If you've been convicted of a DUI in Florida, you've probably heard the terms SR-22 and FR-44 thrown around. Here's what catches most people off guard: Florida doesn't mess around when it comes to DUI insurance requirements. While many states require an SR-22 filing after a DUI, Florida is one of only two states that requires something much more serious—an FR-44. Understanding the difference between these two filings could save you from costly mistakes and help you get back on the road legally.
What's the Difference Between SR-22 and FR-44?
Think of both SR-22 and FR-44 as proof that you're carrying car insurance—they're certificates that your insurance company files with the state on your behalf. The big difference? The coverage amounts required and what violations trigger each filing.
An SR-22 is required for lower-level violations like driving without insurance, accumulating too many points on your driving record, or reckless driving charges. In Florida, SR-22 requires minimum liability coverage of $10,000 per person for bodily injury, $20,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage (often written as 10/20/10).
FR-44, on the other hand, is reserved for the most serious offense: driving under the influence. Florida and Virginia are the only states that use FR-44 filings, and they require significantly higher coverage limits—$100,000 per person for bodily injury, $300,000 per accident, and $50,000 for property damage (100/300/50). That's ten times more coverage for bodily injury per person than an SR-22 requires.
Why Florida Requires FR-44 for DUI Convictions
Florida takes drunk driving seriously, and the FR-44 requirement reflects that. The higher coverage limits exist because DUI-related accidents tend to result in more severe injuries and greater financial damages. By requiring drivers with DUI convictions to carry more insurance, the state ensures that victims of potential future accidents have better financial protection.
Once you're convicted of a DUI in Florida, you'll need to maintain FR-44 insurance for three consecutive years starting from the date your driving privileges are reinstated—not from the date of your conviction or arrest. This is a critical distinction. If your license is suspended for six months after your DUI, your three-year FR-44 clock doesn't start ticking until you get your license back.
Here's where it gets tricky: you must maintain continuous coverage during those three years. Any lapse—even a single day—gets reported to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), which will suspend your license again. Your insurance company is legally required to notify the state electronically if your FR-44 policy is canceled, expires, or lapses for any reason.
How Much Does FR-44 Insurance Cost?
Let's talk numbers, because this is where the sticker shock hits. The FR-44 filing fee itself is relatively small—typically between $15 and $50. But that's not what drives up your costs. What really hurts is the dramatic increase in your insurance premiums.
On average, Florida drivers with FR-44 requirements pay around $318 per month for minimum coverage, which translates to about $3,816 annually. Some drivers see costs ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 per year depending on their driving history, age, and location. Your premiums could increase by 200% to 300% compared to what you paid before your DUI arrest. In 2024, the average rate after a DUI in Florida is $3,997—that's 37% more than the state average of $2,927 for drivers without violations.
The good news? Florida removed the requirement for drivers to pay their premiums in full for six months upfront, so you can now make monthly payments. This makes FR-44 insurance more manageable for drivers who don't have thousands of dollars available immediately.
Shopping around can make a real difference. Some insurers specialize in high-risk coverage and offer more competitive rates. For example, Farmers offers some of the cheapest FR-44 rates at around $197 per month, while State Farm charges an average of $183 monthly for minimum-liability FR-44 coverage. It pays to get quotes from multiple companies.
How to Get FR-44 Insurance in Florida
Getting FR-44 insurance isn't as complicated as it might seem, but you need to follow the right steps. First, contact insurance companies that offer FR-44 coverage—not all insurers handle high-risk policies, so you may need to work with specialists. When you call, be upfront about your DUI conviction and your need for FR-44 filing.
Once you purchase a policy that meets Florida's FR-44 requirements, your insurance company will electronically file the FR-44 form with the FLHSMV on your behalf. The filing typically shows up in the DMV system within 24 to 48 hours. You don't file it yourself—your insurer handles this part.
Make sure your policy includes at least the minimum required coverage: $100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 per accident, and $50,000 property damage. You can purchase higher limits if you want more protection, but these are the minimums. Additionally, Florida requires $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP), which is standard for all Florida drivers.
Remember: once your FR-44 is filed and your license is reinstated, you're starting that three-year countdown. Set reminders for yourself about renewal dates, and consider setting up automatic payments to avoid any accidental lapses. A single missed payment that causes your coverage to lapse will reset the clock and result in another license suspension.
What Happens If You Let Your FR-44 Coverage Lapse?
This is where things get serious. Insurance companies are legally obligated to notify the FLHSMV immediately if your FR-44 policy is canceled, expires, or lapses. Once the state receives that notification, they will suspend your driving privileges again—and you'll face additional penalties.
If you're caught driving with a suspended license, you could face hefty fines, possible jail time, and an extension of your FR-44 requirement period. Plus, you'll likely need to pay reinstatement fees all over again. The bottom line: don't let your coverage lapse. If you're having trouble affording your premiums, talk to your insurance company about payment plans or shop around for a cheaper policy rather than simply letting it expire.
Getting Back on Track
A DUI conviction is serious, and Florida's FR-44 requirement reflects that reality. But it's not permanent. Three years of continuous FR-44 coverage might feel like a long time, but it's manageable with the right approach: shop around for the best rates, set up automatic payments to avoid lapses, and drive safely to avoid any additional violations that could extend your requirements.
Once you've successfully maintained your FR-44 insurance for the full three years without any coverage lapses or additional violations, you can return to standard auto insurance at normal rates. Until then, treat this requirement as seriously as the court intended—your driving privileges and financial future depend on it.
