Yes — under Florida law, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is required as part of your auto insurance policy.

Florida has a no-fault auto insurance system, and PIP is one of the key coverages designed to provide prompt medical benefits and wage loss coverage after a crash, no matter who was at fault.

Understanding whether PIP is required — how it works, what it covers, and why it matters — is essential for every Florida driver.

Is PIP Mandatory in Florida?

Yes. Florida Statute § 627.736 mandates that all auto insurance policies issued in Florida include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage.

This means:

  • You cannot legally drive in Florida without PIP coverage
  • Your insurer must include PIP in your policy unless you qualify for an exemption

Failure to carry required auto insurance, including PIP, can result in:

  • License suspension
  • Registration suspension
  • Fines
  • SR-22 requirements

What Does PIP Insurance Do?

PIP insurance pays certain accident-related economic losses, regardless of who caused the crash.

Specifically, PIP typically covers:

✔ 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses
✔ 60% of lost wages (when injuries keep you from working)
✔ Certain household services you can’t perform due to injuries
✔ In some cases, funeral expenses for covered individuals

The purpose of PIP is to provide swift financial relief after an accident without waiting for fault to be determined.

Who Must Have PIP Coverage?

PIP is required for:

  • The named insured driver on the policy
  • Permissive drivers using the insured vehicle
  • Passengers in the insured vehicle
  • Certain household residents covered under the policy

PIP follows the vehicle and the individuals covered, not necessarily the driver who caused the crash.

Are There Exceptions to the PIP Requirement?

There are a few limited situations where PIP may not be required:

1. Non-Resident Owners

If you are a Florida non-resident and maintain a policy in another state that meets Florida’s minimum liability requirements, you may not need Florida PIP — but this is rare and situation-specific.

2. Motorcycles

Motorcycle insurance policies are generally not required to include PIP in Florida. Instead, motorcycle riders typically use health insurance, MedPay, or other coverages.

3. Certain Commercial Policies

Some specialized commercial auto policies may handle coverage differently, but most still must include PIP unless a legal exemption clearly applies.

Because exemptions are technical and fact-specific, it’s important to confirm with your insurer or an attorney whether your situation qualifies.

How Much PIP Insurance Must I Carry in Florida?

Florida’s minimum PIP requirement is:
➡️ $10,000 per person per accident

This is the statutory minimum, but many drivers choose higher limits through optional coverages like MedPay or Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) to enhance protection.

PIP benefits are separate from:

  • Property damage coverage
  • Bodily injury liability
  • Uninsured motorist coverage

What Happens If I Don’t Have PIP?

Driving without required PIP coverage can have serious consequences in Florida:

🚫 License and registration suspension
🚫 Fines and reinstatement fees
🚫 Financial exposure for your own medical bills
🚫 Difficulty pursuing insurance claims after a crash

Additionally, if you are injured in an accident and lack PIP coverage, recovering your immediate medical expenses and lost income can be much harder — especially while fault and liability are being determined.

Why PIP Matters for Florida Drivers

Florida’s no-fault system was designed so that injured drivers get quick access to at least partial financial relief after a crash, without waiting for fault to be determined. PIP benefits help cover:

  • Medical treatment costs
    • Lost wages
    • Rehabilitation and therapy
    • Household services you can’t perform due to injury

However, PIP does not cover pain and suffering or non-economic losses. For full compensation — especially for more serious injuries — you may need to pursue a liability claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.

📞 Call Lowman Law Firm at (352) 607-7777 if you’re unsure how PIP applies to your situation or if your benefits have been denied or underpaid.

Can I Reject PIP in Florida?

In most cases, no. Florida law requires PIP on most personal auto policies.

PIP may only be waived in very limited circumstances — and only when the law specifically allows it. Simply asking your insurer to drop PIP is not enough.

If you believe you may qualify for an exemption, a lawyer can help you understand whether your situation truly meets the criteria.

📞 Contact Lowman Law Firm at (352) 607-7777 for help reviewing your coverage and compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions About PIP Insurance in Florida

Is PIP required on all Florida auto insurance policies?

Yes. Under Florida law, PIP is required on most personal auto insurance policies unless a specific exemption applies.

What does PIP cover in Florida?

PIP typically pays 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages related to a covered car accident, up to the policy limits.

Can I opt out of PIP coverage?

Only in limited, legally defined situations. Most drivers in Florida must carry PIP.

Does PIP apply if I wasn’t at fault for the accident?

Yes. PIP applies regardless of fault — that’s the core of Florida’s no-fault system.

What if my PIP benefits are denied?

You can appeal the denial, provide additional documentation, or pursue legal action if your benefits were unfairly denied.

📞 Call Lowman Law Firm at (352) 607-7777 for help with denials or disputes.

Is motorcycle insurance required to have PIP?

No. Motorcycle insurance in Florida typically does not require PIP. Riders should consider other coverages like health insurance or MedPay.

What are the penalties for not having PIP?

Penalties include license and registration suspension, fines, and exposure for your own medical costs after a crash.

Need Help Understanding Your PIP Requirement? Call Today

If you’re unsure whether your Florida auto insurance policy includes the required PIP coverage — or if your benefits are being denied — help is available.

📞 Call Lowman Law Firm at (352) 607-7777 today for a free consultation.
We’ll explain your coverage, your rights, and how Florida law applies to your situation — with no fees unless we win.