Florida Driving Laws

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In Florida, every driver is required to maintain an auto insurance policy. According to Florida law, if you drive a motor vehicle with four or more wheels, you must carry at least $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection insurance (PIP). It is also mandatory to have a minimum of $10,000 of Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance. If you fail to obtain or fail to maintain PIP and PDL insurance, your driver’s license and vehicle registration may be suspended. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles may also require you to surrender your vehicle tag until you obtain PIP and PDL insurance.

Driving Without Insurance

If law enforcement requests proof of insurance and you are unable to prove you have the insurance required by Florida law, you may be issued a citation for no proof of insurance. A ticket for failure to provide proof of insurance can ultimately result in fines and license suspension. Law enforcement is allowed to give you a ticket even if you have insurance but are not able to provide a copy of your insurance card. Proof of insurance may be provided electronically on your phone. If you provide proof of insurance that is false or not currently in force, you can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida law.

Personal Injury Protection Insurance

Personal Injury Protection insurance is commonly referred to as “no-fault” insurance because coverage is available regardless of whether you cause an accident (meaning you are “at fault”) or you are simply an innocent victim. PIP was created to reduce the need for lawsuits by individuals seeking reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages resulting from auto accidents.

PIP may cover up to 80% of reasonable and medically necessary expenses, 60% of lost wages, and $5,000 in death benefits.

Under Florida law, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. Medical benefits are capped at $2,500 unless a qualified health care provider determines that the injured person suffered an “emergency medical condition,” in which case the injured person may receive up to $10,000 in PIP medical benefits.

For auto accidents that happen in Florida, PIP will cover you as the name insured, relatives who live in your home, some passengers, and individuals who drive your car with your permission. Pedestrians and bicyclists who are injured in a collision with a vehicle may qualify for PIP benefits.

Accidents in Other States

If you are involved in an automobile accident outside of Florida, you are responsible for notifying your insurance carrier. PIP insurance will cover you and relatives who live in your home if an accident occurs within the United States or Canada.

Traffic Violations in Other States

If you receive a traffic ticket in another state, points will be assessed against your Florida driver’s license. In addition, if you receive a citation or you are criminally charged in an out of state accident, your Florida driving privileges may be affected.