Florida Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

The Sunshine State, Florida, offers motorcyclists a vibrant and diverse environment, with its beautiful coastlines, thriving cities, and unique natural habitats.

If you are a motorcyclist in Florida, you’ll need to meet the state’s insurance requirements & safety regulations prior to cruising the roadways.

Understand that insurance is a safety net for you and fellow motorists – as it ensures financial responsibility in the event of accidents, damages, and/or injuries.

Florida Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

To comply with Florida’s motorcycle insurance requirements, your policy must include the following “10/20/10” coverage limits:

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

Florida is unique in that it requires motorcyclists to carry PIP coverage in addition to liability insurance.

PIP coverage, often referred to as “no-fault” coverage, pays out benefits regardless of who caused the accident.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) oversees the state’s motorcycle insurance requirements.

Note: Insurance requirements for the state of Florida may be subject to future change. Insurance companies and/or government institutions will keep motorcyclists updated with any adjustments.

Motorcycles & Two-Wheeled Vehicles Defined in FL

In Florida, motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles are legally defined as follows:

  • Motorcycle: A motor vehicle powered by a motor with a displacement of more than 50 cubic centimeters, having a seat or saddle for the rider, and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground.
  • Moped: A vehicle with two or three wheels, powered by a motor with a maximum piston displacement of 50 cubic centimeters, and incapable of speeds greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground.
  • Scooter: A two-wheeled vehicle with a motor displacement between 50 and 150 cubic centimeters that is not capable of speeds greater than 60 miles per hour.

Note: Definitions are based on the Florida Statutes, Title XXIII – Motor Vehicles, Chapter 316 – State Uniform Traffic Control.

Insurance Requirements for Smaller Vehicles in Florida

In Florida, various smaller vehicles require insurance, including:

  • Motorcycles: All motorcycles, including those with three wheels or more, must have PIP and liability insurance coverage in Florida.
  • Mopeds & Scooters: Mopeds and scooters with a motor that displaces more than 50 cubic centimeters are subject to the same insurance requirements as motorcycles in Florida.

Basic Motorcycle Rules in FL

Listed below are some common requirements that must be met if operating a motorcycle in Florida.

  • Lane splitting: Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is illegal in Florida.
  • Helmets: Florida law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers under 21 years old to wear a helmet while riding. Riders 21 years and older are not required to wear a helmet if they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage for motorcycle-related injuries. All helmets must meet the safety standards set by the Department of Transportation.
  • Eye protection: All riders in Florida are required to wear protective eye-wear unless their motorcycle has a windshield.
  • Passengers: A passenger can only ride on a motorcycle if the bike is equipped with a designated passenger seat and footrest.
  • Mirrors & lighting: Motorcycles must be equipped with at least one rear-view mirror and have proper lighting, including brake lights, tail lights, and turn signals.
  • Turn signals: Florida law requires motorcycles to have functioning turn signals.
  • Headlights: Motorcycles must have at least one working headlight, which must be used during daytime and nighttime hours. Seat & footrest: All motorcycles must have a seat for the rider, as well as a footrest.
  • Endorsement: To legally operate a motorcycle in Florida, you must have a Class E driver’s license and motorcycle endorsement.

Additional Insurance for Motorcyclists in FL

As a motorcyclist in Florida, you may want to consider additional insurance beyond the state’s minimum requirements.

Though Florida does require P.I.P. protection, getting additional forms of coverage may be beneficial for certain individuals.

  • Collision Coverage: Collision coverage can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your motorcycle is damaged or totaled in an accident.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive coverage can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your motorcycle is stolen or damaged by factors such as weather, fire, or vandalism.
  • Roadside Assistance Coverage: This form of coverage provides assistance if your motorcycle breaks down while you’re on the road, including services such as towing, fuel delivery, and battery jump-starts.
  • Custom Parts & Equipment Coverage: If you customized your bike with unique parts or accessories, this coverage can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement if they are damaged or stolen.
  • Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This coverage can help protect you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver without insurance or adequate coverage to pay for damages. (May be less necessary with P.I.P. coverage)
  • Medical Payment Coverage: This coverage can help cover medical expenses for you or your passengers in the event of an accident. (May be less necessary with P.I.P. coverage).

Proof of Insurance & Penalties

In Florida, all motorists, including motorcyclists, are required to carry proof of insurance while operating a vehicle.

This proof of insurance should always be on-hand when requested by a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop or after an accident.

Penalties for failing to provide proof of insurance can include:

  • First Offense: Fine of up to $500 and suspension of license and registration until you can provide proof of insurance.
  • Second Offense: Fine of up to $1,000 and suspension of license and registration for up to six months.
  • Third & Subsequent Offenses: Fine of up to $2,500, suspension of license and registration for up to 12 months, and potential impoundment of your vehicle.

FAQs: Motorcycle Insurance in Florida

Included below are some basic questions about motorcycle insurance and motorcycle rules/regulations in Florida.

Is “lane splitting” legal in Florida?

Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida.

Florida Statute 316.209 (3) states: “no person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.”

Are helmets required on motorcycles in FL?

In Florida, helmets are required for riders under 21 years old.

Riders 21 years and older may choose not to wear a helmet if they have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage.

Helmets are strongly recommended for all riders- and should meet Department of Transportation safety standards.

Do I need an endorsement or license to ride a motorcycle?

Yes, you need a Class E driver’s license along with a motorcycle endorsement (called “Motorcycle Also” or “Motorcycle Only”) to legally operate a motorcycle in the state of Florida.

You can obtain a motorcycle endorsement by passing a written test and either completing a motorcycle training course approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) or passing a skills test.

How to save on motorcycle insurance in Florida?

Discounts. Nearly all insurers in Florida offer discounts – you just need to check and see if you qualify.

Discounts may be obtained with safe driving history, bundling insurance policies, taking a high deductible, completing safety courses, etc.

If a motorcycle is in storage for part of the year, do I still need insurance?

Even though you might not ride your motorcycle during certain months, having insurance is generally considered wise.

Things can still happen to motorcycles in storage such as: theft, fire, additional damage, etc. – so you may still want insurance.

How can I keep my insurance premiums low?

Getting quotes from multiple providers and comparing costs may help you keep your premiums low.

Insurance companies are trying to compete for your business – and thus are trying to offer you the best possible deals so that you become their customer.

Will scooters & mopeds need the same insurance as motorcycles?

In Florida, mopeds and scooters with a motor that displaces less than 50 cubic centimeters are subject to different insurance requirements.

Talk to your insurance provider for specific details and requirements if you have a scooter or moped.

What if you drive a motorcycle without insurance?

It is illegal to operate a motorcycle without adequate insurance in the state of Florida.

Persons who operate a motorcycle without insurance in FL may be subject to fines, suspension of license, bike impoundment, and/or other consequences.

What variables impact motorcycle insurance cost?

Variables that impact the price of motorcycle insurance include:

  • Age/sex of operator
  • Driving record (history)
  • Make & model of motorcycle
  • Specific location (where you live)
  • Exact policy you want/need
  • Frequency of motorcycle riding

Get quality motorcycle insurance in Florida

Getting quality motorcycle insurance in Florida doesn’t require excessive research or time investment.

The easiest way to get a quality plan for a low price is to compare quotes using free tools like the one provided on this website.

Simply enter your Zip Code and click through for some of the best insurers in your specific location.

From there you can compare quotes and figure out which insurer is giving you the most value on an insurance policy for your money.

Jane Adams

Jane is a freelancer & motorcycle enthusiast with 15+ years experience in the insurance industry. She has worked with motorcyclists of all experience levels to help them find the ideal insurance packages for their needs.

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