FR-44 After DUI car insurance in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

FR-44 — Florida's "DUI insurance" form

Florida is one of only two US states (along with Virginia) that uses the FR-44 form for DUI and alcohol-related convictions. SR-22 is used for other suspensions; FR-44 is specifically the "DUI form."

The cost driver is the required liability limits: 100/300/50 — that is:

• $100,000 bodily injury per person.
• $300,000 bodily injury per accident.
• $50,000 property damage liability.

That's five times the standard FL liability minimum ($10K PIP / $10K PDL).

How long do I need an FR-44 in Florida?

3 years from the date your license is reinstated. The filing must remain CONTINUOUS — any lapse restarts the 3-year clock.

This means even if you finish the 3 years, if you ever lapsed mid-period (even by one day), your clock starts over. Don't cancel without bridging.

Who writes FR-44 in Florida

Standard carriers (GEICO, State Farm, Allstate, Progressive) usually drop drivers after a DUI conviction. The carriers that specialize in FR-44:

1. Direct Auto — biggest FL non-standard writer; same-day FR-44 filing in every county.
2. The General — strong on FR-44 for first-time DUI; same-day filing.
3. Bristol West — competitive on FR-44 for ITIN / Spanish-speaking drivers; same-day filing.
4. Dairyland — competitive on FR-44 for motorcycle drivers; covers FL.
5. Infinity — strong in South FL on FR-44 multi-violation drivers.
6. GAINSCO — competitive on multi-violation FR-44 drivers.

Some standard carriers (Progressive, Travelers, Mercury) will keep existing customers post-DUI but at sharply higher rates. Always quote both standard and non-standard.

Average FR-44 cost in Florida

Rough ranges for a 35-yo first-time DUI with otherwise clean record:

• Tampa: $250–$400/mo
• Orlando: $280–$450/mo
• Jacksonville: $220–$380/mo
• Miami / Hialeah: $400–$650/mo
• Tallahassee / Pensacola: $200–$350/mo

Multi-DUI, with-injury, or with-property-damage cases run 30–80% higher.

How to lower your FR-44 cost

1. Shop every renewal. FR-44 carriers re-rate aggressively at 6-month renewals. The cheapest carrier today is rarely the cheapest in 6 months.
2. Take a state-approved DUI school course. Sometimes counts for a discount with non-standard carriers.
3. Maintain continuous coverage. Lapses + an active FR-44 = catastrophic premium hike.
4. Older vehicle, liability-only. If your vehicle is paid off and worth under $5K, drop full coverage. The 100/300/50 liability is the hard floor — you can drop comp/collision.
5. Pay-in-full discount. 5–10% off if you pay 6 months upfront.
6. Time. FR-44 surcharge phases down each year. After 3 years, the conviction starts aging off your MVR and standard carriers may write you again.

Do I need an SR-22 AND an FR-44?

No. FL requires whichever is appropriate for your conviction — never both. If you had a non-DUI suspension (e.g., driving without insurance), it's SR-22. If it was DUI / alcohol-related, it's FR-44.