What Is SR‑22 Insurance in Florida?
If you’ve been told you need an SR‑22 filing in Florida, you might be frustrated or confused—and not just about the name. An SR‑22 isn’t a separate insurance policy. It’s a form—officially called a Certificate of Financial Responsibility—filed by your insurance company with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. It proves you meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements.
This post explains who needs SR‑22, why it’s required, how long you must maintain it, and what it means if you were involved in a crash or faced civil exposure without insurance.
Florida Civil Counsel, P.A. is based in Orlando and serves clients across the entire state—including Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, and Pensacola—who need guidance on SR‑22 obligations and related civil or administrative exposures.
What Exactly Is an SR‑22?
An SR‑22 is not a new insurance policy. Instead, it’s a certificate your insurer files with the state to confirm:
- You have an active policy that meets minimum liability or PIP/PDL limits required by Florida law
- Any lapse or cancellation will be reported, keeping you on the state’s radar
Florida Statutes §§ 324.022 and 324.023 authorize DHSMV to demand SR‑22 filings for drivers with insurance violations, uninsured accidents, or serious offenses.
When Do You Need an SR‑22 in Florida?
Florida will require SR‑22 in these common situations:
- You caused an accident without valid insurance
- Your license was suspended due to financial responsibility issues
- You were convicted of certain traffic violations, such as DUI or reckless driving
- You need to reinstate your license after suspension
You may qualify for non-owner SR‑22 insurance if you don’t own a vehicle but still drive legally.
Florida Civil Counsel, P.A. often assists defendants facing SR‑22 requirements after uninsured crashes or administrative suspensions—even when lawsuits haven’t begun.
Coverage and Cost Requirements
Florida requires minimum liability limits of $10,000 PDL and $10,000 PIP, and in many cases bodily injury liability of at least $10,000/$20,000.
The SR‑22 filing fee is typically $15–$50, and your insurance will likely cost more given your high-risk status—as noted by Progressive and rate studies.
For serious infractions such as DUI, Florida may require the higher FR‑44 form, which demands higher liability limits—typically 100/300/50 instead of the state minimums.
How Long Must You Maintain SR‑22?
Most drivers must maintain SR‑22 coverage for three years from the date of license reinstatement or the triggering incident. If your policy lapses or is canceled, your license can be suspended again and the countdown may reset.
What If You Caused a Crash Without Insurance?
This is a frequent trigger for mandatory SR‑22. If you caused an accident uninsured, Florida law deems you financially irresponsible—even if no lawsuit is filed. You can face license suspension and be required to file SR‑22 to reinstate your driving privileges.
Our Florida car accident defense attorneys help clients navigate these situations, including responding to DHSMV notices and civil demands simultaneously.
Why a Driver May Fail to Comply
Skipping SR‑22 obligations poses serious consequences:
- Administrative suspension of license/registration
- Additional reinstatement fees and administrative delay
- Civil liability exposure from unsatisfied injury/property claims
If concerns about cost or confusion are stopping you from filing, legal guidance can prevent compounding your legal risk.
How Florida Civil Counsel, P.A. Can Help
We support drivers in Florida facing dual-risk landscapes—administrative and civil:
- Clarifying your SR‑22 obligations and exemptions
- Helping with non-owner SR‑22 policies if you don’t own a car
- Filing SR‑22 properly and ensuring no lapses
- Working with insurers and DHSMV to restore driving status
- Providing defense in pre-suit and civil litigation contexts
We represent clients statewide—from Orlando to Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, and beyond.
