If your Florida driver’s license has been suspended, you may have been instructed to file either an FR-44 or an SR-22 form before you can legally drive again. These two certificates are often mentioned together, and while they share some similarities, their purposes and requirements are very different.

As a Florida-licensed insurance specialist with over 10 years of experience helping drivers navigate FR-44 and SR-22 filings, I’ve found that understanding these distinctions can help you make better, faster decisions—and avoid unnecessary complications.

What Are FR-44 and SR-22 Filings?

Both FR-44 and SR-22 are financial responsibility filings submitted by your insurance company to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
They serve as official proof that you carry the state-required minimum insurance coverage after a major traffic violation or license suspension.

In other words, these filings assure the state that you’re financially responsible to cover potential damages or injuries if you’re involved in another incident.
While both forms serve this same purpose, they differ in the types of offenses they’re linked to and the amount of liability coverage required.

The Key Difference Between FR-44 and SR-22

The main difference between an FR-44 and an SR-22 filing lies in the severity of the offense and the liability coverage limits required.

The FR-44 is typically required after serious offenses such as DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). It demands much higher liability limits — usually $100,000 for bodily injury per person, $300,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $50,000 for property damage. These elevated requirements are meant to ensure that high-risk drivers can financially cover potential damages resulting from severe infractions.

On the other hand, the SR-22 is designed for less severe violations, such as driving without insurance, causing an accident without coverage, or license suspension due to unpaid fines. It requires only the state’s minimum liability limits, which are $10,000 for bodily injury per person, $20,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage.

While both filings typically remain in effect for about three years, the FR-44 policy tends to be more expensive due to its higher coverage requirements and association with DUI-related offenses. The SR-22, in contrast, is more affordable but still ensures that the driver maintains consistent insurance coverage during the mandated period.

Understanding FR-44 Insurance

The FR-44 filing applies to drivers convicted of DUI, DWI, or reckless driving in Florida. This filing is a way for the state to confirm that high-risk drivers carry enhanced financial protection.

Once your insurance company files the FR-44 electronically with the DMV, it verifies that you hold the proper liability limits.
You’ll need to maintain this coverage for a minimum of three consecutive years. Any lapse, cancellation, or late payment can result in license suspension or restarting the three-year compliance period.

Because of the higher liability limits, FR-44 policies often come with increased premiums, but they are essential for drivers who want to legally reinstate their license and continue driving responsibly after a DUI-related offense.

Understanding SR-22 Insurance

The SR-22 filing is intended for drivers who committed non-alcohol-related offenses but still need to prove financial responsibility to the state.
Typical reasons for needing an SR-22 include:

• Driving without insurance

   

• Causing an at-fault accident without coverage

   

• Excessive traffic violations

   

• Failure to pay court-ordered fines or judgments

   

Once filed by your insurer, the SR-22 certificate confirms that you carry at least Florida’s minimum liability insurance. Like the FR-44, it must remain active for approximately three years, and your insurer must notify the DMV immediately if it lapses.

Similarities Between FR-44 and SR-22

Both filings share key similarities. They’re filed by your insurance provider, not by you, and they both serve as proof of financial responsibility after a serious driving-related incident.
Both require continuous insurance coverage for the entire mandated period—usually three years—and any gap can lead to another license suspension.

Additionally, both FR-44 and SR-22 filings can be attached to either an Owner Policy (if you own a vehicle) or a Non-Owner Policy (if you don’t own one but still need to meet legal requirements).

Cost and Availability

Because the FR-44 filing involves higher coverage limits and is tied to DUI convictions, it generally costs more than an SR-22.
The SR-22 is more affordable but still considered a “high-risk” insurance certificate, so premiums are higher than standard car insurance rates.

Not all insurers in Florida offer FR-44 or SR-22 filings. It’s crucial to work with a provider licensed in Florida that understands the state’s filing process and ensures that your documentation is submitted correctly to avoid reinstatement delays.

Which One Do You Need?

The type of filing you need depends on your specific offense:

• If your suspension or conviction is related to DUI or DWI, you’ll need an FR-44.

   

• If it’s related to driving without insurance, accidents, or administrative violations, an SR-22 is typically required.

   

If you’re unsure which applies to your situation, you can contact with our licensed insurance specialist for clarification