FR44 vs SR22 in Florida: What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?
Florida uses two different financial responsibility certificates: FR44 and SR22. Most states only use SR22. If you’ve had your license suspended in Florida, knowing which one applies to you — and why the difference matters — can save you significant money and frustration.
The Core Difference
FR44 is Florida’s DUI-specific certificate. It requires substantially higher liability coverage than SR22. SR22 is for most other violations — driving without insurance, excessive points, non-DUI suspensions. Florida is one of only two states in the country (along with Virginia) that uses FR44 as a separate filing category.
FR44 vs SR22 Florida: Full Comparison
| Factor | FR44 | SR22 |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | DUI/DWI conviction | Uninsured accident, excessive violations, non-DUI suspension, failure to pay judgment |
| Required limits (bodily injury) | $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident | $10,000 per person / $20,000 per accident |
| Required limits (property damage) | $50,000 | $10,000 |
| Duration | 3 years from license reinstatement | 3 years from license reinstatement |
| Electronic filing | Yes — most insurers file with FLHSMV | Yes — same process |
| Non-owner version | Yes — for non-vehicle owners | Yes — for non-vehicle owners |
| Premium impact | Higher (due to elevated required limits) | Moderate |
| Same-day issuance | Yes | Yes |
Why Florida Uses FR44 for DUIs
The FR44 requirement reflects Florida’s legislative determination that DUI-related crashes cause more severe injuries and property damage than average accidents. By requiring 4x the standard liability limits, the state ensures that DUI drivers carry enough coverage to compensate serious accident victims without leaving them underinsured.
The 100/300/50 limits are not negotiable — if your insurer files an FR44 with lower limits, FLHSMV will reject it and your license remains suspended.
Non-Owner FR44 vs Non-Owner SR22
Both certificates are available in non-owner versions for drivers who don’t own a vehicle but need to fulfill the filing requirement. The mechanics are the same — you carry liability coverage on a non-owner policy, and your insurer files the certificate with FLHSMV. Non-owner FR44 must still carry the 100/300/50 limits.
Typical Cost Difference in Florida
Because FR44 requires significantly higher liability limits than SR22, FR44 policies cost more. Rough annual ranges in Florida:
- SR22 (minimum limits): $600-$1,200/year for owner policy
- FR44 (100/300/50 limits): $1,200-$2,400/year for owner policy
- Non-owner SR22: $200-$600/year
- Non-owner FR44: $400-$900/year
These are estimates — actual rates depend on your driving history, county, age, vehicle (if any), and insurer. Non-standard insurers who specialize in high-risk filings typically offer the most competitive rates for both FR44 and SR22.
How to Determine Which You Need
The simplest way: check your court paperwork or the FLHSMV suspension notice. It will specify FR44 or SR22 explicitly. If you’re unsure, call the Florida FLHSMV at 850-617-2000 or ask us — we can look up your filing requirement with your license number.
Get Your FR44 or SR22 Filed Today
We handle both FR44 and SR22 filings in Florida and can get you covered the same day. Call (407) 506-4611 or fill out our form to start. Same-day filing, no runaround.