Florida’s No-Fault Law requires all drivers to carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). PIP pays up to 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages after a crash, regardless of who caused it. In short, PIP is what makes Florida a no-fault state.
Florida as a No-Fault State
Passed in 1971, the Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law was designed to provide faster access to medical treatment and reduce the number of lawsuits after traffic accidents. Instead of waiting for fault to be decided, each driver’s own PIP policy pays certain expenses right away.
The law requires:
Failure to maintain these coverages can result in suspension of your Florida driver’s license and vehicle registration.
The law requires:
- $10,000 in PIP Coverage
For medical bills and lost wages.
- $10,000 in PDL Coverage
For damage you cause to someone else’s property.
Failure to maintain these coverages can result in suspension of your Florida driver’s license and vehicle registration.
Call a Lawyer Before Calling Insurance
After a car accident, insurance companies often urge you to report the crash immediately. But speaking to an adjuster before consulting a lawyer can seriously hurt your case. Even your own insurer may use your statements to limit what they pay.
Your first call should be to an experienced personal injury attorney. He or she can:
Your first call should be to an experienced personal injury attorney. He or she can:
- Handle communication with insurers on your behalf,
- Protect you from saying anything that reduces your benefits,
- Ensure all claim deadlines and paperwork are properly handled,
- Maximize your recovery under Florida law.
What Florida PIP Insurance Covers
PIP covers up to $10,000 in combined benefits if your injuries qualify as an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC). If no EMC is diagnosed, benefits are capped at $2,500. Coverage includes:
- Medical Care
Hospitalization, surgery, diagnostic tests, prescription medication, ambulance services, chiropractic and dental treatment.
- Lost Wages
60% of income lost while unable to work, plus reimbursement for replacement household services.
- Death Benefit
$5,000 in funeral and burial expenses.
Authorized Providers
Florida PIP benefits are only paid for treatment provided, prescribed, or supervised by licensed medical professionals such as:
- Physicians, dentists, and chiropractic physicians
- Hospitals or affiliated facilities
- Licensed emergency medical providers
Who Is Covered Under Florida PIP
Florida PIP generally covers:
- The policyholder/driver
- Passengers in the policyholder’s vehicle
- Family members living in the household
- Pedestrians and bicyclists struck by the insured vehicle
- The policyholder and relatives while driving another insured car with permission
Exclusions from Florida PIP Coverage
Florida law denies PIP benefits in certain situations, including:
- Intentional self-inflicted injuries
- Injuries while committing a felony (e.g. DUI and hit-and-run)
- Riding in or driving a stolen vehicle
- Using a personal vehicle for rideshare/delivery without commercial coverage
- Motorcycle accidents (separate coverage required)
- Certain out-of-state drivers without Florida coverage
Limitations of Florida PIP
While PIP provides fast benefits, its protections are limited:
- Coverage Limits
$10,000 maximum, or $2,500 if no EMC.
- No Pain & Suffering
Non-economic damages are not covered under PIP.
- Deductibles
Optional deductibles reduce total benefits.
Filing a Lawsuit Outside PIP
Under Florida Statute 627.737, you can pursue compensation beyond PIP (such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, or loss of enjoyment of life) only if you suffer one of the following, also known as "tort thresholds:"
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death
Statute of Limitations for Florida PIP & Injury Claims
- PIP Breach of Contract Claims
You have 5 years from the insurer’s breach (such as denial or underpayment) to sue.
- Negligence Lawsuits Against At-Fault Drivers
Typically 4 years from the date of the accident.
- Wrongful Death Claims:
2 years from the date of death.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating Florida’s no-fault Law and PIP coverage is complicated, especially when you are injured and trying to recover. Mistakes in the early stages - especially talking to insurance adjusters without legal advice - can cost you thousands in benefits.
A personal injury attorney can:
A personal injury attorney can:
- Protect your rights from day one
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Make sure your medical treatment is fully documented
- Pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to
Our Jacksonville car accident lawyers can help you understand your unique claim, what your options are, and how maximum compensation can be obtained.