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Glossary

 

DHSMV Requirements

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) determines the insurance requirements for Floridians. For more information on the following issues, please contact the DHSMV:

Bureau of Customer Services
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Neil Kirkman Building, Room A-232, 2900
Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0500
(850) 617-2000

Financial Responsibility Law (SR22)

In some cases, Florida Law requires drivers to carry bodily injury liability (BIL) insurance in addition to the PIP and PDL coverages. This requirement applies to drivers convicted of certain traffic violations, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It also applies to drivers who are involved in an accident but cannot pay for the damages.

Motorcycle Riders

Insurance companies do not offer PIP for motorcycle owners. However, you may buy any other type of insurance coverage, including medical payments. Recent changes in Florida law allow motorcycle drivers 21 and older to operate or ride a motorcycle without wearing protective headgear as long as they have at least $10,000 in appropriate health insurance.

Military Personnel

If you are in the military and have a Florida vehicle garaged out of state, send a copy of your orders and a copy of the insurance policy in the state in which you are based to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. This will prevent the suspension of your tag and license.

Active Duty

A member of the U.S. armed forces may receive orders to serve active duty outside the United States in an emergency situation. This type of situation exempts you from carrying PIP and PDL as long as you remain outside the United States and allow no one else to use your automobile. You must request this exemption from your insurer in writing and notify the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).

Part-time or Seasonal Residents

Any person who has a motor vehicle in Florida for more than 90 days during a 365-day period must buy PIP and PDL insurance. The 90 days need not occur consecutively.