Motorcycle Insurance Minimum Requirements in Florida

Florida has some of the most unique car insurance laws among the states. However, while most states' motorcycle insurance laws mirror their car insurance laws, Florida is an exception.

Read more to learn about Florida's motorcycle insurance requirements.

Ways to Establish Financial Responsibility

If you own a motorcycle or moped and want―or need―to establish financial responsibility for it, you might be able to choose one of the following methods:

• • Purchase liability coverage from an insurance carrier licensed to do business in Florida. This is the most common way to establish financial responsibility for any vehicle.
  • Obtain a Financial Responsibility Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility after you:
    • Post a surety bond with a state-licensed company.
    • Deposit cash or securities with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
  • Obtain a Self-Insurance Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility after you provide evidence of possessing a net encumbered capital.

NOTE: If you are interested in establishing financial responsibility for your motorcycle in any way other than purchasing liability coverage, you should contact the DHSMV to find out if it's an option for you and the required steps.

Two-Wheeled Vehicles Defined

If you're unsure about the registration and insurance requirements for your two-wheeled vehicle, please call the DHSMV at (850) 617-2000 for clarification.

• • Motorcycle―Motorcycles are generally the easiest of the two-wheeled vehicles to spot. Know that if your vehicle has an engine displacement of more than 50 cc, Florida considers it a motorcycle and you must register it.
  • Mopeds―Your vehicle is a moped if it has:
    • 3 wheels or fewer
    • A seat
    • Pedals that allow you to propel the vehicle
    • A motor of two-brake horsepower or less
    • The ability to go no faster than 30 MPH
    • An automatic power-drive system
    • A displacement of 50 cc or less (if it has an internal combustion engine)
  • Scooters―Your vehicle is a scooter if it has:
    • No seat or saddle
    • 3 wheels or less
    • The ability to go no faster than 30 MPH

Florida Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

The DHSMV recommends contacting a licensed insurance agent for specific details about purchasing insurance for your motorcycle.

Financial Responsibility Law

You might want to use the state's minimum liability coverage requirements for private passenger vehicles as outlined in the Financial Responsibility Law as guidelines:

• • $10,000 for 1 person in bodily injury liability
  • $20,000 for 2 or more people in bodily injury liability
  • $10,000 per crash in property damage liability

To make sure you're as protected as possible. As you get a motorcycle insurance quote, you might want to browse other types of coverage as well.

A Note on Florida's No-Fault Law

Florida is considered a "no-fault" state, meaning you are required to have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for your car. These no-fault laws do not apply to motorcyclists.

How Coverage Affects Helmet Requirements

Motorcyclists who are at least 21 years old and have a minimum of $10,000 with a medical insurance policy don't have to wear helmets while operating their bikes.

However, every motorcyclist, regardless of age or insurance, must wear eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windshield.

Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility

After your motorcycle insurance company sends the DHSMV the details of your insurance policy, the DHSMV will keep those details in its computer system. Still, you should keep proof of your insurance or other form of financial responsibility with you.

Depending on how you insure or establish financial responsibility for your motorcycle, you can show proof with your:

• • Insurance ID card from your insurance carrier.
  • Financial Responsibility Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility.
  • Self-Insurance Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility.

Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

Generally, owners who can show no proof of motorcycle insurance face suspended driving privileges, registrations, and license plates, as well as reinstatement fees.

However, the DHSMV recommends calling the customer service line at (850) 617-2000 or your local Motor Vehicle Services office for details about what will happen if you fail to maintain financial responsibility.