Car Insurance After a DUI in Florida: What FR-44 Actually Costs
Florida is one of only two states that doesn't use SR-22 for a DUI. It uses something stricter — FR-44 — and the coverage limits are ten times higher than the state minimum.
Florida's DUI filing isn't SR-22 — it's FR-44
Most states use an SR-22 filing after a DUI. Florida and Virginia are the exceptions: Florida requires FR-44 instead, and it's meaningfully stricter. Where Florida's standard minimum coverage is just $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage (see our Florida minimum coverage guide), FR-44 requires:
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 in property damage liability
That's ten times the standard bodily injury limit Florida otherwise requires — a much higher bar than a typical SR-22 state, where the DUI filing usually just proves you still carry the ordinary state minimum. Florida requires FR-44 for 3 years following a qualifying DUI offense.
What a DUI does to your Florida premium
| Scenario | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| FR-44 policy, annual cost | ~$1,800 – $4,000/yr |
| Premium increase vs. standard coverage | ~$300 – $800+/yr |
| Total added cost over the filing period | ~$1,000 – $3,000+ |
| Required filing duration | 3 years |
How the surcharge eases over the FR-44 period
The DUI surcharge doesn't stay flat for the full 3-year filing period — it's worst right when the conviction is fresh and eases in stages as your record ages, assuming no new violations:
| Point in time | What typically happens |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | Highest rates, fewest carriers willing to quote at all |
| Years 2-3 | More carriers compete for the business; annual decreases of roughly 10%-25% |
| Right after the FR-44 requirement ends | Some insurers cut the rate a further 10%-15% at that renewal, and some drivers see drops of 30%-50% in the year immediately following release — plus the coverage limits themselves can drop back to Florida's standard minimum, removing the extra cost from carrying 10x liability limits |
| Around the 5-year mark | Most insurers treat the driver close to normally again, assuming a clean record since the DUI |
Which insurers tend to be cheapest after a DUI
Published rate surveys for a full-coverage policy after one DUI consistently rank a handful of carriers well below the national average — though fewer insurers write FR-44 policies than standard SR-22 policies, so confirm availability before assuming a national ranking applies in Florida:
| Insurer | National average rate | Vs. average |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | ~$192/mo | -43% |
| Progressive | ~$268/mo | Often cited as cheapest among carriers that specialize in high-risk policies |
| Travelers | ~$236/mo | -30% |
| National General | ~$249/mo | -26%; actively accepts DUI applicants |
| GEICO | ~$334/mo | Baseline in this comparison |
| USAA | ~$150/mo | Cheapest of all, but restricted to military members, veterans, and their families |
What affects the size of the increase
Insurer availability
Not every insurer that writes standard Florida policies also writes FR-44 policies; drivers often need to shop specialty high-risk insurers specifically.
Prior record and offense severity
A first DUI with no aggravating factors (no accident, no injury) generally prices lower than a DUI involving property damage or injury to another person.
Whether you already carry higher liability limits
A driver who was already carrying bodily injury liability above the state minimum before the DUI has a smaller relative jump to FR-44's required limits than a driver who was previously at the bare PIP-only minimum.
Ways to lower the cost
- Shop insurers that specifically write FR-44 policies — pricing varies more here than for standard coverage, since not every carrier participates.
- Keep coverage continuous for the full 3-year filing period; a lapse can restart the requirement.
- Ask about a defensive driving or DUI program discount where available.
- Re-shop as you approach the 3-year mark, since rates typically ease once the FR-44 requirement itself ends and you return to standard filing.
Frequently asked questions
Does Florida use SR-22 for a DUI?
No — Florida requires FR-44, which mandates bodily injury liability limits ten times higher than the state's standard minimum ($100,000/$300,000 vs. the usual $10,000/$20,000).
How long do I need FR-44 insurance in Florida after a DUI?
3 years following a qualifying DUI offense.
How much does FR-44 insurance cost in Florida?
Roughly $1,800-$4,000 per year based on published rate surveys, typically $300-$800+ above standard coverage for the same driver.
See our related guides for Florida: teen drivers and senior drivers. Curious how Florida's FR-44 compares nationally? See our SR-22 requirements by state reference.
Sources
- MoneyGeek, "What Is an FR-44 Form? (2026 Guide)" — accessed September 2026
- Insurify, "FR-44 Insurance in Florida: Cost and Requirements" — accessed September 2026
- Bridgeway Insurance, "SR22 Insurance Florida: Cost, Requirements & FR44 Guide" — accessed September 2026
- SecondChanceInfo, "FR-44 Insurance in Florida (2026)" — accessed September 2026
- Ocho, "SR22 Insurance Cost: What You'll Actually Pay in 2026" — accessed September 2026
- InsureMojo, "Car Insurance After a DUI: Costs and Best Companies 2026" — accessed September 2026
See our methodology and disclaimer — these are estimates, not a quote, and this page is not legal advice.