SR-22 or FR-44?
They sound alike and get confused constantly, but they're different filings with different limits. Answer one question to see which one applies to you in Florida.
What led to this?
A guide, not legal advice. The exact filing, limits, and duration come from your court order or the FLHSMV, and a licensed Florida insurance professional actually files it. Use this to know what to expect, then confirm the specifics.
The difference in plain terms
Both are certificates your insurer files with the state to prove you carry the required coverage. The trigger is what sets them apart. In Florida, a DUI or DWI conviction requires an FR-44, which demands much higher liability limits ($100,000/$300,000 bodily injury plus $50,000 property damage). Other financial-responsibility situations, like driving uninsured or an at-fault crash without coverage, call for an SR-22 at Florida's standard minimum limits.
Either way, the filing is typically held for about three years of continuous coverage, and a lapse can restart the clock. If you don't own a car, both come in a non-owner version.
Informational only, not legal advice. Your court order or the FLHSMV specifies the exact filing, limits, and duration for your case. Confirm the details with a licensed Florida insurance professional.
Need to line up coverage? See our guide to the best companies for FR-44 filing and our SR-22 overview.