• Florida drivers do not have to carry bodily injury liability insurance but will be held responsible for up to a certain amount of damages.red auto at sunset image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.com
  
  Automobile insurance can provide financial protection in the event an accident results in property damage or injury. Every state has its own laws regarding required coverage and penalties if people don't maintain coverage. In Florida, drivers need only maintain two types of insurance, but they might want to consider additional types of coverage to protect themselves.
  
  

General Requirements

• Any registered vehicle licensed in Florida, whether in use or not, must carry an insurance policy issued by a carrier authorized to do business in the state. Accepted carriers will have a license from the Florida Department of Financial Services. The only acceptable way to maintain an uninsured vehicle in the state is to surrender the license plates to any driver’s license or tax collector office in Florida before canceling a policy.
  
  

Required Coverage

• Florida law requires drivers to maintain at least $10,000 of personal injury protection insurance. This covers medical expenses of anyone covered under the policy regardless of fault. Drivers must also carry at least $10,000 for property damage they might cause in an accident.
  
  

Bodily Injury Liability

• Florida drivers do not have to carry bodily injury liability insurance but the state will hold an at-fault driver responsible for up to $10,000 for injury of one person and $20,000 for injury to two or more people per accident. Those without this insurance coverage will be required to cover those amounts out-of-pocket. Bodily injury liability insurance also covers legal representation if an individual is sued as a result of an accident.
  
  

Penalties

• Failure to maintain the auto insurance required by Florida law can result in registration and license plate suspension for up to three years or until the driver submits proof of insurance. Reinstatement fees can also apply. Uninsured drivers who cause accidents resulting in a judgment to pay damages can face suspension of driving privileges for up to 20 years or until they have settled the debt.
  
  

Part-Time Residents

• Anyone who spends at least 90 days in Florida must have an auto insurance policy that reflects the state’s required types of coverage and minimum amounts. These days do not have to be consecutive to qualify residents for the requirements.