How Much Is a No-Insurance Ticket in Florida?

Paul Brannon | April 29, 2025 | Florida Law

How Much Is a No-Insurance Ticket in Florida?

Driving without insurance in Florida can cost you a lot more than just a fine. It can lead to license suspension, extra fees, and even your car getting towed. In this article, we’ll explain how much a no-insurance ticket can cost in Florida, what happens after you get one, and what you can do to protect yourself.

What Does It Mean to Drive Without Insurance in Florida?

Florida law requires every driver to carry a minimum amount of car insurance. This includes:

These coverages are required even if your vehicle is not being driven. If you’re caught without insurance, you can face serious penalties. 

What Happens if You Get a No-Insurance Ticket?

The officer may issue a ticket when you’re pulled over and can’t show proof of insurance. You will then need to provide proof of insurance to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) or face a suspension.

If you were uninsured at the time of the stop, the FLHSMV will:

  • Suspend your driver’s license
  • Suspend your vehicle registration
  • Flag your license plate in the system as non-compliant
  • Require you to pay the reinstatement fee
  • Require proof of current insurance to reinstate your privileges

A no-insurance ticket triggers an automatic process that can lead to losing your license and registration if you don’t act quickly.

What Are the Exact Penalties for Driving Without Insurance?

If you are ticketed for not having insurance, the penalties depend on whether it’s your first, second, or third offense.

A first offense can result in the following penalties: 

  • A fine of up to $150 
  • A license suspension until you can provide proof of insurance and pay a reinstatement fee (around $150)
  • Possible court costs or additional fees

A second offense within three years of the first offense can result in:

  • A fine of up to $500
  • A license suspension until you can provide proof of insurance and pay a reinstatement fee (around $250)

The more times you’re caught driving without insurance, the more money you’ll pay and the longer your license could be suspended.

What Are Other Potential Consequences of Not Having Insurance?

One potentially severe consequence of driving without insurance arises if you’re involved in an accident. You may be held personally responsible for injuries or property damage without coverage, especially if the other party files a personal injury claim against you. Florida’s no-fault laws only go so far; in cases involving serious injury, the at-fault driver can be sued directly. This makes being uninsured a major financial and legal risk, even beyond potential criminal penalties.

Furthermore, while it’s rare, you may have to serve jail time, especially if you caused an accident while uninsured or provided false information about your insurance coverage. For example, lying about having insurance could be considered fraud, a criminal offense in Florida. Jail time is uncommon for no-insurance tickets, but it can happen if other issues are involved.

How to Reinstate Your License After a Suspension

To get your license and registration back, you must:

  • Buy car insurance from a company licensed in Florida.
  • Get an SR-22 form if required (usually for repeat offenses).
  • Pay the reinstatement fee based on the number of offenses.
  • Submit proof to the FLHSMV.

Once all this is done, your driving privileges can be restored. Restoring your license takes time, money, and the right paperwork, so it’s best to act fast.

How to Avoid No-Insurance Tickets

Here are some easy tips to avoid getting in trouble for driving without insurance:

  • Never let your policy lapse, even if you aren’t using your car.
  • Set reminders to renew your policy before it expires.
  • Shop around to find affordable car insurance that fits your budget.
  • Contact a lawyer if you’ve been ticketed or had your license suspended.

The best way to avoid these problems is to keep your insurance up to date and understand your responsibilities as a Florida driver.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Northwest Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Fort Walton Beach personal injury lawyers at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have two convenient locations in Northwest Florida:

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Walton Beach Office
975 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 863-5297

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Destin Office
4507 Furling Ln Suite 214
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 790-0243