What Happens If You’re Caught Driving Without Insurance in Florida?

Is It Illegal to Not Have Car Insurance in Florida?

Yes, Florida laws require individuals to maintain PIP (personal injury protection) and PDL (personal damage liability) coverages at all times.

Any vehicle with a Florida license plate and registration must adhere to the following:

• A minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage
• A minimum of $10,000 in PDL coverage
• Be insured with PIP and PDL at the time of vehicle registration
• Maintain PIP and PDL coverage continuously, even when the vehicle is inoperable or not being driven
• Before canceling the insurance on the vehicle, you must transfer the plate to a different car that has the minimum insurance, or surrender the plates

It is important to remember that these are only the minimum state requirements. If you have a car loan, you will be required to purchase additional insurance, and may be required to purchase higher coverage limits. Additionally, individuals can purchase higher coverage limits on PIP and PDL coverage, which is often recommended to ensure they are fully protected in the event of a car accident injury lawsuit.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Florida

The purpose of the minimum insurance coverage is to ensure Florida drivers are protected in case of a car accident. PIP covers up to 80% of personal injuries you and any passengers in your vehicle sustained. PDL covers any property damages you cause, like knocking over a telephone pole. PDL also protects you when you are at fault for the accident, and are sued by the other driver.

The driving without insurance Florida penalty is based on whether it is a first or repeat offense as follows:

• First offense: License and registration are suspended until proof of insurance is provided, and can remain suspended for up to three years. There is also a $150 reinstatement fee that must be paid.
• Second offense: If the second offense occurs within three years of the first offense, the reinstatement fee jumps to $250. Your license and registration are also suspended up to three years until proof of insurance is provided.
• Subsequent offenses: For third and subsequent offenses within three years of the first offense, the reinstatement fee is $500 for each offense. The license and registration suspension is the same as the first and second offenses. 

What Happens If You Drive Without Insurance in Florida?

When you drive without insurance in Florida, you are taking a serious risk that could have profound impacts, especially if you get into a car accident and are at fault. While you cannot be stopped for driving without insurance, if you are caught due to a traffic violation or car crash, there are legal and financial repercussions, such as:

• License suspensions
• Registration suspensions
• Reinstatement fees
• Potential vehicle impoundment and associated costs 
• Points added to your license

In the event you are at fault for a car accident, you bear the entire financial responsibility of covering all injuries and losses that exceed the other party’s coverage limits. You could be sued in civil court, and have a judgment put against you, which then damages your credit.

After the first offense, your insurance premiums can increase significantly. You may have to get insurance from the Florida Automobile Joint Underwriting Association (FAJUA), which is considered insurance of last resort, and often has much higher premiums because you are considered a high-risk driver.

Can You Drive With Just PIP Insurance in Florida?

You cannot drive with just PIP insurance in Florida. You must also have PDL insurance to legally drive. The only exception is for taxi and limousine drivers. They do not need PIP insurance in Florida. However, they must have $50,000 in PDL coverage and $125,000 per person, $250,000 per occurrence in BIL (bodily injury liability) coverage.

Steps To Take if You’re Caught Driving Without Insurance

Whether you were speeding, or committed some other traffic offense, and got caught without insurance, you should:

• Be cooperative and polite to the police
• If you have insurance but don’t have the card with you, let the officer know
• If you do not have insurance, admit to the violation
• Obtain insurance as soon as possible
• Pay the reinstatement fee
• Do not drive until you have insurance, and your license and registration are reinstated

Your traffic citation should detail where you can pay the reinstatement fee, and where you need to go to show proof of insurance.

If you were involved in a car accident, regardless of fault, follow the same steps above. If the other driver is at fault, you should consult a Florida car accident lawyer as soon as possible. If you were at fault, it is still worthwhile to consult with an attorney to fully understand your legal obligations.

Tips To Avoid Driving Without Car Insurance in Florida

It is never worth the risks of driving without insurance in Florida. It is better to consider alternative options, including: 

• Maintain continuous insurance coverage: Set up automatic payments to ensure your insurance policy never lapses.
• Shop for the best car insurance rates: Compare quotes from different insurance companies every few months to find the best rates. 
• Do not drive without insurance: If you cannot afford car insurance, consider alternative transportation options, such as public transportation, rideshare services, bicycling, walking, or carpooling. 

Injured in a Car Accident Without Insurance? Get Expert Legal Advice Today

If you were injured in a car accident, do not have insurance, and the other driver was at fault, or the other driver does not have insurance and is at fault, you need expert legal advice to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Request your free consultation with a Miami car accident lawyer at Bernstein & Maryanoff today. 

Schedule your free case evaluation now.

Sources:

FLA. STAT. § 627.7407. (2024).
Florida Insurance Requirements. (2025).
High Risk Automobile Insurance Providers. (2025).
Timmons, M. (2024). Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Florida.