The absolute minimum car insurance required by Florida law is $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). You must carry both to drive legally. Florida is a "no-fault" state, meaning your own PIP coverage pays for your medical bills after an accident, regardless of who caused it. The PDL coverage pays for damage you cause to another person's property, like their car or a fence.
It's critical to understand that these state minimums are often insufficient. The $10,000 medical coverage can be exhausted quickly in a serious crash. Furthermore, Florida does not require drivers to carry Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) insurance, which covers injuries you cause to others. While not mandatory for all, you can be sued for medical expenses that exceed your PIP coverage, making BIL highly recommended.
| Insurance Coverage Type | Florida Minimum Requirement | What It Covers | Common Recommended Level |
|---|
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | $10,000 | Your own medical expenses, lost wages (80%), and essential services after an accident, regardless of fault. | $10,000 - $50,000 |
| Property Damage Liability (PDL) | $10,000 | Damage you cause to another person's property (e.g., their vehicle, mailbox, building). | $50,000 - $100,000 |
| Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) | Not Required | Injuries you cause to other people in an accident you are at fault for. Required for certain drivers (e.g., those with a DUI conviction). | $25,000/$50,000 (per person/per accident) |
If you're involved in an accident and don't have the required insurance, you face severe penalties including license suspension, fines, and vehicle impoundment. To properly protect your assets, consider increasing your PDL and adding BIL coverage.
