GWR Insurance Group, a Gainesville, Florida insurance agency (License L136942), wrote this guide for drivers who have received an SR-22 or FR-44 requirement.
Short answer: both are certificates your insurer files with FLHSMV to prove you carry liability insurance. An SR-22 certifies at least $10,000/$20,000/$10,000 of coverage. An FR-44 certifies $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 and applies after a DUI conviction.
An SR-22 certifies at least 10/20/10 liability coverage. An FR-44 certifies 100/300/50 and follows a Florida DUI conviction. Your insurer files either one with FLHSMV. FLHSMV requires an SR-22 for three years after an uninsured injury crash, and section 324.023 requires FR-44 limits for at least three years.
FLHSMV defines an SR-22 as an insurance filing certifying bodily injury and property damage liability to meet the reinstatement requirements of Florida's Financial Responsibility Law. It certifies the minimum limits in section 324.021: $10,000 for bodily injury to one person, $20,000 for two or more people, and $10,000 for property damage in one crash.
A common case, per FLHSMV: you were at fault in a crash with injuries and did not have bodily injury liability coverage at the time. FLHSMV then requires 10/20/10 coverage with an SR-22 for three years from the suspension date, plus releases from the other parties or a security deposit. Other suspensions under the Financial Responsibility Law can also require one. Your FLHSMV notice says which filing you need.
Under section 324.023, Florida Statutes, a driver found guilty of, or who pleads guilty or no contest to, DUI under section 316.193 (after October 1, 2007) must carry at least $100,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $300,000 per crash and $50,000 of property damage. Those higher limits must be carried for at least three years. The FR-44 is the filing that certifies them.
Read the notice from FLHSMV. If your case involves a DUI conviction, expect an FR-44. Otherwise, a financial responsibility requirement usually means an SR-22. Send us the notice and we will tell you what it asks for.
Insurers must report cancellations of PIP and property damage coverage to FLHSMV, and a lapse can lead to suspension of your license and registration. Keep the policy active for the full required period, and call us before you change or cancel anything.
Is an SR-22 a type of insurance? No. It is a certificate your insurer files with FLHSMV showing that you carry the required liability coverage.
How long do I need an FR-44 in Florida? Section 324.023 requires the higher limits for at least three years.
What limits does an SR-22 certify in Florida? At least $10,000 bodily injury per person, $20,000 per crash and $10,000 property damage, under section 324.021.
Sources: FLHSMV: Florida Insurance Requirements · FLHSMV: Involved in a Crash? · Florida Statutes §324.021 (financial responsibility limits) · Florida Statutes §324.023 (DUI financial responsibility) · Florida Statutes §324.0221 (lapse reporting, suspension, reinstatement)
Tyler Cummings is a licensed Florida insurance agent and the owner of GWR Insurance Group, a Florida insurance agency (agency license L136942) at 2950 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608. This guide is general information, not legal advice; the official sources are linked above. Questions? Call (352) 378-3395 or email tyler@gwrinsurancegroup.com. We reply within 24 hours, Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM ET.
GWR Insurance Group LLC is a Florida insurance agency (License L136942) at 2950 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608. Tyler, our owner, lives in Nocatee and serves St. Johns County personally. Call (352) 378-3395 or email tyler@gwrinsurancegroup.com. Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM ET; closed Saturday and Sunday.
Related: SR-22 insurance in Gainesville · SR-22 insurance in Ocala · Guide: Florida car insurance requirements · Florida auto insurance
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