Florida Motorcycle Insurance Requirements & Laws

Between the scenic coastal A-1-A and our year-round warm weather, it’s easy to understand why motorcycles are a popular choice for Florida’s locals and tourists alike. But Florida’s laws on motorcycle insurance and licensing can be confusing, especially for new riders or people moving here from out of state.

Do you have to have motorcycle insurance in Florida?

Florida motorcycle insurance requirements are some of the most liberal in the nation. Strictly speaking, you don’t even need to carry motorcycle insurance in Florida as long as you can demonstrate “financial responsibility” another way. Florida is one of only three states that do not impose mandatory insurance requirements on motorcyclists. Nevertheless, carrying motorcycle insurance is more than just a good idea.

Minimum financial responsibility requirements

You don’t need to prove that you carry motorcycle insurance to register a motorcycle or to operate one. Nevertheless, once you cause an accident, the picture changes. Florida law mandates that motorcyclists be prepared to cover the following amounts:

• $10,000 bodily injury per person
• $20,000 bodily injury per accident
• $10,000 property damage per accident

This amount of coverage is typically quoted as “10/20/10 coverage.” It doesn’t mean your liability is limited to these amounts. It means if you can’t prove that you can pay at least this much, Florida can suspend your motorcycle license and registration.

What does “financial responsibility” mean?

Financial responsibility means that you can demonstrate your ability to pay for damages you cause in an accident. In Florida, there are three ways you can do this:

1. Purchase liability insurance with at least 10/20/10 coverage;
2. Post a surety bond of at least $30,000; or
3. File a certificate of self-insurance based on proof that your net worth is at least $40,000.

You need to have your financial responsibility worked out before an accident happens. Although it is not a condition for registration or operation of your motorcycle, it can become a condition after you cause an accident. But by then your mistake will be too late to remedy.

Why you should get motorcycle insurance in Florida

Among the foregoing three financial responsibility options, insurance is the option most people choose. Consider purchasing more than the minimum required, for the following reasons:

• Florida’s no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) car insurance doesn’t cover motorcycle accidents.
• Medical care is expensive in the United States. A single hospital visit might cost you more than $10,000.
• Since Florida does not require drivers to carry bodily injury liability insurance, you might find yourself the victim of an uninsured motorist. Florida offers non-mandatory uninsured motorist insurance for your motorcycle.
• You can also purchase MedPay, collision, comprehensive, and other forms of insurance that might prove useful someday.

Motorcycle insurance in Florida: Typical coverages & costs

Florida offers many different kinds of insurance.

• Bodily Injury (BI) covers you for injuring someone else if the accident was your fault. A motorcyclist BI policy might cost you $200 per year. You can purchase limits as low as $10,000, and over $1,000,000 as well.
• Uninsured/Underinsured motorist insurance covers you for your damages if the at fault driver carries no or low liability insurance. You want to purchase as much Uninsured Motorists Insurance as you can afford. And remember you must carry the same or more Bodily Injury insurance as your UM coverage.
• MedPay covers a portion of your medical expenses regardless of fault.
• Property Damage Liability (PD) pays for someone else’s property damage if the accident was your fault.
• Collision coverage covers damage to your motorcycle regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive coverage covers damages to your motorcycle for reasons other than an accident (vandalism, flood, or theft for example).
• Accessory insurance covers custom parts, gear and electronics.

You can negotiate discounts if you are willing to bundle several different types of insurance together. You may find discounts to save on the cost of your insurance if you insure your motorcycle and cars through the same company.

Do you need a motorcycle license in FL?

Yes, you need a motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license to drive on public roads in Florida with any engine larger than a 50cc. An endorsement is a simple addition to your existing automobile driver’s license.

How to obtain an endorsement

To obtain a motorcycle endorsement on your existing driver’s license, you must currently possess at least a Class E license. You must take and pass the Basic RiderCourse (BRC/BRCu), and you must pay a fee. Your endorsement will expire whenever your driver’s license does.

How to obtain a stand-alone motorcycle license

To obtain a stand-alone motorcycle license, you must be at least 16. If you are under 18, you must complete a one-year learner period with no traffic convictions. You must then take the TLSAE (traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course, pass the Class‑E exam, pass a vision test, and pass the Basic Rider Course.

Penalties for non-compliance with financial responsibility requirements

Complying with Florida’s financial responsibility laws is crucial to maintaining your legal driving privileges and protecting your personal assets.

• Failure to carry the proper insurance for your motorcycle can cause the following problems:
  • You may be required to pay for damages out of your own pocket.
  • You will be personally liable for paying for any injuries to others, as well as their property damage.
  • You will be responsible for your own medical bills and damage to your property
  • You might get sued for the damage you caused.
  • Your driving privileges will be suspended by the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, including your motorcycle endorsement
  • Your vehicle registration and tag can be suspended.
  • You will be required to purchase and maintain the mandatory insurance for three years.
  • You will be required to pay reinstatement fees to get your license and registration back after the suspension.
  • You will be required to carry SR-22 insurance which is usually very expensive.

These consequences magnify the importance of maintaining proper liability insurance to avoid severe legal and financial repercussions.

Helmet & equipment requirements

Florida law imposes specific equipment requirements on motorcyclists to promote safety and ensure adequate medical coverage.

• You must use a helmet if you are under 21, and you must maintain $10,000 worth of motorcycle accident coverage if you are over 21 and if you choose to not wear a helmet.
• Florida requires motorcyclists to use headlights even during the daytime.
• As a practical matter, you must use eye protection (goggles) or a face shield.

Adhering to these equipment mandates is essential not only for legal compliance but also for your safety.

Protect yourself before and after a motorcycle accident

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, or if your loved one died in a motorcycle accident, and have questions about your rights or need help recovering compensation, contact MattLaw Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers today. We’ve helped many Florida motorcyclists get the justice and financial recovery they deserve. Our services are free of charge unless we win.