterans’ Treatment Court program may result in reduced charges or dismissal — which could eliminate or reduce the FR44 requirement. This is a pre-conviction option — consult a DUI attorney familiar with Veterans’ Courts in your county before entering any plea.

Note: Even if charges are reduced, a withhold of adjudication vs. conviction vs. dismissal has different effects on the FR44 requirement. Your attorney needs to understand exactly what outcome avoids triggering DHSMV’s FR44 requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the military cover FR44 insurance costs?
No. FR44 insurance is a personal expense — not covered by BAH, BAS, or any military benefit. Some military-affiliated insurers (USAA, Armed Forces Insurance) offer coverage for high-risk drivers including FR44 situations.

Can USAA write FR44 in Florida?
USAA does write FR44 policies for eligible members (active duty, veterans, family). Rates may be competitive. Call USAA directly or get a comparison quote from us to see if they offer better pricing for your situation.

I’m PCSing out of Florida. Can I cancel my FR44?
No. The FR44 must remain active for the full 3-year period regardless of where you live. If you PCS to another state, switch to a non-owner FR44 policy (cheaper) and maintain it continuously.