FR44 insurance is a financial responsibility filing that Florida requires after certain driving violations, instead of or in addition to a standard auto insurance policy

An FR44 is a certificate of financial responsibility filed directly with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. It proves to the state that you can pay for damages if you cause an accident. You need one if you've been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), driving with a suspended license, at-fault accidents without insurance, or certain other serious violations. The filing itself is not insurance — it's a document your insurance company submits on your behalf to show the state you meet Florida's minimum coverage requirements.

The main difference between an FR44 and a standard insurance policy is that the state is watching. If your FR44 coverage lapses for even a day, the state is notified automatically, and your license can be suspended again. This makes FR44 insurance stricter and more expensive than regular auto insurance, because insurers know they're covering higher-risk drivers and that any lapse has legal consequences.

Key Takeaways

  • An FR44 is filed by your insurance company with the state to prove you meet Florida's minimum coverage limits after a serious driving violation.
  • You must maintain continuous FR44 coverage for the full period the court or DMV requires, or your license will be suspended again.
  • FR44 insurance costs more than standard policies because insurers are required to notify the state if coverage lapses.
  • The filing period typically lasts three years from the date of conviction or suspension, though the court may set a different length.
  • You can obtain an FR44 from any licensed Florida insurance company that writes policies for high-risk drivers.

When Florida requires an FR44 filing

Florida law requires an FR44 after a DUI conviction, a second or subsequent traffic offense within five years, driving with a suspended or revoked license, or causing an accident without insurance. The specific trigger depends on the violation. A first DUI conviction, for example, requires an FR44 for three years. A second DUI within five years requires it for five years. If you caused an accident and had no insurance, the court or DMV will tell you how long to maintain the filing.

The court or the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will notify you in writing of the requirement and the length of time. Read this notice carefully, because the filing period begins on a specific date — usually the date of conviction or the date your license was suspended — and ends on a specific date. If you're unsure when your period ends, contact the DMV or the court that handled your case.

How the FR44 filing process works

You do not file the FR44 yourself. Instead, you purchase an auto insurance policy from a company licensed to write FR44 policies in Florida, and that company files the form with the state on your behalf. When you call an insurance agent or go online to buy a policy, tell them you need an FR44. They will confirm they can file it, collect your information, and submit the form to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles electronically.

The filing typically takes one to three business days after you purchase the policy. You should receive a confirmation from your insurance company showing the filing date and the state's receipt. Keep this confirmation. If you ever need to prove to the court or DMV that your FR44 was filed, you'll have the documentation.

Minimum coverage amounts for an FR44 in Florida

Florida's minimum FR44 coverage is the same as the state's standard minimum insurance requirements: $10,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $20,000 in bodily injury liability per accident, and $10,000 in property damage liability. These are the lowest amounts the state will accept. Many insurance companies require higher limits, and many drivers choose to carry more coverage for their own protection.

Liability coverage pays for injuries or property damage you cause to someone else. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle. If you want coverage for your own car — such as collision or comprehensive — you can add it to your policy, but it is not required by the FR44 filing.

Cost and duration of FR44 insurance

FR44 insurance costs significantly more than standard auto insurance because you are considered a high-risk driver. Rates vary by insurance company, your driving record, the type of violation, your age, and the vehicle you drive. There is no single price; you will need to contact insurers for quotes. Many companies that specialize in high-risk drivers offer FR44 policies, and shopping around can lower your cost.

You must maintain the FR44 for the entire period set by the court or DMV. If your policy lapses — even for one day — the insurance company is required to notify the state, and your license will be suspended again. This is why it's critical to pay your premium on time and renew your policy before it expires. If you switch insurance companies, the new company must file a new FR44 with the state; there is a brief window during the switch when you are not covered, so time the change carefully.

What happens if your FR44 coverage lapses

If your insurance policy is cancelled or lapses for any reason, your insurance company must notify the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within 30 days. Once the state receives this notice, your driver's license is suspended automatically. You will not receive a warning or a grace period. To reinstate your license, you must obtain new FR44 coverage and have your insurance company file a new form with the state.

Reinstating your license after a lapse can take several weeks. You will also likely face a reinstatement fee from the DMV, which varies but is typically $150 to $300. To avoid this, set up automatic payments for your insurance premium, mark your renewal date on a calendar, and contact your insurance company at least 30 days before your policy expires to renew or switch providers.

Switching insurance companies while maintaining an FR44

You can switch to a different insurance company at any time, but you must coordinate the change so there is no gap in coverage. Contact your new insurance company and ask them to file the FR44 on the same day your current policy expires, or ask your current company to extend your policy by one day while the new company files. Your new insurance company will submit a new FR44 form to the state, and the old filing will be cancelled.

Do not cancel your current policy before your new policy is in effect and the new FR44 is filed. Even a one-day lapse will trigger a suspension notice. If you are unsure about the timing, ask both insurance companies to confirm the filing dates in writing before you make any changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an FR44 if I have a suspended license right now?

Yes. You can obtain an FR44 policy before your license is reinstated. Once the insurance company files the form with the state, you can use it to request license reinstatement from the DMV. You will likely need to pay a reinstatement fee and may need to pass a written test, depending on the reason your license was suspended.

Do I need an FR44 if I don't own a car?

If you don't own a vehicle but plan to drive, you will need an FR44 policy to reinstate your license. If you never plan to drive again, you may not need one, but you should contact the Florida DMV to confirm. Some violations require the filing regardless of whether you currently own a car.

What if I move out of Florida while I still need an FR44?

You must maintain your FR44 filing in Florida for the full period required, even if you move to another state. If you move and stop maintaining the filing, your Florida license will be suspended. If you later return to Florida or need to renew your license, you will face additional penalties. Contact the Florida DMV before you move to understand your obligations.

How long does an FR44 stay on my record?

The FR44 filing lasts only as long as the court or DMV requires — typically three to five years depending on the violation. Once that period ends and you maintain continuous coverage, the filing is closed. However, the underlying violation (such as a DUI conviction) remains on your driving record and may affect your insurance rates for years afterward.

Can I remove the FR44 requirement early?

No. The filing period is set by the court or the DMV and cannot be shortened. You must maintain coverage for the entire required time. If you stop paying your premium or let the policy lapse, you will be suspended again, and you will have to start over with a new filing period.