Updated May 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Florida
Florida is a no-fault state requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability as minimum coverage. After a DWLS conviction, Florida law mandates SR-22 filing on top of the original suspension cause requirements, extending the compliance period. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) treats DWLS as a separate violation that stacks additional suspension time and filing obligations onto your existing penalties.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Florida?
Florida DWLS convictions carry the highest insurance surcharges of any moving violation because carriers treat them as evidence of deliberate non-compliance. Your rate increase combines the original suspension cause penalty plus an additional DWLS multiplier, typically adding $800–$1,400 annually to base rates.
What Affects Your Rate
- DWLS conviction severity — first-offense misdemeanor adds $800/year average; second offense with knowledge adds $1,400/year; third offense or felony DWLS often results in policy declination.
- Original suspension cause — DWLS after DUI adds 40% more premium than DWLS after unpaid tickets because carriers stack both violation types.
- Time since DWLS conviction — premium surcharge drops approximately 15% per year after the conviction date if no additional violations occur.
- County of residence — Miami-Dade and Broward County rates run 20–30% higher than state average due to uninsured motorist rates exceeding 25%.
- SR-22 filing duration remaining — carriers offer better rates in year 3 of filing than year 1 because you have demonstrated continuous compliance.
- Prior insurance lapse length — gaps exceeding 30 days before reinstatement add $300–$600 annually because carriers assume you drove uninsured during suspension.
Get insured and start your reinstatement process today
Compare carriers that file SR-22 in your state and work with suspended license drivers.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 After DWLS Conviction
Certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer directly with FLHSMV proving continuous coverage. Required for 3 years after DWLS conviction regardless of original suspension cause.
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Liability-only policy for drivers who do not own a vehicle but need SR-22 filing to satisfy reinstatement requirements.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Coverage from non-standard carriers specializing in drivers with DWLS, DUI, multiple violations, or license suspensions.
FR-44 vs SR-22 Insurance
Florida uses SR-22 filing for most violations. FR-44 is a Virginia requirement and does not apply to Florida DWLS cases.
Bodily Injury Liability
Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal costs when you injure someone in an at-fault accident.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay your claim.
Find Your City in Florida
Sources
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles — Driver License Reinstatement Requirements
- Florida Statutes Section 322.34 — Driving While License Suspended
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation — SR-22 Filing Requirements and Procedures
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners — High-Risk Auto Insurance Database