Navigating auto insurance requirements can be daunting, especially with the specific regulations that vary from state to state. For residents and non-residents in Florida, it’s crucial to understand the mandatory insurance coverages to avoid severe penalties. Ligori & Ligori, Attorneys at Law, are here to guide you through Florida’s auto insurance requirements as reported by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, ensuring you stay compliant and protected.
Florida’s Mandatory Auto Insurance Coverages
Before registering a vehicle with at least four wheels in Florida, you must provide proof of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance. Here’s a breakdown of what these coverages entail:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This coverage takes care of 80% of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses up to $10,000 resulting from a covered injury, irrespective of who caused the crash.
- Property Damage Liability (PDL): PDL covers the cost of damages to another person’s property caused by you or someone else driving your insured vehicle.
Proof of Insurance
Your PIP and PDL coverage must be issued by an insurance company licensed in Florida or through a self-insurance certificate issued by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Continuous coverage is mandatory, even if the vehicle is not in use or is inoperable. It’s crucial to surrender your license plate/tag before canceling your insurance to avoid penalties.
Minimum Coverage Requirements
To legally register a vehicle in Florida, you must have a minimum of $10,000 in PIP and $10,000 in PDL coverage. Vehicles registered as taxis have higher requirements, including Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage of $125,000 per person, $250,000 per occurrence, and $50,000 for PDL.
Requirements for Non-Residents
Non-residents must comply with Florida’s insurance requirements if they:
- Accept employment or engage in trade, profession, or occupation in Florida.
- Enroll children in a Florida public school.
Non-residents must obtain a Florida registration certificate and license plate within 10 days of beginning employment or school enrollment. A Florida certificate of title is also required unless the vehicle’s title is held by an out-of-state lien holder/lessor who will not release it.
Moving Out of State? Here’s What To Do
Do not cancel your Florida insurance until you have registered your vehicle in the new state or surrendered all valid Florida plates/registrations to the FLHSMV or a Tax Collector’s office. If retaining the same insurance carrier, they can adjust your coverage to align with your new state of residence.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to maintain the required insurance coverage can result in the suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration for up to three years. Additionally, reinstatement fees can be as high as $500. To avoid these penalties, turn in your license plate at a driver license office or motor vehicle service center before canceling your insurance.
Definitions to Know
- Bodily Injury Liability (BIL): Pays for injury or death to others.
- Judgment: Occurs when an at-fault party is sued in civil court for damages and has not met the property damage and/or bodily injury requirements.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses regardless of fault.
- Property Damage Liability (PDL): Covers damages to other people’s property.
- SR22: An insurance filing certifying BIL and PDL coverage to comply with Florida’s Financial Responsibility Law.
- Self-Insurance: Under Section 324.171, Florida Statutes, qualified individuals or entities can obtain a certificate as a self-insurer.
Let Us Help You Stay Protected on Florida Roadways
Understanding and complying with Florida’s auto insurance requirements is essential for all drivers in the state. At Ligori & Ligori, Attorneys at Law, we are committed to helping you navigate these regulations to ensure you remain compliant and protected. For more detailed information or legal assistance, contact our Tampa lawyers directly.
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