Florida's system of compulsory insurance is similar to that of most states, but it uses more advanced methods for detecting uninsured motorists than do most states. Florida also imposes more sanctions for insurance violations than do most other states.
However, we noted five weaknesses in the system: (1) DHSMV initiates cases against a large number of drivers who are already insured; (2) DHSMV does not use information it receives through its monitoring efforts to correct its databases, which can result in multiple enforcement cases being initiated on already insured persons; (3) lengthy time periods can elapse between motorists becoming uninsured and DHSMV taking enforcement actions; (4) DHSMV does not monitor some cases that have a high risk of being uninsured; and (5) many motorists continue to drive after their licenses and registrations have been suspended. While the number of uninsured motorists on Florida highways is uncertain, estimates range from 15% to 27%.
Alternative methods for establishing vehicle insurance requirements have been proposed and are used in some states. These include making vehicle insurance non-compulsory, assessing a fee on motorists who do not wish to purchase insurance, and instituting a system in which motorists would pay for uninsured motorist coverage through a fee added to fuel prices. These alternatives could reduce the costs of insurance for some motorists, but could be controversial and increase costs for other motorists or the state.

Department Has Taken Steps to Improve the Detection of Uninsured Motorists
Report 04-52 August 2004
Progress Report: Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Addresses Most Driver License Recommendations
Report 02-52 October 2002
Progress Report: Legislature Ends Vehicle License Plate Seizure Pilot Program Due to Error Rate, Driver Inconvenience
Report 02-35 June 2002
License Plate Seizure Program's Error Rate Still High; Program Should Be Abolished
Report 00-25 December 2000

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.