If you got a DUI in Florida, you’re dealing with FR44. If you got a DUI in most other states — or a non-DUI offense like driving uninsured — you’re dealing with SR22. They’re both certificates of financial responsibility, but the requirements are different enough that mixing them up costs money and time.

The Core Difference in One Sentence

FR44 requires higher liability limits (100/300/50) and is only required in Florida and Virginia. SR22 is used in all other states, requires state-minimum liability limits (which vary but are typically much lower), and covers a broader set of violations beyond DUI.

FR44 vs SR22: Side-by-Side

Feature	FR44	SR22
States Used	Florida and Virginia only	All other U.S. states
Triggers	DUI/DWI conviction (primary trigger)	DUI + reckless driving + uninsured driving + license suspension
Liability Minimums (FL)	$100,000/$300,000 BI / $50,000 PD	$10,000/$20,000 BI / $10,000 PD (FL minimum)
Duration	3 years continuous	Typically 2-3 years (varies by state)
Cost Premium	Higher — due to elevated minimums	Lower — state minimum coverage
Who Files It	Your insurance company electronically	Your insurance company (electronic or paper)
What Happens if It Lapses	Immediate license suspension, restart 3 years	License suspension, restart requirement period

Why Florida Uses FR44 Instead of SR22

Florida created FR44 in 2008 specifically for DUI convictions because SR22 minimums ($10K/$20K bodily injury) were considered too low to compensate victims of DUI accidents. The state legislature mandated dramatically higher coverage: $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury plus $50,000 property damage. That’s 10x higher than the basic SR22 minimums.

Virginia followed with their own FR44 requirement. Every other state uses SR22 for DUI cases.

Which One Do You Need?

• DUI in Florida: FR44 — no exceptions
• DUI in Virginia: FR44 — no exceptions
• DUI in any other state: SR22 in that state
• Driving uninsured in Florida: SR22 (not FR44 — FR44 is DUI-only)
• Reckless driving in Florida: Likely SR22 unless DUI-related
• Multiple violations but no DUI: SR22

What Happens If You Move Between States

If you have a Florida DUI and move to Texas: you still need to maintain your FR44 in Florida until the 3-year requirement is complete. Texas may also require an SR22 to register your vehicle or get a Texas license. You end up running both simultaneously — different documents, different states.

If you move from another state to Florida with an SR22: Florida will require you to convert to FR44 if the underlying violation was a DUI. The 3-year clock typically starts from when Florida’s DHSMV begins requiring it — which can mean starting over.

Cost Difference: FR44 vs SR22

FR44 costs significantly more than SR22 because the underlying coverage is much higher. A Florida driver with a DUI might pay $150–$300/month for FR44. The same driver with an SR22 in another state might pay $80–$150/month for state-minimum coverage. The difference is real and unavoidable — the coverage requirements dictate the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get SR22 instead of FR44 in Florida after a DUI?
No. DHSMV requires FR44 specifically for DUI convictions. An SR22 will not satisfy the FR44 requirement — they are separate filings.

Is FR44 more expensive than SR22?
Yes, consistently. FR44 requires 100/300/50 coverage vs the much lower SR22 state minimums. Higher limits = higher premium. Florida DUI drivers typically pay 30-60% more than comparable out-of-state DUI drivers with SR22.

How do I know if I need FR44 or SR22?
Simple: if you got a DUI in Florida or Virginia, you need FR44. Any other state, or any non-DUI violation in Florida, likely requires SR22.

Which lasts longer, FR44 or SR22?
Florida FR44 requires 3 continuous years. SR22 requirements vary by state — typically 2-3 years. Duration is similar, but the higher coverage requirements during that period make FR44 more burdensome financially.