FR44 Insurance for New Florida Residents 2026 — Moving to Florida With a DUI
Moving to Florida With a DUI on Your Record? Here’s What Happens
If you’re moving to Florida and have a DUI from another state, you need to understand how Florida handles out-of-state DUIs. The rules are specific — and expensive if you don’t prepare. Here’s what new Florida residents need to know.
Does Florida Find Out About Out-of-State DUIs?
Yes — almost always. Florida is a member of the Driver License Compact (DLC), sharing driver information with 45 other states. When you apply for a Florida driver’s license:
- Florida DHSMV runs your driving record through the National Driver Register (NDR) and the DLC
- Any DUI conviction from any DLC member state will appear
- Florida treats the out-of-state DUI as if it happened in Florida for licensing purposes
Even if you’re moving from a non-DLC state (Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, Wisconsin), Florida may still discover the DUI through the NDR — a federal database that tracks all driver license suspensions and serious violations.
When FR44 Is Required for Out-of-State DUIs
| Scenario | FR44 Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DUI from another state, moving to FL, getting FL license | ✅ Yes | Florida requires FR44 before issuing a license if the DUI would have triggered FR44 in Florida |
| DUI from another state, already have FL license | ✅ Yes | DHSMV discovers the DUI through DLC and imposes FR44 retroactively |
| Out-of-state DUI >7 years old | ⚠️ Maybe | Depends on Florida DHSMV review — older DUIs may not trigger FR44 |
| Out-of-state reckless driving (plea bargain) | ❌ No | If the conviction is for reckless driving (not DUI), FR44 is not required — but verify the code on your record |
| Moving from Virginia with active FR44 | ⚠️ Dual | Virginia FR44 + Florida FR44 may both be required simultaneously |
The Sequence for New Florida Residents
- Get FR44 insurance from a Florida-admitted carrier — BEFORE going to the DMV. You cannot get a Florida license without it.
- Carrier files FR44 electronically with Florida DHSMV — same-day filing available
- Verify filing is active at services.flhsmv.gov/dlcheck/
- Go to Florida DMV with: proof of identity, proof of residency, Social Security card, and FR44 confirmation
- Pay license fee and obtain Florida license
The DMV will not issue you a license until the FR44 filing is confirmed in their system — even if you meet all other requirements.
What If You Already Have an SR22 From Another State?
An out-of-state SR22 does NOT satisfy Florida’s FR44 requirement. Even if your previous state’s SR22 is still active, Florida requires its own FR44 filing. You may end up with both — SR22 for your old state, FR44 for Florida — on the same insurance policy. The 100/300/50 FR44 limits will satisfy SR22 requirements for most states.
Bottom Line
If you’re moving to Florida with a DUI on your record, get FR44 insurance before you go to the DMV. Florida will find the DUI through the DLC or NDR, and you cannot get a Florida license without FR44. Plan ahead, get quotes from Florida-admitted carriers, and have the filing active before your DMV appointment.