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Florida Personal Injury

Florida No-Fault & PIP Insurance, Explained

Quick Answer

Florida requires $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) that pays your own medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault — but only if you're treated within 14 days. For serious injuries, you can step outside no-fault and pursue the at-fault driver.

By Arthur Simpson, Esq. · FL Bar #529265 Florida Estate Planning Attorney June 22, 2026

What "No-Fault" Means

Florida is one of a handful of no-fault states. Every registered vehicle must carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) under F.S. § 627.736. After a crash, your own PIP pays first — no matter who caused the accident.

PIP generally covers 80% of reasonable medical bills and 60% of lost wages, up to the $10,000 limit.

The 14-Day Rule

⚠ You must seek care within 14 days. PIP only pays if you receive initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. Wait longer and you can lose the benefit entirely. Whether you get the full $10,000 or only $2,500 can also depend on whether a provider finds an "emergency medical condition."

When You Can Step Outside No-Fault

PIP is meant for smaller injuries. For serious harm, Florida law lets you go beyond no-fault and bring a claim directly against the at-fault driver when your injury meets the serious-injury threshold (F.S. § 627.737) — for example, permanent injury, significant scarring or disfigurement, or significant loss of an important bodily function.

That's when you can pursue full damages, including pain and suffering, which PIP does not pay.

PIP vs. a Bodily-Injury Claim

Frequently Asked Questions

How much PIP coverage does Florida require?
At least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection under F.S. § 627.736. It pays your own medical bills (80%) and lost wages (60%) up to the limit, regardless of who was at fault.
Does PIP pay for pain and suffering?
No. PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages only. To recover pain and suffering, you generally must have a serious injury and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.
When can I sue the other driver instead of just using PIP?
When your injury meets Florida's serious-injury threshold (F.S. § 627.737) — such as permanent injury, significant scarring or disfigurement, or significant loss of a bodily function.
What is the 14-day rule?
You must receive initial medical care within 14 days of the crash to be eligible for PIP benefits. Missing the window can forfeit the coverage.

The Truestead Takeaway

PIP is a quick, fault-free safety net — but it's capped, it doesn't pay for pain and suffering, and it hinges on the 14-day rule. If your injuries are serious, you may be able to step outside no-fault and recover much more from the at-fault driver. An attorney can tell you which path fits your case.

Sources

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Every family’s situation is different. Schedule a consultation with Arthur Simpson, Esq. to review your plan and your options under Florida law.

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This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, nor does reading it create an attorney-client relationship. Florida estate, elder, probate, and real estate law are fact-specific and change over time. Consult a licensed Florida attorney about your individual circumstances. Arthur Simpson, Esq. is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida. Attorney advertising.