Florida law requires drivers with a DUI conviction to carry FR44 insurance for 3 years from the date their license is reinstated by the DHSMV. This is a continuous requirement — meaning you must keep your policy active without any gap for the entire 3-year period. The clock does not start from your DUI conviction date or from your court hearing. It starts from the day the DHSMV actually reinstates your driving privileges after you have met all their requirements, including having an active FR44 on file.
What happens if your FR44 lapses? If your policy cancels — even for one day — your insurance company is required by law to notify the DHSMV. The DHSMV will immediately re-suspend your license, and your 3-year clock may reset. This means you could end up needing FR44 for 4 or 5 years because of short gaps in coverage. Avoid this at all costs. Set up autopay, make sure your card does not expire without updating it, and work with an agent who sends renewal reminders.
After your 3-year FR44 requirement is fulfilled, the DHSMV updates your record and you can switch back to a standard insurance policy. Your rates will still be elevated due to the DUI on your record, but you will no longer be required to carry the 100/300/50 limits. FR44 Experts tracks your reinstatement date and will notify you when you are approaching your compliance completion date so you know exactly when your obligation ends.