The Complete Guide to Florida Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the Sunshine State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things FL car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in Florida?
Car insurance in Florida averages $249/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Jacksonville | $244 |
| Miami | $317 |
| Tampa | $318 |
| Orlando | $259 |
| St. Petersburg | $273 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so high in Florida?
Florida drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
20.4% of drivers in Florida are uninsured vs. 13% nationally, raising costs for everyone else.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 19,788 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in FL, down 13% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
FL has a relatively high FEMA disaster rating of 96, with the highest risks of hurricane and inland flooding, driving up comprehensive coverage costs.
What car insurance do I need in Florida?
All Florida drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for Florida drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property damage liability | $10,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $10,000 | Covers your medical bills and lost wages after any accident, regardless of who caused it | Damage to your car |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in Florida?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for Florida drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in Florida?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from swamp buggy racing
How much car insurance do I need in Florida?
You need enough coverage to protect yourself financially when accidents happen. If your car needed major repairs, could you afford these local Florida labor rates? Keep in mind, parts and materials cost extra.
| City | Body repair | Frame repair | Mechanical repair | Paint repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale | $75 | $96 | $182 | $75 |
| Hialeah | $75 | $96 | $182 | $75 |
| Tampa | $72 | $95 | $146 | $72 |
| Miami | $113 | $132 | $273 | $75 |
| Jacksonville | $73 | $88 | $148 | $73 |
Source: Caliber
What happens if I drive without insurance in Florida?
Florida takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
No upfront fines, but you’ll pay $150-$500 in reinstatement fees depending on your offense history.
Suspension
License and registration suspended up to 3 years unless you can prove insurance quickly.
Jail time
Florida uses administrative penalties instead of jail time for insurance violations.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in Florida?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in Florida?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
Florida car insurance FAQs
Is Florida a no-fault state?
Yes, Florida is a no-fault state. Florida requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays your medical bills and lost wages after an accident, doesn’t matter who’s at fault. Because of this, you usually can’t sue for minor injuries. Lawsuits are only allowed for serious injuries as defined by state law.
Do I need insurance to register a car in Florida?
Yes, Florida requires insurance to register a vehicle. You must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and property damage liability coverage. Proof of insurance is required before registration is issued — Florida will suspend registrations if coverage lapses.
What are the top risks for driving in Florida?
Florida’s driving risks include heavy traffic congestion statewide and sudden afternoon thunderstorms that drastically reduce visibility and create slick road conditions. Urban areas see frequent pedestrian and cyclist accidents, adding to the state’s overall traffic safety challenges.
How long do I have to report an accident in Florida?
In Florida, accidents involving injury, death, or apparent property damage of $500 or more must be reported immediately to law enforcement. If an officer responds, they’ll file the crash report. If not, you may be required to submit a report yourself within 10 days. Insurance reporting deadlines are usually much shorter.
What are the top safety tips for driving in Florida?
In Florida, stay focused and don’t let yourself get distracted in all that traffic and tourist chaos. Those afternoon thunderstorms come out of nowhere and can make it impossible to see, so slow down and flip on your headlights. Be extra careful around pedestrians, cyclists, and older drivers. And never, ever drive impaired here, it’s a huge problem.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
Continue Reading
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in 2026?
Let’s dig into the factors that impact car insurance rates.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Car Dent?
From $50 dings to $3,000 disasters, here’s what dent repair costs and how to pay less.
How Much Does Brake Pad Replacement Cost?
Brake pad costs, warning signs, and when insurance helps.
How Much Does Car AC Repair Cost?
AC repair costs, warning signs, and insurance coverage explained.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Tire?
What you can expect to pay to repair or replace your damaged tire at the repair shop.
How Much Does a Water Pump Replacement Cost?
Costs, coverage, and what you need to know.