Hardship License Insurance — Florida
A hardship license (also called a business purposes only license) allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, and church during your FL suspension — but only if you maintain SR-22 insurance and meet strict eligibility requirements.
Free to compare
What Is Hardship License Insurance Insurance?
Hardship license insurance is SR-22 liability coverage maintained during a Florida driver license suspension to qualify for a hardship license that permits limited driving. The hardship license itself is not insurance — it's a restricted driving privilege issued by the Florida DMV after you prove SR-22 filing, complete DUI school or ADI course if required, and pay reinstatement fees. You cannot get a hardship license without active SR-22 insurance filed with the state.
Who Needs Hardship License Insurance Insurance?
You need hardship license insurance if your Florida suspension order states SR-22 filing is required and you need to drive for work, school, medical care, or court-ordered programs during the suspension. Non-owner SR-22 is the right choice if you sold your car, no longer have access to a vehicle, or only drive employer-owned vehicles. It is also necessary if you want to shorten a suspension through early reinstatement provisions — some suspension types allow reinstatement after completing half the term if SR-22 is maintained without lapses.
Read your suspension notice completely — it will state whether SR-22 is required and whether hardship relief is available for your violation type. If SR-22 is required and you must drive for work, apply for the hardship license within 30 days and obtain SR-22 immediately. If SR-22 is not required or you can avoid driving, serving the full suspension saves the cost of 3 years of SR-22 premiums post-reinstatement.
How Much Does Hardship License Insurance Insurance Cost?
- Length of suspension affects total cost but not monthly premium — a 12-month suspension costs twice as much in total premiums as a 6-month suspension at the same rate
- Adding a second driver to the policy (spouse or household member) increases cost but may be required if they also drive vehicles titled in your name
