Florida No-Fault Insurance, Explained
"No-fault" doesn't mean nobody is at fault — it means your own policy pays first. Here is how Florida's system actually works and where fault still matters. General information, not legal advice.
Your own insurer pays first
Every Florida driver must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), typically $10,000. After a crash, you claim initial medical benefits from your own insurer regardless of who caused the collision. PIP generally pays 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, up to the limit, plus a $5,000 death benefit.
The strings attached
The 14-day treatment window
Initial medical care generally must happen within 14 days of the crash or PIP medical benefits can be denied. Full details in our 14-day rule guide.
The emergency medical condition (EMC) split
Without a qualifying provider determining you had an emergency medical condition, PIP medical reimbursement is generally capped at $2,500 instead of $10,000.
Deductibles and coordination
Policies can carry PIP deductibles up to $1,000, and wage-loss coverage can be excluded by election. Read your declarations page.
When can you step outside no-fault and sue?
Florida limits lawsuits for pain and suffering to cases meeting the "serious injury" threshold — generally significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, or death. Economic damages beyond PIP (unpaid bills, lost income) can also be pursued against an at-fault driver. Fault very much matters there: Florida's modified comparative negligence rule now bars recovery if you are found more than 50% at fault.
Deadlines still apply
No-fault doesn't pause any clock. The lawsuit deadline for most post-March 2023 crashes is two years — see the Florida statute of limitations guide — and the practical first steps are in what to do after a Florida crash and the 10-mistake checklist.
FAQ
Does PIP pay if the crash was my fault?
Generally yes. PIP is no-fault coverage and applies regardless of who caused the crash, subject to policy terms.
Is bodily injury liability (BI) required in Florida?
Florida's minimum requirements are PIP and property damage liability; BI coverage is not universally required, which is why many at-fault drivers carry little or no BI — and why uninsured motorist coverage matters.
Can passengers and pedestrians use PIP?
Often yes — PIP can extend to resident relatives, passengers without their own coverage, and pedestrians struck by a vehicle, depending on the policies involved.
Has Florida repealed no-fault?
Repeal bills have been proposed in past sessions, but as of 2026 Florida's PIP no-fault system remains the law. Confirm current requirements before relying on any summary.