FR44 and SR22 are both state-required insurance certificates that prove you carry minimum liability coverage — but they are not the same thing and they apply to different situations. In Florida, an FR44 is required specifically for DUI-related license suspensions. An SR22 is required for other types of violations such as driving without insurance, excessive points on your license, or certain at-fault accidents. If your Florida license was suspended due to a DUI, you need an FR44, not an SR22.
The most significant practical difference is the coverage requirement. An SR22 in Florida requires you to carry the state's standard minimum liability limits — 10/20/10 ($10,000 per person, $20,000 per accident, $10,000 property damage). An FR44 requires 100/300/50 — ten times higher in most categories. This higher requirement is why FR44 insurance costs more than SR22 insurance. You are paying for more coverage, not just the filing fee.
Both filings require continuous coverage for 3 years in Florida, and both are transmitted electronically by your insurance company directly to the DHSMV. The filing certificate itself costs very little — typically $15 to $25 one-time. The real cost is in the higher liability premium required for FR44. FR44 Experts shops all state-approved carriers to find the lowest available rate for your specific situation. We handle both FR44 and SR22 filings and file same-day in most cases.