Required Insurance

• In order to register a vehicle in Florida, drivers must obtain two types of insurance. Property damage liability pays out when the policy holder causes property damage, which can include the other driver's vehicle or any other type of property. Florida drivers must obtain at least $10,000 worth of coverage. Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance covers medical expenses---regardless of fault--of the policy holder as well as her children or other family members and other passengers who do not own a vehicle with their own PIP coverage.
  
  

Bodily Injury Liability

• Bodily injury liability (BIL) insurance pays out when the policy holder or anyone covered by the policy causes an accident in which other people suffered severe or permanent injury or death. This coverage also provides legal representation if someone sues the policy holder. Florida law does not require drivers to carry this insurance, but residents might want to consider carrying it to avoid injured parties from trying to collect expenses directly from the person.
  
  

Penalties

• Failure to maintain insurance can result in a number of penalties. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles can suspend the driver's license, registration and license plates until the driver shows proof of insurance. A $150 fee applies for reinstatement of driving privileges and can go up to $500 for subsequent violations.
  
  

Part-time Residents and Visitors

• Any registered vehicle in the state must maintain the minimum insurance requirements regardless of whether or not the vehicle is in storage or otherwise not in use. Any person operating a vehicle in Florida for 90 out of 365 days (do not have to be consecutive), must have a policy that reflects the minimum requirements of Florida insurance law.
  
  

Registration and Insurance

• All Florida vehicles must maintain insurance the entire registration period. Vehicles registered in the state must have a policy issued by a Florida insurance agent. If a driver no longer wants to insure a vehicle, she must surrender the registration and license plates to the department. Residents moving to another state should not cancel their insurance as long as the vehicle still holds Florida registration.