SR-22 vs. FR-44 in Florida: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?

Introduction

If your license has been suspended in Florida due to a serious traffic violation, you may be required to file either an SR-22 or an FR-44 certificate to regain your driving privileges. While both forms are types of financial responsibility filings, they serve different purposes and have different insurance requirements.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• What SR-22 and FR-44 forms are
• The key differences between them
• Who needs each form in Florida
• How to file them easily and affordably with White Chip Insurance

What Is SR-22 Insurance in Florida?

SR-22 insurance is a certificate filed by your auto insurance provider that proves you carry Florida’s minimum required liability coverage. It’s typically required after violations like:

• Driving without insurance
• Accumulating excessive points on your license
• License suspension due to unpaid tickets or minor infractions

Florida Minimum Coverage for SR-22:

• $10,000 bodily injury per person
• $20,000 bodily injury per accident
• $10,000 property damage liability

What Is FR-44 Insurance in Florida?

FR-44 insurance is a similar certificate but is required specifically for more severe offenses—most commonly a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction. It comes with significantly higher liability requirements, making it more expensive than SR-22.

Florida Minimum Coverage for FR-44:

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

SR-22 vs. FR-44 in Florida: Key Differences Explained

SR-22 and FR-44 filings both apply to high-risk drivers in Florida, but they serve different purposes and require different insurance limits.

An SR-22 is required for drivers involved in uninsured accidents, serious violations, or license suspensions. An FR-44 is required after a DUI or DWI conviction or other serious traffic felonies.

The liability limits are very different. An SR-22 requires coverage of 10/20/10, while an FR-44 requires much higher limits of 100/300/50, which is why FR-44 insurance is more expensive.

Filing fees for both forms generally range from fifteen to fifty dollars, and both filings typically must be maintained for three years. Insurance premiums increase for both, but FR-44 policies raise rates significantly more due to the higher risk and required coverage levels.

For both filings, the insurance company—not the driver—submits the form electronically to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Which One Do You Need?

SR-22: Required if your license is suspended due to non-DUI violations like no insurance, too many points, or reckless driving.

FR-44: Required after a DUI or DWI conviction in Florida, due to the severity of the offense and the state’s stricter liability requirements.

Not sure which one applies to you? White Chip Insurance can help you determine which filing is required and walk you through the process step by step.

How to File an SR-22 or FR-44 in Florida

1. Contact a licensed insurance provider like White Chip Insurance that handles high-risk filings.
2. Purchase a qualifying auto insurance policy with the correct liability limits.
3. Request the insurer to file the SR-22 or FR-44 with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
4. Maintain continuous coverage for the required period (typically 3 years). A lapse could result in license suspension again.

Can You Get SR-22 or FR-44 Insurance Without a Car?

Yes. If you don’t own a vehicle, you can file a non-owner SR-22 or FR-44 policy to maintain legal compliance and reinstate your license.

White Chip Insurance offers non-owner high-risk insurance policies throughout Florida, ideal for drivers who rent or borrow vehicles but still need to meet state requirements.

How White Chip Insurance Can Help

At White Chip Insurance, we’ve helped thousands of Florida drivers—especially those with DUI convictions, license suspensions, and high-risk profiles—get back on the road legally and affordably.

Here’s how we make it easy:

• Same-day SR-22 and FR-44 filings
• 13 licensed agents based in Tampa, FL
• Quotes from multiple top-rated insurers
• Affordable non-owner and standard policies
• Flexible payment plans and no hidden fees

Whether you're in Tampa, Miami, Orlando, or anywhere in Florida, our team is ready to help you file today.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between SR-22 and FR-44 insurance in Florida is key to staying compliant and getting your driving privileges back after a violation. While both serve similar purposes, the severity of your offense determines which filing you need.

Need help fast? Let White Chip Insurance guide you through the process, compare quotes, and file the right form—so you can drive legally again without overpaying.

Get Started Today:

• Use our free quote tool to compare SR-22 or FR-44 policies
• Call now to speak with a Florida high-risk insurance expert
• File today and get back on the road with confidence