Quick summary: Florida requires FR-44 insurance for three uninterrupted years after a DUI conviction, starting from your reinstatement date — not your conviction date. Minimum limits are 100/300/50, coverage must stay continuous with zero gaps, and since October 2023, FR-44 policies can be cancelled for non-payment, which makes that continuity more important than ever.
I answer FR-44 questions every single day — usually from someone who just found out they need one and has no idea where to start. So I put together the questions that come up most often, answered the same way I’d answer them if you were sitting across from me.
When did Florida start requiring FR-44 insurance, and what are the coverage limits?
Florida has required it since October 1, 2007. If you’ve been convicted of a DUI, the state requires higher liability limits than a standard policy:
- $100,000 Bodily Injury Liability per person
- $300,000 Bodily Injury Liability per accident
- $50,000 Property Damage Liability
A combined single limit of $300,000 also satisfies the requirement. And it has to come from a Florida policy — either a standard auto policy adjusted to meet those limits, or a non-owner policy if you don’t have a vehicle. One thing that trips people up: policies covering anything with fewer than four wheels won’t qualify, since those don’t carry Personal Injury Protection.
Most drivers handle this by adding the FR-44 filing to an existing policy once it’s adjusted to the right limits. For younger drivers, joining a parent’s policy as an additional driver is sometimes the more affordable route.
Does every DUI conviction require an FR-44? How long does it last?
Yes, for convictions since November 1, 2014 — every one of them requires an FR-44, and it has to stay in place for three years from the date your license is reinstated. Not three years from your conviction. Three years of continuous coverage starting at reinstatement.
If your DUI happened before November 2014, the rules are a little different — proof of coverage at the time of the offense may substitute for the FR-44 requirement. Otherwise, the standard three-year rule applies.
One detail I make sure every client understands: the state notifies you when the FR-44 is no longer required, not your insurance company. It’s on you to actually remove it once you’re eligible. I’ve written more about how that timeline works in my article on how long FR-44 coverage actually lasts.
How does the DMV find out I have coverage? Can I get my license back the same day?
Your insurance company files the FR-44 electronically with Florida’s Bureau of Financial Responsibility, usually right at the point of sale. DMV records generally update within 24 to 48 hours.
If you need same-day reinstatement, ask about a paper certificate before you buy the policy. Some companies can provide a hard copy that gets emailed or faxed directly to the DMV office, which speeds things up considerably. I cover this in more depth in my article about proving FR-44 insurance to the DMV in real time, because there’s a right way and a wrong way to walk into that office prepared.
If you’re new to FR-44 requirements, it’s worth thinking early about how you’ll actually prove coverage in the moment it’s needed. I explore that idea further in Why I Still Carry a Paper Insurance Card (Even Though It’s on My Phone).
What does FR-44 insurance actually cost? Is there a filing fee?
There’s a $25 state filing fee, and a license reinstatement fee may apply on top of that.
Beyond those flat fees, your premium comes down to the usual factors — age, driving record, location, vehicle, and more. Generally speaking, a non-owner FR-44 policy is the most affordable option if you qualify, since it doesn’t insure a vehicle. A couple of things to know there: it’s not available if you regularly have access to a car or if an interlock device is required, and driver exclusions aren’t permitted on any FR-44 policy. When you get a quote, always include every driver in your household — leaving someone off can create bigger problems than it solves.
Can an FR-44 policy be cancelled?
Yes, and this changed fairly recently. As of October 1, 2023, FR-44 policies are no longer “non-cancellable.” Companies can cancel for non-payment or for material misrepresentation on the application.
Here’s the part that matters most: if your policy is cancelled while your FR-44 requirement is still active, you have to replace it immediately, or your license will be suspended. There’s no grace period.
I’ll be honest — when that October 2023 change went into effect, it caught a lot of agents off guard, myself included at first. For years, FR-44 policies simply couldn’t be cancelled outright, so a missed payment used to be a much smaller problem. Now it isn’t. These days, it’s one of the first things I walk through with every FR-44 client at setup: get on auto-pay, know your due date, and understand that a lapse doesn’t just mean a late fee anymore — it can mean a suspended license and a reset compliance clock. It’s a small change on paper, but it’s changed the conversation I have with every client on day one.
I explain why that zero-gap rule exists — and how quickly it can catch people off guard — in my article on why FR-44 insurance is really an ongoing compliance requirement, not just a policy you buy once.
Can I pay monthly? Can I hold more than one policy?
Monthly payment plans are available, though paying in full typically earns a discount.
You’re only allowed one FR-44 filing per driver, but you can hold more than one insurance policy overall if your situation calls for it.
When does my FR-44 requirement actually end?
That varies by driver, and only the DMV can confirm your specific end date. You can check your status through the state’s online portal:
- License Check Portal: services.flhsmv.gov/DLCheck
- MyDMV Portal: mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov
One detail worth knowing: within the final 60 days of your requirement, you’re allowed to continue carrying the 100/300/50 limits without an active FR-44 filing and still remain in compliance.
Why call me for your FR-44 quote instead of shopping it yourself?
Because every driver deserves a clear answer and a fair rate, not a runaround. I work with multiple A-rated companies, and I shop your policy at renewal — every year — to make sure you’re not quietly overpaying once your FR-44 period is in motion. My goal is simple: a smooth, stress-free quote experience and a straight answer whenever you need one.
If you’re just starting this process, or you’re renewing and want a second opinion, call or text me at 305-796-2968. I’m easy to reach.
About the Author
Written by Clifford Schimek — Florida Auto & FR-44 Insurance Expert
I help Florida drivers every day with auto insurance quotes and FR-44 filings. My goal is to make everything simpler and less stressful, no matter where you live in the state. If you ever need help or just want a straight answer, you can always call or text me directly.
Clifford Schimek Florida Auto & FR-44 Insurance Expert
Call or text: 305-796-2968
Learn More About Cliff
Why Clifford Schimek? – The case for working with me
Florida Auto Plus Insurance — Agency website
Florida FR-44 Information and Guidance — For Florida drivers who need an FR-44 filing
View My Google Business Profile — Reviews and business information