Key Takeaways
- Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- Florida requires minimum liability limits of 10/20/10 ($10,000 per person/$20,000 per accident bodily injury/$10,000 property damage)
- PIP coverage of $10,000 is mandatory and covers 80% of medical expenses regardless of fault
- Property Damage Liability (PDL) of $10,000 is mandatory
- Bodily Injury Liability is NOT mandatory but required to register a vehicle after certain violations
Florida Auto Insurance Requirements
Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state with specific coverage requirements that producers must understand.
Mandatory Coverage
Florida requires the following coverage for all registered vehicles:
Required Coverage
| Coverage | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | $10,000 |
| Property Damage Liability (PDL) | $10,000 |
Optional But Commonly Required
| Coverage | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | 10/20 (required after certain violations) |
Exam Tip: Remember "10/20/10" for Florida minimums. PIP and PDL are mandatory; BI is required only after certain violations.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
PIP is the cornerstone of Florida's no-fault system:
PIP Coverage Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage Limit | $10,000 |
| Medical Benefits | 80% of reasonable expenses |
| Disability Benefits | 60% of lost wages |
| Death Benefits | $5,000 |
| Deductible Options | $0, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 |
How PIP Works
- Covers your own injuries regardless of fault
- Must seek treatment within 14 days of accident
- Emergency Medical Condition (EMC) gets full $10,000
- Non-emergency limited to $2,500
- No lawsuits for pain and suffering unless threshold met
PIP Exclusions
PIP does not cover:
- Intentional self-injury
- Injury while committing a felony
- DUI injuries (may be excluded)
- Racing on public roads
Florida's Verbal Threshold
Florida uses a verbal threshold for tort lawsuits:
Threshold Requirements
To sue for pain and suffering, injuries must include:
- Significant and permanent loss of bodily function
- Permanent injury (other than scarring)
- Significant and permanent scarring/disfigurement
- Death
Bodily Injury Liability
Bodily Injury (BI) coverage is NOT mandatory for all drivers, but:
When BI Is Required
BI liability becomes mandatory when:
- After causing accident with BI or death
- DUI conviction
- Suspended license due to driving violations
- Court order for financial responsibility
Minimum BI Limits (When Required)
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Per Person | $10,000 |
| Per Accident | $20,000 |
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Florida requires insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage:
UM/UIM Requirements
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Offered | Must be offered by insurer |
| Required | Can be rejected in writing |
| Stacking | Available but can be waived |
| Minimum | Equal to BI limits |
Written Rejection
- Must reject in writing to decline
- Form must be provided by insurer
- Rejection applies to policy
Florida Financial Responsibility Law
Florida's Financial Responsibility Law requires proof of insurance:
Proof Requirements
- Must carry proof of insurance in vehicle
- Electronic proof (smartphone) accepted
- Penalties for driving without insurance include:
- License suspension up to 3 years
- $150-500 reinstatement fee
- SR-22 requirement
SR-22 Requirements
- Certificate of insurance filed with FLHSMV
- Required for 3 years after certain violations
- Must maintain continuous coverage
- Lapse triggers immediate suspension
What are Florida's mandatory auto insurance minimums?
What percentage of medical expenses does Florida PIP cover?
Within how many days of an accident must a Florida driver seek medical treatment to qualify for PIP benefits?