Florida Hardship License After DUI
Florida requires $10,000 in property damage liability and personal injury protection (PIP) and is a no-fault state.
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteFlorida at a Glance
$10,000
Minimum property damage liability
No-fault
Each driver's own policy pays their injuries first, whoever caused the crash
Required
PIP coverage must be on every policy
$45
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Florida
Florida is a no-fault state requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) on every policy. After a DUI conviction, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) mandates FR-44 filing — a higher-liability proof of insurance form that replaces standard SR-22 requirements. FR-44 requires double the minimum liability limits of a standard Florida policy and must remain active for 3 years from your reinstatement date, not your conviction date.
FR-44 Insurance
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Property Damage Liability
Non-Owner FR-44
Ignition Interlock Insurance Endorsement
What Drivers Pay in Florida
$306–$521/mo
Typical monthly rate in Florida, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
Drive Legally on Your Restricted License
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteIf your license is suspended
Hardship license (Business Purposes Only or Employment Purposes Only)
A restricted license is available while suspended.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SR-22 and FR-44 in Florida?
Florida requires FR-44 filing for DUI offenses, not SR-22. FR-44 mandates double the liability limits — 100/300/50 versus Florida's standard 10/20/10 minimums. SR-22 is used in 48 other states for DUI cases, but filing SR-22 in Florida does not satisfy FLHSMV requirements for a Business Purpose Only License. Your carrier must file FR-44 electronically with FLHSMV, and the certificate must show FR-44 designation and IID endorsement code or your hardship application is denied.
Can I get a hardship license immediately after a DUI in Florida?
Florida allows immediate hardship application after DUI conviction with no mandatory waiting period, but you must complete DUI school and install an ignition interlock device before the administrative hearing. FLHSMV scheduling backlog typically delays hearings 4–6 weeks from application submission. If you apply without completing DUI school or installing IID, the hearing officer denies the application and you restart the process from zero. Second-offense DUI cases face a 12-month hard suspension before hardship eligibility opens.
Can I drive to work only or can I drive for other reasons on a Florida hardship license?
Florida Business Purpose Only Licenses permit driving for employment, education, medical care, court-ordered obligations including DUI school and IID monitoring appointments, and religious services. You cannot drive for social, recreational, or personal errands outside these categories. FLHSMV requires a letter from your employer on company letterhead listing your work address, hours, and days — this letter must be in your vehicle at all times. Violating the restricted purposes suspends your hardship license immediately and you serve the remainder of your original suspension term with no further hardship eligibility.
Coverage Types
FR-44 Insurance
Florida's DUI-specific insurance certificate requiring double the liability limits of a standard policy. Filed electronically by your carrier with FLHSMV and must remain active for 3 years.
Non-Owner FR-44
Liability coverage with FR-44 filing for drivers who do not own a vehicle. Covers you when driving borrowed or rental cars and satisfies FLHSMV filing requirements for Business Purpose Only License.
Business Purpose Only License
Florida's DUI hardship license allowing restricted driving for work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered obligations. Requires FR-44 filing, IID installation, and DUI school completion before FLHSMV will process your application.
Ignition Interlock Device Coverage
Required endorsement on your FR-44 policy confirming IID installation and monitoring. Most carriers include this at no extra charge, but some non-standard insurers add $10–$25/month.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Non-standard carriers specializing in DUI and FR-44 filings when standard carriers decline coverage. Higher premiums but often the only option immediately post-conviction.